The Sony XEL-1 is a big idea in a small, expensive package. The first television available in the United States to use organic light-emitting diodes, it provides strong contrast, pure blacks and good detail in a screen that is thinner than the cord that powers it.
The O.L.E.D. screen is a promising TV technology. It uses no backlight, so it requires little power to run; Sony estimates it is 40 percent more efficient for each panel-inch than a conventional L.E.D. screen.
Because O.L.E.D.’s have a speedy response time, sports and fast-moving images have few of the problems known as artifacts, making for better picture quality.
O.L.E.D.’s are inexpensive to make, at least in theory. The XEL-1, which measures 11 inches diagonally in the 16:9 widescreen format, is priced at $2,500, and will be available in limited quantities through Sony Style stores and some retailers. Sony unveiled a 27-inch version at a trade show in January. As production ramps up, expect O.L.E.D.’s to become larger and cheaper. ROY FURCHGOTT