TCL, a name synonymous with high-quality televisions, is poised to shake up the gaming monitor and laptop landscape with its innovative Inkjet-Printed OLED (IJP OLED) technology. The company, at the Omdia Korea Display Conference, boasted about “comprehensive breakthroughs in image quality, power consumption, and lifespan” for OLED monitors and laptops incorporating this cutting-edge display technology.
While “Inkjet-Printed OLED” might sound a bit outlandish, the technology has been on the radar for almost a year. Current OLED manufacturing processes face challenges, according to OLED-Info, as deposits of the organic materials used in OLED displays can introduce contaminants, leading to reduced panel yield. TCL’s IJP OLED technology, however, promises to overcome these limitations, delivering not only higher yields but also enhanced image quality.
TCL’s press release highlights the remarkable benefits of IJP OLED: “The technology also boasts lower power consumption, with materials efficiency doubled, a 50% reduction in light loss due to internal reflection, and a 1.5 times improvement in light output efficiency. Lifespan has also been significantly enhanced, with an aperture ratio three times larger and material lifespan improved tenfold.” Moreover, IJP OLED offers cost competitiveness, boasting a 20% reduction in total cost.
This news comes as a welcome relief to those who have encountered the shortcomings of current OLED monitors, such as the LG UltraGear OLED 27’s limited brightness or the burn-in concerns associated with displays like the Sony InZone M10S. However, it’s important to note that this technology is still in its early stages and not yet available in commercially available products. TCL’s impressive claims may not translate perfectly to a fully realized OLED monitor or laptop just yet.
Despite being in its developmental phase, TCL has already created several prototypes. Among them is the TCL CSOT 14-inch 2.8K Hybrid OLED display, which boasts a 2.8K resolution, covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space, and has a refresh rate ranging from 30Hz to 120Hz. Such a display could easily find its place in a variety of laptops, including the Asus Zenbook S 14. This is exactly the type of application TCL is targeting with its IJP OLED technology. The company intends to prioritize “medium-sized display applications,” including monitors, laptops, and specialized products like medical displays.
Earlier this year, TCL showcased a 65-inch rollable 8K TV featuring this same IJP OLED technology, hinting at the potential for its application in larger displays as well. As TCL continues to refine and advance its IJP OLED technology, it’s poised to revolutionize the gaming monitor and laptop landscape, offering users a more immersive and vibrant visual experience with enhanced performance and durability.