Are Quantum Dot TVs Outperforming OLEDs?

Some of the greatest innovations in commercial technology have been characterized by opposition from alternative formats. Betamax and VHS, Blu-ray and HD DVD, plasma and liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The display sector is currently experiencing a similar format war between quantum dots and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs); two rival technologies that have eclipsed established LCDs in terms of performance, efficiency, and aesthetics. 

Quantum Dots and OLEDs: Contrasting Technologies

These two display technologies are principally similar, utilizing self-emissive nanomaterials capable of reproducing crisp images onscreen. The primary difference between the two is that current generation quantum dot displays are limited by their existing architectures. Typically, layers of photoemissive quantum dots are overlaid on a panel of LEDs which excite individual subpixels and cause them to fluoresce their respective colors. This backlight generates all the light visible on the display panel, which means current QD-LED televisions (or QLED TV, depending on branding) are not technically making use of the self-emissive nature of quantum dots.

OLEDs, meanwhile use a thin film structure that emits light when an electrical current is passed through the array. Individual pixels can be excited or switched off as required, enabling rapid refresh rates and technically infinite contrast ratios. While OLED displays are currently the only technology able to reproduce what is considered true-black colors onscreen, they typically exhibit muted peak brightness levels of up to 1,000 nits. Quantum dot displays, meanwhile, can recreate content that is brilliantly vivid with peak brightness levels reaching 2,000 nits. This obviously comes at the expense of those "true" black levels.

An example of HDR content with stark contrast ratios

Both TV technologies are subsequently more than capable of recreating high dynamic range (HDR) content onscreen. The chief difference is that OLEDs typically deliver better black levels while quantum dot displays enable higher color purity. In fact, the latest quantum dot displays are capable of reproducing as much as 93% of the visible colors in nature, while OLEDs are currently replicating a maximum 75% of the Rec. 2020 color space. Much has been written on the game-changing potential of quantum dot color filters (QDCFs) and true quantum dot displays, which would replace existing QD-LED designs and have been forecasted for commercial release in the coming years.

Read More: What is a Quantum Dot TV?

As recently as 2018, Samsung Displays confirmed that they are making capacity for new hybridized quantum dot OLED panels which will enter production in the second half of 2019. This would theoretically blend the best aspects of both technologies.

Currently, OLEDs retain a competitive edge over quantum dots in the premium display market, despite the fact that they are often more expensive to produce and are only available in large panel formats. Current quantum dot displays may be dependent upon established and potentially outmoded LED technology, but they are typically cheaper to produce and subsequently cheaper to purchase.

Quantum Dots and OLEDs with Avantama

Avantama is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photoemissive nanomaterials for developing and engineering novel electronics and display technologies. We provide tailored nanoparticle solutions suitable for a broad range of possible printing methodologies and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.

If you would like more information about the performance capabilities of quantum dots and OLEDs, contact us directly.

[Source: Display Daily]