Sony XEL-1 11-Inch OLED HDTV - first Organic Panel in sale.

At the recent hi-tech exhibition in Berlin Sony was among those who draw the best attention. It is all about their new OLED technology. OLED or Organic Light Emitting Diode is so far the most progressive technology for television displaysand Sony’s XEL-1 11-Inch OLED HDTV is the firs one to be unleashed in sale. The greatest side of the OLED TV displays is that they are ultra slim – only 3 mm. Also Organic Light Emitting Diode provides better picture quality, wider viewing angles and faster response time if we compare it with LCDs or any other displays. Stock price for Sony XEL-1 11-Inch OLED HDTV – 2,499.99 USD.

Main characteristics:
To give clearer preview of OLED’s features, should be said that the main design advantage is the organic diode itself. Unlike LCDs with same specialized inorganic diode, it can produce a greater amount of light directed at color pixels. Actually every pixel it the matrix produces its own light blast due to its organic nature. Organic diodes used in Sony OLED technology are semiconductors placed in microscopic caves. They produce light by making electronic holes and electrons circulate between cathode and anode. Distinctive feature here is that electronic holes are more mobile in the organic material that in inorganic one. Such a way every OLED display doesn’t require backlight and polarizer.

Advantages:
Sony’s OLED TV is ones again first in the market though the technology is not new. Sony managed to adjust properly all the components so they are operating good enough to emphasize all the advantages and to scale back scanty losses. Such a way OLED TV is energy saving – as it was said before it doesn’t have backlight. Sony 11-inch OLED panel consumes only 60 percents of energy required for same average LCD. Next advantage – manufacturing simplicity. Assemblage process of light emitting panels is close to simple printing diodes on a plate. Sony specialists confirm that this process is very cheap and will become even cheaper in near-term outlook. Also micro-cavity pixel structure and direct electric current provide unsurpassed response time (0,1 millisecond, average LCD has 4 – 8 milliseconds response time), high brightness and pixel density, vivid colors and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

Disadvantages:
There is only one main disadvantage actually. Unfortunately organic material has a very short lifetime compared to an inorganic one. Organic diodes will last 14 000 working hours while LCD or LED TV displays will sustain approximately 60 000 hours. Luckily other manufacturers have come up with ideas to double organic panel’s endure ability. Panasonic and Toshiba have some positive results on that and maybe that is why they haven’t yet presented production models.

Specifications:
• Video: 11 inches; 960 X 540 resolution; 1,000,000:1 contrast.
• Audio: Dolby Digital; A/V Synch; MTS Stereo Decoder.
• Inputs: Memory Stick Media Slot; RF Connection.

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New Sony VAIO Z and Y Series notebooks

Sony has definitely enlighten the day with the announcement of new VAIO Z and Y Series notebooks. Cramping latest computer technologies into a very compact and neat body is what VAIO was originally at from the day one. So they stuck to it. The top spec VAIO Z117 has an Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost feature, plenty of system memory and Quad SSD. However even this – the most hardcore model – seems to lack some of the features we are looking forward in all of the latest VAIO-level notebooks: USB 3.0 and discrete DirectX 11 graphics. Let’s see then what Sony has prepared. Sony VAIO Z and Y Series specs after the jump.

Sony VAIO Z Series

Even the least equipped VPCZ115GG features an Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost powerhouse, big and fast HDD and DDR3 video memory. That said however, no USB 3.0 or DirectX 11. Clearly, Z series is more than just “go to work, get back home” notebook. A media fun house - yes, a decent gaming machine – yes. Mind you that we don’t know how much Z Series models will cost when they appear on shelves, so if they happen to be priced respectively, I guess we could go easier on them.

Sony VAIO VPCZ117GG (top end):
• Processor: Intel Core i7 w/Turbo Boost, 2.66GHz – 3.33GHz, 4MB L3 Cache
• Chipset: Intel HM57
• System memory: 8GB DDR3
• SSD: 256GB SATA
• Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M w/CUDA
• Display: 13.1 inch TFT, 1920 x 1080
• Wireless: b/g/n IEEE 802.11, 11Mbps
• Battery: standard Li-Ion, up to 8h
• Size: 12.4" x 0.9" x 8.2"

Sony VAIO Y Series

So far, there is only one model in the lineup – the VPCY115FG. Its distinctive feature is a 13.3 inch display – slightly bigger than Z Series’. Everything else is not even quite as good, but that will sure cut off a good half of the price. You could say that Y Series is a business solution. Looking good and offers just what you want and not much over that. Or that it is no more than a stylish accessory. Decide for yourself:

Sony VAIO VPCY115FG:
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.3GHz, 3MB L2 Cache
• Chipset: Mobile Intel GS45
• System memory: 2GB DDR3
• HDD: 320GB SATA, 5400rpm
• Graphics card: Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD
• Display: 13.3 inch TFT, 1366 x 768
• Wireless: b/g/n IEEE 802.11, 11Mbps
• Battery: standard Li-Ion, up to 6h or optional up to 9h
• Size: 12.8" x 0.9" x 8.9"

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Sony Ericsson does Xperia arc

Sony Ericsson decided that they will no longer release smartphones that are far behind in terms of OS updates compared to the rest of the mobilemanufacturers, hence their latest addition to the Xperia family – the Xperia arc. This is one handset that will definitely stun you whenever you take a look at it, running on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. First unveiled at the recently concluded CES 2011, it is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones, so you can be sure that there will be more to come!

As we mentioned above, the design is what makes the new Xperia arc a looker, where it is super slim and hence, extremely light. Measuring a mere 8.7mm at its thinnest point, it will not sacrifice anything when it comes to performance, boasting an extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen display. Sony Ericsson has certainly not gimped on material since they used premium materials to form its stunning arc body, so while you might think that this is going to break far more easily than a Hershey chocolate bar, it is still strong enough to fit nicely into your hand. One word of advice though – if you’re going to wear a really tight pair of jeans, we would suggest that you not put this in your rear pocket – you never know when it is in there and just jump onto a hard seat somewhere!

As for its innards, expect the best of Sony technology to be found, from its Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine for exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image, to Sony’s award-winning Exmor R for mobile sensor (at 8.1-megapixels) with the f/2.4 lens that is capable of shooting high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light conditions. Of course, all images shot can be viewed over a HDTV (preferably a Sony one) using the built in HDMI-connector. Needless to say, other specifications are pretty standard such as a 3.5mm audio jack, aGPS navigation, Bluetooth and DLNaconnectivity, and Wi-Fi support among others. There is no word on pricing or availability though.

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