Samsung's QLED/OLED TV hybrid just got a step closer to becoming real. According to TheElec, Samsung Display is planning on producing prototype TVs using the tech in June, which it will send to partner firms such as Sony, Samsung Electronics (which makes Samsung's TVs) and Chinese TV makers.
It will also make prototype monitors that use QD-OLED (as the tech is more commonly known).
In September, Samsung Display will gauge feedback through a "market response" review. If the feedback is positive, the TVs could go into production as early as the end of this year or start of 2022, as previously reported.
If that sounds like an all-round win, it's worth bearing in mind that the use of OLEDs means there will be some concern around long-term image degradation and burn-in. It will be fascinating to see how Samsung Electronics (assuming it does launch its own QD-OLED models) handles those concerns in light of its long-running and well-publicised campaign against OLED technology.
QLED has been Samsung's focus recently for its high-end TVs, but its most recent range saw it add a new technology to its TV stable: Mini LED backlighting. The resulting 'Neo QLEDs' are able to go brighter and produce greater contrast than previous QLED models.
It's also dipping its toe into MicroLED TVs. Though because of the nascent nature of the tech, these sets tend to be huge and very pricey. QD-OLED could be the breakthrough Samsung needs to finally pull away from OLED for good.
