Like Samsung, Sony is introducing modular microLED displays. The company's 'Crystal LED' technology currently offers up to 1800 nits brightness and 1,000,000:1 contrast.

Sony microLED
It is the start of something big, literally. It is what Sony teased as "next breakthrough in premium direct-view display technology". The challenge with microLED is not to make big displays but rather to shrink the microLED modules enough to make living room TVs possible.

Sony has been researching microLED for years and is now launching the 'Crystal LED' C-series and B-series, both of which are modular, bezel-free microLED solutions intended mainly for professional environments – or wealthy consumers.



- "Sony has been creating unforgettable images and engaging experiences that empower and stimulate creators’ curiosity for over 60 years," said Theresa Alesso, Pro Division President, Sony Electronics. "As we continually strive to get closer to our customers and solve their challenges, we’ve implemented the features and benefits that they value most in a direct view microLED display. The ease of installation, accessibility, flexibility and a lower total cost of ownership can further expand spatial expression – all with the outstanding picture quality proven by the original Crystal LED."

The company is bringing several of its consumer TV technologies to the microLED displays, including the X1 video processor, MotionFlow for smoother images, and '22-bit Super Bit Mapping' for smoother gradients.



Up to 1800 nits brightness
Sony said that its microLED displays can deliver up to 1800 nits of brightness, wide color gamut, 1,000,000:1 contrast, HDR, 120fps HFR, and 3D. As microLED is a self-emitting display technology, you will actually be able to enjoy all those nits (unlike an LCD TV with a zone-controlled backlight).

However, everything at the same time as there are differences between the B-series and C-series modules. Each module has a resolution of 384 x 216 dots, with a pixel pitch of 1.56 mm, or a resolution of 480 x 270 dots, with a pixel pitch of 1.26 mm.



- "The displays are designed to be flexible, long-lasting and easy-to-install. Each display is comprised of modular, seamless and bezel-free tiles that can scale to accommodate a range of sizes, layouts and resolutions. Due to the display’s light weight and streamlined design, it can be installed in various configurations including wall-mounted or in a curved arrangement," said Sony.

It is still early days for microLED but with continued development the technology may one day be within reach for normal consumers. Sony did not announce pricing details but expect a full solution to be wildly expensive. Samsung's first 110-inch microLED TV costs over $150,000.

Sony's Crystal LED C-series and B-series are planned to be available in the summer. More information will be released next week at CES 2021.



Sony's modular Crystal LED - specifications
Key Highlights:
- Sony’s newly developed unique high-picture quality processor “X1 for Crystal LED” to provide optimal image expression with Reality Creation, Motionflow and 22bit Super Bit Mapping
- A wide viewing angle and wide color gamut
- Supports a wide range of input signals including HDR, HFR (120fps) and 3D
- High contrast of 1,000,000:1, medium-high brightness of 800 cd/m2 (ZRD-C12A)
- High brightness of 1,800 cd/m2 (ZRD-B12A) and wide color gamut
- Modular configuration and bezel-free lightweight design to enhance flexible installation
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