Sony has announced the development of a groundbreaking new TV display technology that utilizes individual RGB LEDs for its backlighting, potentially revolutionizing the TV industry. Dubbed "General RGB LED Backlight Technology," this innovative approach combines the benefits of Mini LED and OLED displays, offering a more detailed and vibrant viewing experience.

The new technology works by deploying an array of tiny red, green, and blue LEDs behind the panel, allowing for finer control over color without compromising on brightness. This results in a staggering 4000 cd/m², on par with Sony's professional reference monitors, and a higher "color volume" than any commercial TV the company has released to date. Moreover, the increased gradation control enables wider viewing angles than Mini LED TVs, and Sony claims the panels can be built at larger sizes than existing OLED sets.

In a hands-on demonstration, the RGB backlight prototype showcased remarkable color reproduction and accuracy. A scene from Frozen featuring blue crystals flying through the air appeared almost monochrome on a Mini LED TV, while the RGB LED prototype revealed deep shades of purple that were absent on the Mini LED set. The viewing angles were also significantly improved, with near-non-existent color shift. Another sequence with bright red lights against a dark background exhibited the tell-tale blueish Mini LED blooming on the Bravia, whereas the RGB LED prototype lit up those areas solely in red.

While OLED screens still hold an edge in terms of contrast and color accuracy, Sony's RGB backlight technology offers a compelling alternative for those seeking larger, brighter displays. The company remains confident that its expertise in backlight technology and image signal processing gives it an edge over competitors, including Hisense, TCL, and Samsung, which are also working on similar RGB backlight solutions.

Sony's decision to pursue this technology is likely driven by the limitations of OLED displays, which can struggle with brightness and size. The company's "King of TV" award-winning QD-OLED A95L, for instance, is an excellent TV, but it may not be suitable for every customer, particularly those seeking larger screens or higher brightness levels. Sony's RGB backlight technology could fill this gap, offering a more viable option for consumers seeking a high-quality viewing experience.

It remains to be seen how this technology will translate to consumer TVs, but Sony's take on the concept appears to be a significant step up from what we've come to expect from Mini LED displays. As the TV industry continues to evolve, Sony's innovative approach could potentially reshape the landscape, offering consumers a wider range of options and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in display technology.