Energy-Efficiency Rules for TVs Could Spark an OLED Boom

California is stepping out as a leader again in energy efficiency banning certain types of power hungry TVs.  Plasma TVs are a pleasure to watch, but they use almost 3x - 4x more energy per square inch of display space as the newest generation of OLED TV displays.  Though OLED are just now coming on the market, they are available at prices not unlike the first LED TVs in 2000.  Expect prices to come down quickly.  The proposed legislation in California would require tvs to be 33% more efficient by 2011 and 49% more efficient by 2013.

The next generation beyond OLED will perform even better.  Quantum Dot technology is still in the Labs at spin outs from major universities, like MITs QD Vision.  QD Vision and its peers are working on easier implementations in the area of cell phones an lighting.  But, expect rapid advances in display technology that make the Plasma TV as arcane as an old black and white TV without a remote control.