GE manages to create printed OLEDs, new horizons for efficient lighting

In a similar manner that we can now print solar cells or 3D models, GE has created a printing method to produce OLED lights. If GE researchers and engineers manage to bring the cost down, in a few years printing might well be the conventional production method. OLEDs are in effect thin organic materials sandwiched between electrodes that provide the excitation for light emission. Their form and layered nature are ideal for continuous production from a roll -much like paper printing- and GE is attacking the problem in a very logical way. If things go well, we will have OLED lights in the market by 2010.

7 implications of Pioneer’s decision to stop plasma TV manufacturing

Pioneer might not be stopping to sell its plasma TVs, however its decision to actually stop making the panels is a major 180 degree turn from the fifth plasma manufacturer in the world. So here is the first implications of this decision that immediately come to mind:

1. Flat panel TVs are not the rosy high margin market that most people imagine. Margins are tiny and the technology is mature as we have now reached ninth or tenth generation panels and plants. Size matters a lot apparently, and Pioneer is a notable victim of that trend.
2. Japanese manufacturing is not the fortress that it used to be, despite the fact that Panasonic and Sharp will supply Pioneer with plasma and LCD panels respectively.
3. The fact that Pioneer actually trusts Panasonic and Sharp for its panels means that there is still a lot of cutting edge technology involvement and Pioneer wants to keep the game in Japan with minimum risk.