Samsung Unveils 'The Wall' - a Massive 146" MLED TV

Samsung has unveiled a massive 146" television, nicknamed "The Wall" (pic). While the size is clearly too large for most homes, it uses a new approach that could mean more choices about television set size in future.

Most TV sets these days use liquid-crystal displays (LCD). In simple terms, these TV's shine light through tiny crystals that - depending on their electric charge - either pass through and color the light, or simply show a black background that's behind the screen.

Samsung's new screen is currently a prototype only. It instead uses what calls a MicroLED display, in which each "pixel" in the picture is actually made up of a set of tiny colored LED lights. These each shine on or off, combining to make the required color for the pixel.

Screen Is Like Mini-Billboard

In effect, the system is the same that is used for giant video billboards that you might see in Las Vegas or Times Square. The difference is that each LED in the TV screen is around a millimeter square, meaning the picture is sharp even from a few feet away. There's also some clever technology that means that the LEDs don't emit excessive heat that would compromise the TV and waste energy. (Source: cnet.com)

One of the keys to the screen is that it's not a continuous unit. Normally each layer of the various part of a TV set has to be made as a single sheet, which can become disproportionately expensive at larger sizes.

No Restriction On Size Or Shape

Instead, the Samsung TV is made up of modules of LEDs that simply slot together like a jigsaw puzzle. That means that in theory the screen could be made as large as desired without costs getting out of control. Movie buffs could even get a screen that's in the same ratio as a movie theatre screen, rather than standard 16:9 widescreen. (Source: samsung.com)

Alternatively, it could be possible to produce a set to a custom size that would take account both of the available space in a customer's home and the distance at which they sit from the screen. It could even mean repairs were more viable if a single LED failed.

The Wall: How Much Does it Cost; When Will it Ship?

It's not yet clear when the behemoth 146" television may ship, however Samsung representatives suggested that similar units will debut later this year "in a range of various sizes," making them available to the public. Given Samsung's stellar reputation as a technology company which delivers quality products, it's a given that these television units likely won't be cheap. No official word has been given on price points.

What's Your Opinion?

Is cost the main factor when you decide how big a set you want? Or are there reasons such as space that mean you are happy enough how you are? Would you be interested in choosing a custom-sized screen or is the range of "standard" sized on offer sufficient.