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LG and Sony Build Speakers Directly in OLED Panel

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LG and Sony reveal what is essentially the same idea at CES 2017-- OLED TVs with speakers built right into the display panel. LG dubs the technology "Crystal Sound," while its Japanese rival calls it "Acoustic Surface."

LG Crystal SoundThe concept for the technology is based on the wafer-thin nature of OLED panels. A pair of tiny speaker drivers can deliver audio signals to the panel, causing it to vibrate in order to produce sound. The two companies claim the result is more immersive than traditional TV speakers, since the sound comes directly from the screen, as opposed to from below or beside it.

So far the LG take on the technology is reserved to a 65-inch prototype, while Sony is confident enough to commercialise it already with the latest Bravia flagship, the XBR-A1E. However, while the effect of sound coming directly from the screen is interesting, the audio is arguably lacks depth and volume, meaning audiophiles will still demand the addition of a separate speaker setup.

LG's Crystal Sound is still in prototype phase, and we will probably see it in finished product form come CES 2018. As for the Bravia XBR-A1E it should hit the market later this year.

Go LG TV at CES 2017

Go Sony Bravia XBR-A1E