Sony has disclosed its new backlight technology for LCD screens, called RGB LED. This innovative system is designed to deliver enhanced color representation and improved luminosity compared to traditional mini-LED backlighting.

In straightforward terms, this tech operates akin to established mini-LED systems but differentiates itself by featuring colored RGB lighting zones instead of utilizing common monochrome blue LEDs paired with a quantum dot layer. Sony asserts that these enhancements result in broader color gamut coverage, with an impressive peak brightness of 4000 nits and improved viewing angles.

Such specifications parallel those found in professional grading displays that typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, suggesting that the RGB LED technology might indeed be highly striking in terms of its visual output. While the promise of vibrant colors and extreme brightness is appealing, some limitations have been noted.

According to FlatpanelsHD, the demonstration model showcased 3,840 dimming zones, surpassing the 2,800 zones of Sony’s current high-end models. However, each dimming zone must be shared across 2,160 pixels of a 4K display, potentially leading to lighting imprecision when displaying small details.

In contrast to OLED displays that operate with per-pixel illumination, this RGB LED tech maintains fundamental issues regarding the lighting precision of mini-LED technologies. Even so, Sony contends that it has integrated an advanced backlight control chip to mitigate these challenges. As for when consumers might see this new RGB LED technology in retail screens, details remain unclear, although Sony indicates that mass production is expected to commence later this year.