One thing was very noticeable at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES): last year’s CES darling, the 3-D TV, was sporting a much lower profile. While consumers were excited about the prospect of watching the Super Bowl in 3-D from the comfort of their sofas, the idea of sitting around for hours wearing goofy paper glasses was…shall we say…less than appealing.
The real star at CES 2013 was OLED, but 3-D TVs still had a place. Only the 3-D TVs that had investors talking were impressive because they don’t require glasses. Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV (ADR) (NYSE:PHG) wowed crowds with its glasses-free prototype, a 60″ Ultra HD model that shows little difference in picture sharpness between 2D and 3D modes, according to TechRadar. This innovative spirit is paying off–Philips’ sales were up 4 percent in 2012.
But for investors, the technology to watch is OLED, a television that provides a crisp, clean image using organic light-emitting diodes. Philips doesn’t yet sell OLED, but is expected to debut its first OLED prototype at IFA 2012. LG, however, is currently accepting pre-orders for OLED TVs, and was surprised at the overwhelming response. LG has long been a leader in electronics, becoming the second-largest mobile electronics provider in the U.S.
LG knows OLED is the future, but the company acknowledges that the $12,000 price tag for OLED TVs can be a bit out-of-reach. For that reason, LG is also putting effort into its LCD models, including its smart TVs, implementing technology that many investors know is integral to the success of electronics companies today. Utilizing such interactive features as a motion-technology remote and a home dashboard, LG’s smart TV is on the cutting edge of television today.
LG fights hard to battle other electronics giants with its offerings. Manufacturers like Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:PC) are currently in a technology race, with Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:PC)’s Smart VIERA has received high praise from several publications, including Tech Radar, for its interactive content and great sound and video. As a bonus, Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:PC)’s Smart VIERA also features 3-D capabilities, although you’ll need a pair of 3-D glasses to enjoy it. Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:PC) is still holding its own in market share for flat screen TV sales, but LG continues to hold a slight advantage. The company saw $667 million in fourth-quarter profits in 2012. Considering 2011 saw a $9.7 billion loss for the company, this is good news, especially since the company’s investment in plasma and LCD technology was said to have contributed to the loss.
Not to be outdone, Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) has announced its own Ultra OLED line. But the big news is the upcoming Bravia HDTV, which allows consumers to easily display the screen of a smartphone or tablet using Near Field Communication. Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) is a respected name in electronics, but it’s electronics have been eclipsed in recent years thanks to great competition. In flat panel TVs, Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) holds a market share behind LG and Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:PC), according to DisplaySearch data, and the company reported seven quarterly losses in a row. The company is eager to grab a larger share of the market, and the Bravia may provide the in-demand technology to accomplish it.
As the electronics industry continues to evolve, investors will be standing by, watching for innovators in an overcrowded industry. Competition drives innovation, however, so the drive to be the first to sell the latest technology can only be good news for consumers and investors alike.
The article Will 3-D TVs Become the Betamax of the 21st Century? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Stephanie Faris.
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