Sony XEL-1 Expert Reviews

One of the most-common questions we get as CNET HDTV reviewers, after the overwhelming favorite "What HDTV should I buy?," is "What's the next big thing in HDTV?" Granted, we don't hear that question as often as we used to, perhaps because LCD, plasma ...

In conclusion, the XEL-1 performs quite well given the new technology it contains. While some kinks may need to be worked out, this technology could make for some serious competition with the LCD's and Plasmas that are currently on the market. If you ...

OLED technology, 960 x 540 resolution, Darkest blacks, Neon like colors

While smaller than your average HDTV, the XEL-1 offers true black levels...

Although many companies have shown prototypes of HDTVs built with OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays, Sony is the only one to be actually selling one. The XEL-1 is their only OLED model, and it sells for a rather hefty price of $2499. That's ...

Should you buy the XEL-1? In a word, no. Unless you have more disposable income than a duck has feathers, the XEL-1 is a bad purchase. OLED has huge promise as a display technology, but it's just not ready for the mainstream yet. It's too expensive. ...

It costs a princely sum, but the tiny 11-inch XEL-1 delivers a picture to die for.

Excellent picture contrast. Superb motion resolution (minimal blurring). Low power consumption.

Expensive. Very small screen.

Sometimes you can see the future in a device. Well, we see it in the diminutive XEL-1, with its first-ever consumer-ready OLED TV screen. Like an old-school jumbotron, each pixel creates its own light, eliminating the need for bulky backlighting. And ...

No backlight makes for an absurdly thin panel - just 0.12 inch. Cool retro-futurist styling. Equally svelte remote has easy-to-push buttons.

Some issues de-interlacing HD sources. Lilliputian screen doesn't exactly deliver a home theater experience, but Sony promises that bigger versions are on the way.

Sony goes organic

Fluid picture, no blur, stunning colours

Tiny, not high-def, very expensive

The XEL-1 is a stunning glimpse into the future of flatscreens, but the price looks a little inhibitive

The Sony XEL-1 is an OLED television with an 11in screen and a price-tag of $7000. While this combination guarantees it will only make it onto the sprawling mahogany desks of ultra-rich executives, there's little doubt that it has the best picture ...

The best picture quality we've seen - absolute blacks, good colour saturation and control

Unattainably expensive, reflective screen, non-HD resolution

We could never recommend that anyone purchase this television given its tiny size and incredible price. But as a glimpse into the promising future of OLED televisions, the Sony XEL-1 is technically brilliant.

Tin foil hats and hover boots at the ready, we're about to visit the future. Or rather, the future is about to visit us, in the shape of the Sony XEL-1. It's the world's first commercially available OLED TV, measuring just 3mm thick and pumping out ...

Astounding picture quality and cracking design

Absurdly expensive, and far too small

Lust after it from a distance, but keep hold of your cash for the time being.

sony xel-1 review: Sure, the Sony XEL-1 OLED is ludicrously expensive, but it is also hands-down the most impressive television we have ever seen. Read our Australian-first review.

Absolutely staggering image quality ; Luxury build ; HD tuner ; USB port

It's how much?? ; Reflective ; Low resolution