Podcast #1195: Could Tiled TVs Become the Future for Very Large Format Displays?

On this week’s show we discuss whether physical media is making a comeback and could a Bezel-less OLED be the future of large format TVs. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Google kills off Nest Protect, partners with First Alert for new smart smoke detector
• Christie to collaborate with Dolby to develop the next generation of Dolby Vision laser projection systems
• YouTube Sees Record Viewing, Beats Disney in TV Viewing Share

Other:

• 2025 Box-Office Aims To Hit $34 Billion

Physical media is finally making a comeback, and here's the proof

Despite a decline in overall physical media sales, which dipped below $1 billion in 2024, there are signs of resilience and growth in specific sectors. Major retailers like Best Buy and Target are phasing out physical media, but Sony's announcement of a new Blu-ray player, the UBP-X700/K, set for release in 2025, signals continued investment in the format. This player, while currently only available in Japan, supports 4K Blu-rays, which are region-free and growing in market share despite the higher cost compared to its predecessor.

There is a niche but dedicated community keeping physical media alive, supported by boutique retailers like Criterion Collection and Arrow, which preserve films such as David Lynch’s catalog, including the upcoming 4K release of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Mainstream releases still often get physical versions, and affordable options abound online and in thrift stores, offering DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs compatible with modern players. There are personal advantages of physical ownership, like better quality and reliability compared to streaming, which can be plagued by shifting availability and rising costs.

While consoles may soon abandon disc drives and companies like LG have discontinued Blu-ray players, the 4K Blu-ray market is a bright spot, with growing demand evidenced by the sell-out of Oppenheimer’s 4K release in 2023. The new Sony player supports Dolby Vision (though it requires manual toggling), enhancing the viewing experience over consoles like Xbox or PS5. The article concludes that 2025 is an opportune time to embrace physical media, especially for those frustrated with streaming, as it offers a tangible, cost-effective alternative with no risk of content disappearing—though it comes with minor inconveniences like disc-swapping for TV binges. The future remains uncertain, but the 4K sector offers hope for collectors. Full article here…

Bezel-less tile OLED TVs could be the future of large-screen displays (from Tom’s Guide)

Samsung Display showcased a variety of innovative display technologies at MWC 2025, with a standout being their "bezel-less" OLED tile design. This concept involves combining smaller OLED panels, such as two 31.5-inch QD-OLED screens, to form larger displays with significantly reduced bezels—40% narrower than typical current market offerings. This makes the seams nearly invisible from a standard viewing distance, opening up possibilities for future OLED TV designs.

The bezel-less OLED tiles could revolutionize large-screen TVs by improving portability and setup logistics. Unlike traditional massive TVs (e.g., 98- or 110-inch models), which are cumbersome and costly to ship and install, these tiles could be transported and assembled in smaller, manageable parts—ideal for urban dwellers in older buildings with limited access. Additionally, the design might simplify wall-mounting, potentially eliminating the need for complex mounts by allowing the tiles to sit flush against walls, reminiscent of concepts like Displace TV’s suction-cup OLEDs.

This technology could particularly enhance lifestyle TVs, such as Samsung’s The Frame, by offering a sleek, frameless look that blends seamlessly into home decor. However, challenges remain—similar to MicroLED, the intricate engineering might make these TVs prohibitively expensive initially. While not yet ready for consumers, Samsung Display’s tile concept hints at an exciting future for bigger, better, and more practical OLED TVs. Full article here…

Let’s Discuss Why This is a Good Thing:

1. Easier Transport and Setup for Large TVs
2. Simplified Wall-Mounting 
3. Enhanced Design for Lifestyle TVs
4. Scalability and Customization
5. Improved Visual Experience

Easier Transport and Setup for Large TVs

The tiled OLED concept tackles the logistical nightmare of moving and installing massive TVs. By breaking a large display (like a 115-inch screen) into smaller, manageable pieces (e.g., two 31.5-inch QD-OLED panels), it becomes far more practical to transport and assemble. This is a game-changer for people in tricky living situations—like those in high-rise apartments with no elevators or tight staircases—where hauling a giant, crated TV is a non-starter. Instead of wrestling with one unwieldy unit, you’d handle smaller components, making setup less of a Herculean task.

Simplified Wall-Mounting

The ultra-thin, virtually bezel-less design hints at a future where wall-mounting could be a breeze. These tiles seem to sit flush against surfaces, potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for bulky wall mounts and toolkits. While it’s not clear if they’d use something like suction cups (à la Displace TV) or another method, the streamlined look suggests a setup that’s less about drilling and more about placement. This could make mounting a TV—especially over a fireplace or in tight spaces—more accessible and less intimidating.

Enhanced Design for Lifestyle TVs

The bezel-less tile concept aligns perfectly with the aesthetic goals of lifestyle TVs, like Samsung’s The Frame. A flush, frameless display could elevate the “TV as art” vibe, blending seamlessly into home decor. You could even add a custom frame around the tiles if desired, keeping the versatility intact. This design flexibility could redefine how TVs integrate into living spaces, making them less of an obtrusive tech piece and more of a stylish feature.

Scalability and Customization

Tiling smaller OLED panels to create a larger screen opens up possibilities for scalable TV sizes. Want a 65-inch TV today but a 98-inch tomorrow? In theory, you could add more tiles. While this might not be fully practical yet, the modular nature suggests a future where screen size isn’t fixed at purchase, offering a level of adaptability that current TVs lack.

Improved Visual Experience

Shrinking bezels by 40% compared to standard displays means the seams between tiles are nearly invisible at normal viewing distances. This creates a more immersive, uninterrupted picture—crucial for OLED’s strengths like deep blacks and vibrant colors. It’s a step toward making massive OLED screens feel cohesive rather than patchwork, enhancing the viewing experience for movies, gaming, or VR applications.

It's Not All Good News:

1. Cost and Accessibility
2. Manufacturing and Durability Challenges
3. Installation Complexity
4. Wall-Mounting Uncertainties
5. Potential Visual Trade-Offs

Cost and Accessibility

Complex engineering often leads to high costs. Much like MicroLED TVs, which are expensive due to their manufacturing processes, these bezel-less OLED tiles could follow a similar path. If they hit the market, they might be priced out of reach for the average consumer.

Manufacturing and Durability Challenges

Shrinking bezels by 40% and tiling multiple panels together sounds impressive, but it raises questions about production complexity and long-term durability. Seamlessly connecting 31.5-inch QD-OLED panels could introduce weak points where the tiles meet, potentially leading to issues like uneven wear, panel misalignment over time, or vulnerability to damage during transport or installation. The "bezel-less" claim might also exaggerate real-world performance if micro-gaps or seams remain faintly visible up close.

Installation Complexity

While the concept promises to simplify transporting and setting up XXL TVs by breaking them into smaller components, the assembly process could still be a hurdle. Consumers might need precise instructions—or even professional help—to align and connect the tiles perfectly. If the panels don’t lock together intuitively or require specialized tools, the setup could negate some of the portability benefits, especially for less tech-savvy users.

Wall-Mounting Uncertainties

The idea of tiles sitting flush against the wall (possibly without traditional mounts) is appealing, but it’s unclear how practical this would be. If Samsung Display isn’t using suction cups like Displace TV, the attachment method remains a mystery. Adhesive solutions could damage walls or lose strength over time, while a lack of standard mounting hardware might make the TVs harder to secure safely, especially in homes with kids or pets. The "glued-on" aesthetic might also limit repositioning or removal flexibility.

Potential Visual Trade-Offs

Tiling multiple OLED panels could introduce subtle visual inconsistencies, such as slight color or brightness variations between tiles, especially as they age. While the bezels are minimized, any imperfections in alignment or panel uniformity might become noticeable during close viewing or in scenes with solid colors, detracting from the premium OLED experience consumers expect.