Podcast #1204: Can Future OLED Screens Become Multi Channel Speakers

On this week's show our listeners have provided the topics. We discuss a $30 hack to improve your TV as well as a new OLED technology that may turn your screen into a multi channel speaker. Plus we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Gets Three-Part Release, Series Finale Set for New Year's Eve
• 66% see YouTube as destination for long-form movies, TV shows
• Scorsese Doesn't Go To Cinemas Anymore

$30 Dollar Hack to Improve Your TV

One of our listeners, Scott, sent us a link to an article suggesting that a $30 LED strip can significantly enhance your TV viewing experience. The full article is titled I stuck this $30 LED strip on the back of my TV. My eyes thank me daily. We'll summarize here but check out the article for more detail.

The author of the PCWorld article shares his positive experience with a $30 USB-powered LED strip, initially inspired by the concept of bias lighting to reduce eye strain by counterbalancing a TV's bright display. After research, the budget-friendly strip proved easy to install, powered directly by the TV, and automatically synced with the device's on/off function.

Installation was simple, involving a clean surface and careful placement of the adhesive-backed strip along the TV's rear edges, cut to fit for even light distribution. The soft, ambient glow reduced eye fatigue, enhanced contrast and color vibrancy, and made dark scenes in movies and games more enjoyable, proving a cost-effective alternative to pricier lighting systems, and a recommended upgrade for better comfort and visual quality.

Turn Your OLED Screen Into a Multi Channel Speaker

And another listener, Bob, sent us an article about a technology being developed that could lead to the world's first Pixel-Based Local Sound OLED (PLS-OLED) display. It would allow each pixel to emit different sounds simultaneously, effectively turning the display into a multichannel speaker array. This breakthrough was successfully demonstrated on a 13-inch OLED panel, similar to those used in laptops and tablets. The technology could potentially revolutionize applications in devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops and possibly televisions by combining visual and audio functions in a single, ultra-thin panel. The study was published in Advanced Science in 2025.

This is our take on how this technology can be used to enhance a home theater system for some users:

• Integrated Audio-Visual Experience:
• Fewer Speakers: With PLS-OLED, the audio comes directly from the screen, eliminating the need for external speakers and creating a cleaner, more streamlined setup.
• Immersive Sound: Since each pixel can emit distinct sounds, the technology enables precise, localized audio output. This means sound can appear to come directly from the action on screen. A character's voice would originate from their mouth or an explosion sounding like it's bursting from the exact spot on the display—enhancing the realism of the home theater experience.
• Multichannel Audio Without Additional Hardware:
• Surround Sound Simulation: The multichannel capability of PLS-OLED can mimic surround sound to some degree by directing different audio channels through various parts of the screen. However, we don't see this replacing a good 7.1 setup, rather it would enhance the audio.
• Enhanced Aesthetics and Space Efficiency:
• Reduced Equipment: By integrating high-quality audio into the display, you eliminate the need for a separate audio receiver, subwoofers, and multiple speakers, saving space and reducing setup complexity.
• Potential for Advanced Applications:
• Personalized Audio Zones: In a home theater shared by multiple viewers, the pixel-based sound could theoretically create localized audio zones, allowing different people to hear optimized sound based on their seating position, though this might require further development or additional hardware like head-tracking.
• Possibly delivering a more accurate 3D audio experience directly from the screen.
• Practical Considerations:
• Installation Ease: Unlike traditional systems that demand careful speaker placement and calibration, PLS-OLED simplifies setup—just mount the display and connect it to your media source. This is ideal for users who want a plug-and-play home theater solution.

Limitations and Next Steps:

• Sound Power: The article doesn't specify the volume or frequency range of the audio output. Most of us want deep bass and loud, clear sound, so in reality you would still want a subwoofer for a fuller sound.

Conclusion: The Pixel-Based Local Sound OLED technology could revolutionize simple home theaters by combining high-quality visuals and multichannel audio in one device, delivering a more immersive, space-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing experience. It's particularly promising for compact setups or users seeking simplicity without sacrificing sound quality.