At the IFA 2025 technology fair in Berlin, Sony has introduced its highly anticipated RGB LED television technology, which promises to revolutionize high-end display experiences. This innovative approach boasts remarkable brightness, an expanded color volume, and impressive dynamic range, positioning itself as a significant advancement beyond existing technologies like Mini LED and OLED.
Revolutionizing Television Displays
Daisuke Nezu, Senior General Manager and Head of Home Product Business at Sony, emphasized the importance of this development, stating it is “the most significant TV development since OLED.” This unveiling marks Sony’s return to the Berlin tech fair and is the first European preview of the next-generation prototype. Shoji Ohama, Head of Home Entertainment at Sony Europe, explained that the decision to showcase the technology in Berlin over the CEDIA Expo in Denver was a strategic one, aimed at maximizing visibility.
The RGB LED technology redefines traditional LED backlighting by eliminating the Quantum Dot filter, utilizing a full RGB LED diode array instead. According to Sony, this method enables over 99 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and approximately 90 percent of the BT.2020 standard, resulting in unparalleled color accuracy and brightness. The display achieves a peak brightness of an extraordinary 4000 nits, offering exceptional HDR intensity and precise backlight illumination.
A Cinematic Experience at Home
The product launch was staged on a simulated film set, showcasing Sony’s complete involvement in the cinematic production process, from filming to viewing. The company asserts that its extensive expertise allows it to effectively convey the creator’s intent in home viewing settings. Observers noted the vibrant and lifelike quality of the RGB LED screen, which appeared to present colors as if freshly mixed, setting it apart from conventional Mini LED or OLED displays.
Additionally, Sony claims that the RGB LED technology provides four times the color volume of QD OLED displays, further enhanced by its proprietary Color Booster technology. Demonstrations featuring clips from popular films such as Frozen 2 and Life of Pi highlighted the display’s capacity for luminance and minimal haloing, which often affects HDR screens.
Gavin McCarron, Technical Marketing Manager for Sony TV Europe, elaborated on the sophisticated engineering behind the technology. The RGB LED prototype is powered by Sony’s proprietary XR Backlight Master Drive and incorporates a control processor co-developed with MediaTek. This advanced setup allows for exceptional luminance mapping and control. McCarron described the intricate design of the RGB LED panel, explaining that each tiny diode contains three diminutive LEDs, providing a total of 96-bit panel control, necessitating significant processing power.
Importantly, Nezu noted that the advantages of RGB LED technology are scalable. Rather than pursuing exceptionally large screens, Sony aims to offer mainstream premium sizes with plans for 55- and 65-inch models. This focus suggests that Sony intends for RGB LED to compete directly with established technologies like OLED and Mini LED rather than being relegated to a niche market.
While Sony has not yet confirmed the release date for RGB LED televisions, expectations point to a launch in 2026. This new technology follows a historical precedent; two decades ago, Sony’s Qualia 005 was the first LCD TV to utilize an RGB LED backlight, which offered a wider color gamut and deeper contrast than traditional LCDs at the time.
Sony’s enduring mission is to bring the “creator’s intent” into living rooms with minimal distortion. The RGB LED technology showcased in Berlin appears to be a significant step toward fulfilling that promise. If the production models retain even a fraction of the prototype’s impressive capabilities, enthusiasts can look forward to a remarkable viewing experience when these televisions hit the market.
