Sony unveiled its latest prototype OLED (organic light emitting diode) panel at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, according to a report in NetworkWorld.

The new prototype panel is a 21-inch model that sits between Sonys 11-inch screen, which is used in the commercial XEL-1 television, and the 27-inch prototype that has appeared at several trade shows including CES 2008.

Like the other panels the 21-inch screen offers bright, crisp images and deep colors.

OLED screens have pixels that contain an organic material that emits its own light so no backlight is needed. That helps make the displays thinner and reduce power consumption. OLED screens also handle fast-moving images better and offer richer color reproduction than current LCDs and PDPs but they remain expensive to produce. Sonys XEL-1 costs about US$2,500. (Source NetworkWorld)