Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology is helping electronics companies all over the world overcome one of the most taxing problems faced by modern industry. Namely, how to make your TV set look better than your neighbour’s.

OLED technology was first used in 1987 by Kodak. It was not adopted widely, however, due to the astronomical costs and complicated manufacturing processes associated with it.

In 2008, the Japanese government asked the hundreds of Japan-based electronics companies to devise a way to mass-produce OLED technology, and the system was thrust back into the spotlight.

Sony unveiled an OLED TV set for the first time at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

This device, named the XEL-1 for no obvious reason, comes bundled with millions of clever molecules that can turn electricity into light, forever consigning clunky backlights to the history books.

The company claims that future OLED TVs will be able to resist being beaten, rolled up, thrown around, and folded in half without sustaining any damage whatsoever.

Scientists are already inventing marvellous new uses for Sony’s indestructible television. Implanting OLED substrates into t-shirts features quite high on their list.

The versatility of the OLED system should not be underestimated. Sony’s XEL-1 box is a mere 3mm thick and weighs just 2kg. It has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and is capable of producing super-luminous colours.

If you are feeling particularly extravagant this year, consider visiting Sony’s official website for more information. But be warned - at almost £2,000 per set, the XEL-1 is likely to upset your bank manager!