The number of partnerships between display manufacturers and the heavy-set companies that will distribute them keep on coming. This week, LG Electronics signed a deal to use Kodak’s patented OLED technology in many different applications ranging from TVs, cell phones, and (ohgod) picture frames. Kodak’s Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED) modules are supposed to display some of the most vibrant colors possible in screens through dopants resulting in rich color saturation and ‘luminous efficiency.’

As we’ve previously noted here in the Gadget Lab, OLED technology is supposed to create beautiful pictures, last longer than other TVs, and are more energy-efficient.  We previously checked out the first consumer OLED available on the market, the Sony XEL-1 11″ OLED TV (See picture above).

Andrew Sculley, GM and VP of Kodak’s Display group, has gone on the record as saying that the first products from their OLED partnerships will come out by the end of this year. This will likely mean a small 12-16” TV/monitor to compete with Sony’s first real entry into the market.

In addition, there is talk from Kodak about increasing the relative size of screens for their display tech. Up to now, large (over 20”) OLED TVs have been difficult to manufacture because the tech is too expensive, the energy efficiency claim has produced less than ideal results, and because the major players’ LCD and Plasma tech offerings have plenty of juice left.

Photo: Jose Fermoso/Wired.com