Researchers at POSTECH in South Korea have achieved a breakthrough in 2025 by developing Pixel-Based Local Sound OLED technology. This innovation allows each pixel of an OLED display to emit sound, effectively turning the display into a multichannel speaker array.
Demonstrated on a 13-inch OLED panel, the technology uses ultra-thin piezoelectric exciters embedded within the display frame. These exciters convert electrical signals into sound vibrations, enabling each pixel to function as an independent sound source.
This prevents sound interference between pixels, ensuring clear, localized audio. Potential applications include automotive interfaces and VR/AR, providing synchronized soundscapes and enhancing immersion without the need for external speakers. The research was spearheaded by Professor Su Seok Choi and Ph.D. candidate Inpyo Hong.