Sony's development plans for large-size OLED TV screens have stalled, a mole has alleged.

The Japanese electronics giant has pushed back the launch of its next OLED TV - the follow-up to the 11in XEL-1, launched in 2007 - until next year at the earliest.

Mass-production of the pricey tellies would exacerbate existing losses within Sony's TV division, people familiar with the company’s plans told the Wall Street Journal.

Sony recorded a company-wide operating loss of ¥25.7bn (£162m/$268m/€190m) during its fiscal first quarter, ended 30 June, this year.

A Tokyo-based Sony spokesman refused to comment specifically on the OLED delay rumour, so we don't know - it it's true - whether the delay is a result of those Q1 results, the overall economic downturn or both.

Pushing back the production of large OLED screens may impact Sony heavily. Both Samsung and LG have announced plans to launch TVs based on the technology, though only LG has said it will do so in 2009.

LG said in April that its first OLED tellies will be on the market by Christmas. ®

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