3 of the world’s biggest screen makers have launched an all-out television format war, each backing a new type of TV technology.

Manufacturing giants Samsung, LG and Sony used the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to unveil future televisions.

They feature brighter, crisper displays, internet connectivity and the ability to change channels by simply waving your hand in the air.

But with three different screen types available, consumers will be forced to pick a side.

LG was first to reveal its plans, unveiling the world’s biggest OLED television, with a screen size of 55 inches but a width of just 4mm.

LG Electronics president Havis Kwon said the television, which will arrive in Australia late this year, would be available at a “significantly lower cost” than previous OLED televisions screens, though he declined to name its price.

“OLED is clearly the future of home TV entertainment and LG is very focused on making this exciting technology as easy as possible for consumers to embrace,” he said.

But just hours later Samsung appeared to outdo its South Korean rival, showing off a 55-inch television with a Super OLED screen.

Samsung Electronics America president Tim Baxter said the Super OLED technology “distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for a colour filter,” therefore delivering brighter colours.

Both forms of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology promise to deliver brighter images, greater contrast, less blur and less power use, however, as they do not require backlighting.

Sony chose an entirely different technological path, however, announcing it planned to launch a range of Crystal LED televisions, and showing off a 55-inch prototype.

Sony president Sir Howard Stringer told the CES audience the television format would be “revolutionary” but did not reveal a launch date for the new screens.

Crystal LED uses an array of light-emitting diodes to create a picture so, like OLED, the TV does not require extra lighting and can deliver greater contrast.

While the big three will compete over TV screen technology, all appear to agree on the future of the remote control.

New controls from all three promise to respond to spoken commands and models from LG and Samsung also work with cameras built into the TV to recognise gestures. This will allow viewers to change channels or pause programs by simply waving their hands in the air.