QD-OLED TV, is it to be the next generation premium TV?

Samsung Electronics is currently occupying the premium TV market with QD-LCD TVs, which use ‘PL-QD (photoluminescence quantum dot) technology’. This technology has a mechanism in which the material stimulated by external light re-emits light. The operating profit of the consumer electronics division (CE), which controls QD-LCD TVs, fell more than Korean won 1 trillion in last year and the operating profit ratio was only 3.6%. On the other hand, LG Electronics’ HE business division achieved a record operating profit of Korean won 1,566.7 billion and an operating margin of 8.1% through OLED TV. Sony also turned its operating profit into a surplus by quickly taking over the premium TV market with OLED TV.

OLED TV has had a positive effect in driving corporate sales growth.

Samsung Electronics has been developing EL-QLED, with EL-QD (electroluminescence quantum dot) technology, to increase its market share in the premium TV market. However, efficacy, lifetime and mass production technology of quantum dot, which is the material of QLED, is not yet secured. Recently, QD-OLED TV technology, which uses blue OLED as a light source and that implements red and green colors through a quantum dot color filter (QDCF), is attracting attention.

By using QDCF, it is possible to easily make desired colors by adjusting the size of the QD material and improve the color reproduction rate. This is because the color gamut is enlarged to BT2020, so it is close to natural color and it is possible to deliver vivid picture quality more clearly. In addition, QD-OLED TV has a top emission structure, which makes it easy to secure the aperture ratio, thereby improving resolution and screen uniformity.

However, in QD-OLED TV, there are various problems to be solved such as lifetime and efficiency of blue OLED, and technology of ink-jet printing process. Given that the industry is still in the early stages of reviewing the business possibility, QD-OLED TVs are expected to go into mass production after 2020.

Attention is focused on the QD-OLED TV’s entry into the premium TV market and its impact.

OLED displays.

OLED displays are currently the most advanced displays in production, offering superior image quality, efficiency, flexibility and more. Here's a new short video that introduces OLED display technology and the current market status:

Philips announces its 2018 OLED TV lineup

Philips (TPVision) announced its OLED TV lineup for 2018. Philips will offer three models, the OLED 973, OLED 873 and OLED 803. All of these 2018 TVs will be pretty similar, and all will feature 4K WRGB OLED panels, Philips' P5 "Perfect-Picture" processor, 3-sided Ambilight, HDR10, HLG and HDR10+ (will arrive in Q2 2018), Quad-core Android TV platform with Google Assistant and 16GB of memory. The main difference is the TV design, and the 973 will also offer a 60W soundbar. The 973 and 873 will come in 65", while the 803 will also have a 55" option. The OLED 973 and OLED 873 will launch in Q1 2018, and the OLED 803 will arrive in the summer. Philips did not yet disclose the pricing of its new OLED TVs.

Open Up your Eyes.

LG Display published a beautiful video today that introduces the company's OLED TV and signage technologies, explains the benefits of OLEDs and presents LGD's latest beautiful OLED signage installations.



In this video you can see LGD's curved OLED installations at Dubai Mall, Incheon airport, the Seoul N Tower and more.

The most extraordinary experience, presented by LG OLED Display at Canton Tower, the landmark of China

LG Display OLED World Canton Tower
- The world largest OLED Tunnel
- The Mesmerizing OLED Wave Roof
- The Display Sciense Hall

LG's "canyon"

Take a walk through LG's "canyon" of TV's at CES 2018. It's made up of over 250 crystal clear OLED screens.

LG shows off the world's first 88-inch 8K OLED display

Just as 4K and HDR are finally going mainstream, the ambitious folks at LG Display have also been busy pushing its OLED technology to 8K. Come CES, the Korean manufacturer will be letting attendees get up close with its new 88-inch 8K OLED display (can we just call it the "Triple 8?"), which is both the largest and the highest-resolution OLED panel to date. But as far as specs go, that's all we have for now.

Previously, the largest OLED screen size was 77 inches, and it "only" came in 4K. While this combination is currently offered to consumers by the likes of LG Electronics, Sony and Panasonic, they all source their large OLED panels from LG Display.

With its main rival Samsung Display having long shifted its focus from OLED TVs to QLED TVs, LG Display is now the sole large-size OLED display maker in the world. That said, with potential competition from other countries like Japan, LG Display has made huge investments to ensure that it continues to have the upper hand by ramping up OLED production capacity, as well as to make a bigger push into mobile OLED panels -- a market dominated by its Samsung counterpart. Part of this includes the construction of a new OLED plant outside of Korea for the first time -- in China's Guangzhou city, no less, and this was recently approved by the South Korean government.

The number of OLED TV products in 2017 has doubled compared to last year.

OLED TV models launched in 2017 have been highly increased rather than both 2015 and 2016. 16 types of OLED TVs were launched in 2016, while 30 kinds of OLED TVs were launched which covers that the number of products has nearly doubled from last year. By company, LG Electronics released total 10 types of products which are the greater number of products launched than competitors, and followed by Loewe and Panasonic with 5 types of products.

Meanwhile, OLED TV market led by LG Electronics, was taken attentions of publics when Sony decided to launch OLED TV first in the early of 2017. Sony which launched OLED TV first in CES 2017 to catch public’s eyes with “Acoustic Surface” technology that can make sounds without speakers, is leading the premium market with LG Electronics by producing 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch OLED TVs.

The number of OLED TV products are expected to increase in 2018 more and more. According to Flat Panels HD, Philips which launched only one model with 55-inch OLED in the early of this year, decided for releasing the 6 kinds of OLED TV such as 65OLED973, 65OLED903, 65OLED873, 65OLED803, 55OLED903, 55OLED803 and so forth. It is analyzed that the strategy is to aim at diverse consumers which divides OLED TV leading the premium TV market into high-priced line with 9xx model and low-priced line with 8xx model.

The shipment in 2018 is also expected to grow. In accordance with UBI Research, it expects that OLED panel with 55-inch and more will shipped over 2.4 million units in 2018, 9.1 million units in 2022. There is much attentions how OLED TV leading premium TV market will harden its positions all the more in 2018.

UDC and BOE sign a long-term OLED agreement.

Universal Display announced that it has signed long-term OLED agreements with BOE Technology Group. Under these agreements, UDC will supply phosphorescent OLED materials to BOE. UDC and BOE signed their first agreement n 2014 and it is great to see these evolve into long-term agreements.

BOE started to produce flexible OLED displays at its Chengdu B7 6-Gen fab in October 2017. BOE's B7 fab is the company's first flexible AMOLED line and actual real mass production will probably begin at about Q1 2018. The full capacity is 48,000 substrates per month, but this will only be achieved in the first half of 2019.

IHS: SDC will retain its RGB OLED market lead, will double its capacity by 2022.

IHS analyst David Hsieh posted a very interesting article that discuss the global OLED industry with a special focus on China. Samsung is expected to retain its lead in this market - and will more than double its capacity between 2017 to 2022.

In five years (2022), Samsung will have a capacity to produce 16.6 million square meters of RGB OLED displays, or 52% of the global capacity. SDC will be followed by LG Display (11%), Tianma (6%), CSoT (5%), Visionox (4%) and EverDisplay (4%).

In an interesting analysis, David says that the Korean players (LGD and SDC) are focused on large "mega" fabs, such as Samsung's A3 and A4 flexible OLED production centers. The Chinese makers, in contrast, are constructing a large number of smaller OLED fabs, to take advantage of local government subsidiaries. This could be a problem for the Chinese OLED makers as a huge central fab has many advantages with sheer volume, local supply chain and expertise. Of course spreading your fabs also have advantages in case of natural catastrophes, etc.

Source: IHS

DSCC: OLED materials to grow at a 20% CAGR to reach $2.25 billion in 2022

DSCC released a new market report which tracks the OLED materials market. According to DSCC's estimates, the OLED material revenues will reach $905 million in 2017 and will grow at a 20% CAGR to reach $2.25 billion in 2022. Note that these numbers do not include royalty payments.



DSCC sees the small/medium display materials growing at a 22% (from $586 million in 2017 to $1.56 billion in 2022) - and growing faster than OLED TV materials (CAGR 16%) as ink jet printing, which will begin to be adopted in 2020 will result in more efficient OLED deposition.

DSCC updates their OLED forecasts up, sees over $60 billion in revenues by 2022.

Market research company DSCC has updated their OLED models, as the company sees more capital spending then before and a larger OLED market going forward.

The OLED market in general will grow 57% in 2017, according to DSCC, to reach $23.2 billion. Growth will continue to be strong with a 50% increase in 2018 (to $34.9 billion) and a CAGR of 27% from 2016 to 2022. In 2022 the market will surpass $60 billion.

Specifically for the OLED TV market, DSCC sees LG increasing its capacity and shifting its product mix to meet demand. OLED TV panel shipments will grow at a CAGR of 49% between 2016 to 2022 to reach 9.5 million units (and $5.9 billion in sales).

The main market for OLED displays will remain smartphone displays - in 2022 this market segment alone will generate $54 billion in revenues - with a market share of at least 85%. OLED technology will overtake LCD in 2020 and by 2027 all smartphones will adopt OLED displays - apparently DSCC does not believe in any next-gen display technology that may replace OLED or at least compete with OLEDs in the future...

LG Display, Expects 40% of OLED out of total sales in 2020.

LG Display spoke that they plan to change the sales structure by focusing on the OLED sales at the conference call in Q2, 2017 which was held on 26 July, and they expected that the OLED sales portion among the total sales would be from 10% in this year to 40% in 2020.

Sang-don, Kim, the CFO of LG Display said that they will invest about 15 trillion won of production line for the Gen10.5 OLED and the Gen6 POLED(Plastic OLED) at Paju P10 factory against 4 years. He said that “The investment of Paju P10 is a leading task for the mass production and the improvement of efficiency because the demand of OLED TV is rapidly increasing by the forecasting of 2.5 million units in 2018 and 6 million units in 2020. We will take the P10 factory as an OLED hub.”

Record-breaking OLED screen.

Located above Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo’s main tank, the new OLED screen received three Guinness World Records titles.

Emaar Entertainment, the leisure and entertainment subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has unveiled a record-breaking organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen above Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
The screen has successfully received three Guinness World Records titles, in partnership with LG; another exciting advancement in Emaar Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class edutainment using innovative platforms. The screen should be seen to be believed, setting records for being the largest and the highest resolution: Largest OLED screen, Highest resolution video wall and Largest high-definition video wall.

Comprising over 820 flexible, OLED panels, allowing the screen to emit light without the need for backlighting, with the thin and flexible high-definition screen providing wider viewing angles, to make the most of the breathtaking images and captivating colors. Truly unique to the Flexible Open Frame OLED signage from LG, the screen is able to curve, mimicking the rolling waves of the ocean, a perfect complement to the underwater creatures at Dubai Aquarium. Maitha Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Entertainment, said: “Emaar Entertainment continues to push the boundaries and achieve greater highs through innovative installations and attractions. We’re committed to delivering the best in the industry and are honored that the new OLED screen at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has received three Guinness World Records achievements, underpinning our commitment to pioneering innovative attractions, continued advancements in technology and digital attractions, and inspiring joy.”

Commenting on the record, Talal Omar, Guinness World Record’s Country Manager – MENA, said: “We are very excited that Emaar Entertainment and LG have set multiple records today with the Largest OLED screen, Highest resolution video wall and Largest high-definition video wall. The multiple records perfectly complements the advanced technology that we know Dubai is known for, Guinness World Records congratulates Emaar Entertainment and LG. We are proud that Guinness World Records was able to yet again provide a platform to recognize and share amazing moments, always eager to showcase these records, and give companies or individuals a chance to be a part of an ‘officially amazing’ experience.” The record comes following the 2015 achievement by Emaar Entertainment, where Dubai Ice Rink and World Top DJ broke the Guinness World Records for Longest DJ relay. Emaar Entertainment is raising the bar in unique entertainment offerings, adding attractions such as the OLED to its vast repertoire of inspiring and enjoyable attractions. Visible from the Ground Floor at The Dubai Mall, Level 1 and Level 2, the new OLED screen at The Dubai Mall is now on display above the main tank at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

LG OLED raises the Lotte World Tower experience even higher.

At 555 meters/1,821 feet/123 stories tall, Lotte Tower is the world’s fifth tallest building. This skyscraping multiplex in Seoul hosts an observatory, a shopping mall, offices and a hotel, as well as a steady flood of visitors. Over four million people are expected to visit the building for the countless attractions it offers, but there’s a specific spot which is a favorite to all.

That spot is Seoul Sky, home to the world’s highest glass-floored sky deck observatory. To get to Seoul Sky, visitors step onboard Sky Shuttle, the world’s fastest double-deck elevator wrapped in a spectacular video wall made by LG.

Sky Shuttle passengers are treated to a minute-long ride that’s built to thrill, because the elevator is lined top to bottom with 55-inch LG OLED panels, three on each side and six on the ceiling, presenting an amazing high-definition display of the beautiful and ever-changing scenery of Seoul.

LG OLED technology delivers perfect black, infinite contrast and intense, accurate colors—perfect for immersing the passengers in an incredibly vivid experience. And because the LG OLED panels are unbelievably thin and lightweight, they don’t weigh the elevator down or take up room, allowing the Sky Shuttle to carry more people faster.

Down below, the Lotte World Mall attracts visitors with 40, 84-inch wide LG UHD LCD displays. LG’s In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology provides a wide viewing angle where colors remain true-to-life and text reads clearly to attract and engage visitors all throughout the large space.

The Lotte PR room also features LG digital signage, with a 1×6 video wall showing live surrounding scenery from CCTV camera feeds, supplemented with weather details and safety information.

Another place of interest at Lotte World Tower is Signiel Seoul, a premium hotel with breathtaking views of Seoul’s magnificent skyline. LG 60-inch hospitality TVs adorn the guest rooms, mounted on the wall so as to best complement the interior design.

With world-class technological capability and artistic potential, the global landmark Lotte World Tower chose LG to enhance the versatile space. And as LG has noted, the signage you choose has the power to move hearts and minds.

Soluciones Digital Signage

UBI Research , Published the Market Report on OLED Manufacturing Equipment.

■ The OLED equipmentmarket is expected to reach $84.9 billion in 5 years.
■ Korean and Chinese panel companies will take over 90% of investment in panel equipment.

  According to ‘2017 OLED Manufacturing Equipment Annual Report’ published by UBI Research, the entire equipment market of OLED is expected to total$84.9 billion(about 93trillion KRW) from 2017 to 2021. In 2017, $16.4 billion(about 18 trillion KRW) will be invested in OLED equipment.

The OLED equipment for the market analysis is largely categorized by process into 5 kinds of equipment; TFT, OLED, encapsulation, cell, and module. The investment costs including distribution equipment and test equipment of each process are calculated, and touch-related equipment is excluded from the market analysis. Hyun Jun Jang, a senior researcher of UBI Research forecasts that the two countries will lead the OLED market due to the massive investment from both Korean panel companies occupying the OLED industry and latecomers Chinese panel companies.

According to this report, China and Korea will actively invest in OLED equipment from 2017 to 2017, showinga 48% and a 42% OLED market share, respectively. In particular, the two countries are expected to make the largest investment of $32.8 billion(about 36 trillion KRW) in 2017 and 2018. Samsung Display has been expanding small and medium OLED lines to be applied to Galaxy series and Apple, and LG Display has been investing in both small & medium and large-size OLED lines. China’s BOE and CSOT are likely to invest heavily in OLED line because especially BOE has decided to invest more than 30K in small and medium OLED lines every year since 2017.

From 2017 to 2021, itis forecast that TFT equipment, OLED pixel patterning equipment, encapsulation equipment, cell equipment, and module equipment will have a 45%, 17%,13%,13%, and 12% market share, respectively. In near future, the demand for flexible OLED will be likely to increase so that cell and module equipment will gain more importance having a 25% market share.

Why OLED.

What is the future of OLED?

Choong Hoon Yi, president of UBI Research made a keynote speech with a theme “The Future of OLED” at ‘The 3rd OLED Korea Conference’ hosted by UBI Research.

Choong Hoon Yi, president of UBI Research stated “100-inch rollable wall TV is the future of OLED”. “human eyes have a wide viewing angle so even if display covers the whole wall, there is no discomfort. Glass substrate OLED may be difficult to carry, and accordingly rollable display can be rolled up and delivered like a carpet.” he added.

He also predicted “plastic substrates and printing process for price cut will be suitable for rollable display. TFT and pixel production techniques made by Solution process will be a key to future technology”. If a speaker is built in rollable display, and a correspondence between the person and sound on the screen will represent a perfect display.

Choong Hoon Yi said the reasons for the success of OLED can be found out in the mobile market. Firstly, 4K contents to be used for future TVs will be used in smartphones, and smartphones will also use 4K resolution.

Second, Apple will release the OLED iPhone this year, and there will be an Apple effect because Samsung Display is building the A3 line for Apple to produce 200 million 5.5-inch OLED displays.

Third, Chinese market accounts for 40% of the global smartphone market, and Chinese set companies have been rapidly increasing the release of smartphones. Lastly, a flexible OLED to cover the full screen smartphone will have no home button and feature wide screen to satisfy visual functions, and its strengthened security system that reads fingerprint and pattern can be applied.

For the four reasons above, he expected OLED will be key in the future mobile market.

Meanwhile, he expected the shipments of OLED panel will be 1.7 billion in 2021, and the sales will amount to US$ 75 billion. Korean display companies will represent more than 80% of the total market in 2021, and China will take up 10~15%. In addition, he forecast that display panel companies will make a new investment in flexible OLED which will account for 70% of the total OLED market.

Graphene the key to tougher flexible OLED displays.

You can already find flexible displays in your phone or smartwatch, but there's a good reason you don't find them everywhere: the transparent electrodes in many OLED screens are too fragile to take a lot of abuse. That might change in the long run, though. South Korean researchers have made the first OLED panel that uses graphene for its electrodes. The hyped wonder material is both flexible and shouldn't chip, which is more than a little important for a display that you're going to bend and twist. This will ideally lead to displays woven into your clothes, or next-generation wearables that can take a lot of punishment.

The approach works with very large OLED panels, and you can pattern it into custom shapes that fit your exact needs. Expect some creative displays, in other words.

Unlike many graphene inventions, there is a real chance this could escape the lab. The scientists want to commercialize flexible OLED screens within 5 years, and LG Display sees graphene helping to make that a reality. With that said, there's good reason to remain skeptical. Many, many researchers have heralded breakthroughs in graphene, but mass-producing it is still a challenge. The team will have to find a way to make these electrodes en masse for them to exist as more than a clever idea.