[SID 2016] Samsung Reveals 806 ppi VR Panel, Highest Resolution in Industry

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SDC Showcasing an 806ppi OLED Panel for VR ( San Francisco = OLEDNET )

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Display is drawing attention with 5 inch level VR (virtual Reality) device display with the highest resolution in the industry. The company also displayed Bio Blue, which minimized blue wavelength harmful to human eye.

At Society for Information Display 2016 ( SID 2016, 22-27 May), Samsung Display drew visitors’ attention with their new panel products such as OLED for VR and rollable OLED. At the exhibition booth, Samsung Display presented new 5.5 inch panel. The panel’s resolution, 806 ppi, is the highest pixel density of the 5 inch level VR panels published so far. The resolution is 3840 x 2160 with 306 nit brightness and 97% color gamut.

SDC`s ‘Bioblue’ (Sanfrancisco = OLEDNET)

Additionally, Samsung Display revealed another OLED panel for VR named Bio Blue. Bio Blue minimized harmful blue light by adding light blue to the existing RGB pixel structure. Displaying Bio Blue, the company emphasized that OLED is better for eye health compared to LCD. Of the total blue spectrum, the proportion of blue light harmful to human eye is 66% for LCD and 32% for AMOLED. Samsung Display added that AMOLED will be able to reduce this figure to 6% in future.

Samsung Display exhibited diverse OLED panels including 5.7 inch rollable and panel for notebook use.

LG to Demo High HDR Capabilities of OLED TV at SES

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LG (Source : LG)

LG to demo HDR at SES (Source : LG)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Electronics is collaborating with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and satellite operator SES. to host a demonstration of High Dynamic Range (HDR) broadcast technologies at the ninth SES Industry Days conference this week in Luxembourg.

High quality HDR content will be transmitted to LG’s latest OLED TV via live satellite feed utilizing backward compatible HLG (hybrid log gamma) technology. HLG expands the contrast ratio and color reproduction capability of SDR TVs (Standard Dynamic Range). The HDR transmission demonstration by LG and the BBC will utilize SES Astra’s satellite network.

HLG technology was developed by the BBC and NHK to enable a backwards compatible transmission of HDR content. Employing a single distribution bit stream which can be decoded by both dedicated HDR receivers and legacy non-HDR receivers, the HLG system requires no production metadata, making it compatible with existing broadcast infrastructure, thereby enabling a straightforward migration to HDR television production.

The flexibility of the BBC’s innovative HDR HLG technology makes it an excellent choice for broadcast HDR services while SES’s new HDR test channel allows industry partners to test a variety of new display standards and content. Viewed on LG’s OLED TVs, HDR HLG content looks more realistic, delivers greater depth and the deepest blacks. As the first flat-panel television with infinite contrast ratio and no backlight panels, LG OLED TVs are unrivaled in their ability to deliver an HDR experience like no other.

“LG has been at the forefront of television innovation for decades,” said Wayne Park, executive vice president and head of LG’s European operations. “We are committed to supporting the efforts of our partners to standardize HDR broadcast technologies and make advanced display technology more widely available.”

[SID 2016] JDI CTO “LCD isn`t Suitable for Flexible”…Emphasizes ‘Human Friendly’

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a Slide from JDI Hiroyuki Ohshima CTO`s Keynote (San Francisco =OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

CTO of  JDI , Hiroyuki Ohshima, estimated that the display will evolve to flexible and human friendly, and emphasized that LCD is not suitable for flexible

During his keynote session in SID 2016 (22-27 May), Ohshima discussed the future of display. He explained that the display will evolve to System Integrated Display that combines different technologies and toward flexible.

Display is expected to become more interactive with human body. Beyond touching the screen with fingers, biological signals will be recognized such as heartbeat, eye gaze, fingerprint, and palm print. Through these, display will evolve into an input device that moves deeper into people’s lives.

For these to become a reality, Ohshima explained that diverse technologies such as touch, recognition, security, health care function, pen input need to be applied to the display. He stressed that display is heading toward flexible and noted LCD’s limitation regarding this issue.

Ohshima told the attendees that as LCD requires backlight and glass substrate is used, it is not suitable to actualize flexible panel. For OLED, it is expected to move forward to flexible and foldable exceeding ultra-thin and curved. However, he added that OLED still has several issues that need to solved including not being able to follow LCD in terms of pixel density.

[SID 2016] Samsung Display ’s EVP “The Future of Car, Window and Mirror is AMOLED”

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a Slide from Samsung Display EVP`s Keynote at SID 2016 (San Francisco = OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

As a keynote speaker for SID 2016, Samsung Display ’s Executive VP and Chief of Research Center, Dr. Sung-Chul Kim explained that display will expand human life experiences through application to automotive, window, mirror, etc. and emphasized that AMOLED will become a key solution for this.

During his keynote session in SID 2016, Kim explained display related technological issues and AMOLED’s advantages. In particular, he highlighted AMOLED’s characteristics suitable for flexible.

Displays that can turn from a wall or window into an information display simultaneously require flexibility and hardness. Kim also explained curved display is suitable for automotive uses. In terms of mirror display, AMOLED is suitable as superior color gamut is required.

Kim added that for realistic image required by VR (virtual reality) and others requires ‘driving tech’. He explained that foldable, rollable, deformable, and stretchable displays will produce more attractive devices, and provide new experiences through VR, automotive, digital signage, etc.

Kim told the attendees that display is a window to communicate with the world and expands lives. He emphasized that AMOLED is the key solution for future display, and will bring more opportunities than expected.

 

 

[SID 2016] TIANMA Showcasing 5.5“ AMOLED

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Source : Tianma

Source : Tianma

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Tianma NLT USA ( TNU ) exhibits 5.5-inch AMOLED panels and a wide variety of new LCD products and technologies at Display Week 2016, Booth 905, San Francisco, California, May 24-26.

TNU is a leading provider of small to medium size display solutions to the Americas, utilizing cutting edge technologies from Tianma Micro-electronics and NLT Technologies Ltd., coupled with the manufacturing resources of the Tianma Group.

TNU exhibits over 90 LCD demonstration units, including new prototypes. Some of the featured products and technologies are:

-More than 20 industrial displays, including TN, transflective, and NLT’s proprietary Super Fine TFT (SFT) and ColorXcell technologies.

-30-inch 6 megapixel high definition medical display prototype with embedded display port (eDP) that incorporates NLT’s new Super Fine TFT 2 (SFT2) technology

-Automotive displays, including monochrome, SFT and HUD

-12.3-inch automotive cluster display

-Touch display prototypes, including 7” WQHD TED LTPS and 5” HD Force Touch

-Five Gen 2 PCAP Touch Displays with Wet and Glove capability

-Five Outdoor Viewable, high bright, high contrast and transflective displays

-5.5-inch TFT-HD (720 x 1280) display with On-Cell Touch AMOLED

-17-inch SXGA LCD with high color rendering LED backlight unit

-Curved display with touch panel

Samsung Elec. Partners with IGEL to Launch Thin Client Cloud Displays

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IGEL_Monitor (Source = Samsung Elec.)

IGEL Monitor (Source = Samsung Elec.)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics expanded its cloud monitor portfolio today with the release of the TC222L (21.5”) and the TC242L (23.5”) thin client displays. Powered by IGEL’s industry leading thin client software and combined with Samsung’s industry leading display technology, the new monitors offer businesses a highly unique desktop solution for remote access of critical documents and data through the cloud.

In partnership with IGEL, a leading global thin client vendor, Samsung’s TC222L and TC242L cloud monitors come with several embedded configuration, management and support tools. Both displays feature the Linux operating system, empowering remote network and internet program access. IGEL’s complementary Universal Management Suite 5 (UMS5) platform offers an easy-to-use console for added visibility of the clients’ configurations. The console also enables managers to automatically apply configuration adjustments to an entire deployment of thin client assets throughout the enterprise.

IGEL’s embedded software provides reliable multi-protocol connectivity to mainstream VDI environments and cloud resources, such as Citrix, VMware and Microsoft, added by a powerful management tool for remote configuration, monitoring, reporting and administrative automation. Through the integrated Linux Thin Client OS software platform, users can securely consolidate bulky desktop applications and equipment into a series of cloud-based virtual applications and desktops. The result is a sleek all-in-one design that minimizes cabling and consolidates I/O for a clean, clutter-free workspace.

“Businesses today need cutting-edge, cost-effective technologies that offer the flexibility to support remote operations yet safeguard against emerging data security threats,” said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new TC222L and TC242L monitors bring the power, protection and capability of IGEL’s renowned remote automation tools to Samsung’s pioneering display technologies to create a cost-efficient, all-in-one solution for any business environment.”

“We are delighted about Samsung’s decision towards the best software solution provider on the market,” said Erhard Behnke, Managing Director at IGEL. “The Strategic partnership of Samsung and IGEL is a true win-win situation as Samsung will be enabled to deliver an innovative all-in-one thin client solution to their customers, and IGEL will benefit directly from the entrance into the enterprise display market. Combining our decades of experience in thin client software and management specialization with Samsung’s power in display technologies result in a secure, cost-effective and energy-efficient thin client solution.”

Samsung will showcase its TC222L and TC242L displays at the upcoming Citrix Synergy conference, taking place May 24-26 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

Quantum Materials Enters Next Phase of Cadmium-free Quantum Dot Development

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Source =

Source = Quantum Materials

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Quantum Materials Corp today announced that it has completed the initial development phase with its display film partners and is entering a preproduction phase in which the Company has committed to an accelerated sample optimization and delivery schedule for its cadmium-free quantum dots.

Quantum Materials has begun shipping additional deliveries of cadmium-free quantum dot samples to its partners and is scheduled to increase shipment quantities as development reaches pre-commercial scale later this year. The Company anticipates that, in conjunction with its partners, commercial quantities of a high performance cadmium-free quantum dot film will be available to display manufacturers in early 2017. Increasing concern over the use of cadmium in consumer displays has been driven by RoHS Directives and heightened corporate environmental responsibility, resulting in significant interest from the display industry in a cadmium-free quantum dot display film.

“Our decision to accelerate development of cadmium-free quantum dots and our ability to recruit a distinguished scientific, technical and production team has allowed us to achieve this milestone and initiate ramping-up of sample production volumes,” said Stephen Squires, President and CEO of Quantum Materials Corp.  “The revolutionary nature of our high-volume production process is recognized by our esteemed customers and partners and has allowed us to attract talented employees on the cutting edge of the nano-sciences. On a daily basis the Quantum Materials’ team is accelerating discovery and fast-tracking significant advances in material science.”

Quantum Materials will be participating at the Society for Information Display (SID) ‘Display Week 2016 International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition’ from May 22-May 27, 2016 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. Quantum Materials will be exhibiting in partnership with Uniglobe Kisco Inc. (www.uniglobe-kisco.com) at Booth 1342 and Mr. Squires will be participating in a CMO panel discussion on Wednesday morning at 8:30am in Room 123.

“We value our relationship with Kisco and look forward to working with them at Display Week to continue growing the current customer partnerships they have facilitated and build upon the momentum we are developing as a team,” Mr. Squires concluded.

[ SID 2016 ]Samsung Rollable vs. LG 77“…Collision of OLED

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Rollable AMOLED at SID 2016 Samsung`s Booth (Source = Samsung Display)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Display and LG Display will showcase the technologies for next-generation displays at the 2016 Society for Information Display( SID 2016 ) conference, which is being held at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco from May 22 to 27.
LG Display’s next-generation technologies including OLED TVs and automotive displays will be on show at the company’s booth from May 24 to 26 At this year’s SID 2016 , LG Display is placing its emphasis on the advantages of OLED and in particular the superior picture quality it offers along with its unlimited potential in application and design. The company will present its 77-inch Ultra HD OLED TV panel which provides the same level of color gamut in displays used by film-editing professionals.
It boasts unbeatable picture performance with perfect black expression and improved brightness by applying the High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology. LG Display will also showcase future concept displays such as 55-inch double-sided and 65-inch concave OLED displays for signage to meeting customers’ expectation for what’s coming next.
For customers in the rapidly rising automotive display market, LG Display will showcase its automotive display product line-ups from cluster displays to the Center Information Display (CID), including a 12.3-inch curved plastic OLED display and a 12.3-inch LCD panel realizing over 1,000 nit of brightness.
LG Display will also highlight its lifelike picture quality 31.5-inch 8K4K monitor and 14-inch Ultra HD resolution notebook panel embedded with high resolution and touch functions. In addition, the company will showcase a range of displays featuring its exclusive touch embedded technology, Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT), from the 6-inch mobile display, and 9.2-inch and 10.3-inch automotive displays that feature touch response even with a gloved hand, to the world’s first touch-enabled 15.6-inch notebook panel and 23-inch monitor panel.

Samsung Display will present latest displays from 5.7 inch rollable AMOLED, AMOLED for laptop, VR, and automotive to hologram at the company’s booth At this year’s SID 2016 .
The 5.7 inch flexible OLED that will be shown at Samsung booth has the highest industry resolution of QHD (2560×1440), and it is ultra-thin with 0.3 mm thickness.
The 5.7 inch rollable AMOLED that can be rolled to the width of a finger weighs 5g. With resolution of FHD (1920×1080) and curvature radius of 10R, the company explains that this has the best specs in terms of resolution and curvature radius of rollable products.
The 13.3 inch and 14 inch QHD AMOLED for laptop used on-cell touch technology. By internalizing the touch censor within the AMOLED panel, the thickness was reduced by 45% compared to LCD to 1.01 mm and weight by 33% to 120 g (13.3 inch). Samsung Display will also show 5.5 inch UHD (3840×2160, 806 ppi) prototype for VR. The number of pixels increased by approximately 2.3 times compared to QHD which is mainly used at present.
Samsung’s 65 inch UHD LCD product increased contrast ratio to 6,000:1 and reduced reflectance level to 2.3%, and HDR actualization is possible in mainstream products. The company will also display 65 inch UHD curved slim product with 5.9 mm thickness.
Samsung will also present Light Field technology related to 3D dimensional video that often appears in science fiction. The technology actualizes an object that looks different from different viewing angles on display and produces 3D film with high degree of completion. The digital hologram technology that allows 3D images to be projected will also be shown. These technologies could be applied to 3D pop-up book, 3D game, VR, AR, HUD, etc. in future.
Additionally, the company will show diverse lineup from Central Information Display to Cluster including 12.3 inch curved display equipped with automotive POLED and 12.3 inch product with high resolution and high brightness of over 1,000 nit.

 

Europe’s Largest Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Appears in Russia

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Europe’s Largest Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Appears in Russia

Europe’s Largest Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Appears in Russia

Hyunjoo Kang / olednet.com

Samsung Electronics introduced the largest Galaxy S7 edge in Europe, mega-sized LED signage—80 meters high and 40 meters wide, in Sokol, Moscow, Russia

The Galaxy S7 edge LED signage can be spotted from as far as Moscow’s Gidroproekt building which is located 2.2 kilometers from the site. The LED signage is situated on the side of main road that connects downtown Moscow and Sheremetyevo International Airport, an area that sees approximately 800,000 people per day.

Ambitious Foxconn, Buys Nokia Mobile Phone Business

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Foxconn buys Nokia mobile phone business (Source: Foxconn)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn, which became a focus of global attention with the Sharp takeover, bought Nokia ’s mobile phone business.

It is reported that FIH Mobile Ltd, a subsidiary of Foxconn, bought Nokia’s feature phone business from Microsoft for USD 350 million. Accordingly, Foxconn now controls Nokia feature phone’s manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Foxconn also signed strategic partnership with HMD global that oversees product development and sales. HMD global is expected to invest USD 500 million for the development of Android-based smartphone, tablet, and feature phone for the next 5 years.

Foxconn took over Sharp in March, earlier this year. With this takeover, Foxconn is estimated to acquire LCD mass production line and also gradually be equipped with OLED mass production line for mobile device and TV. DigiTimes research estimates that Foxconn will mass produce OLED panel for smartphone from 2018 and begin OLED panel mass production for TV from 2021.

Some sections of securities industry have suggested that Foxconn’s takeover of Sharp allows for vertical integration of Sharp panels, and business expansion to include set such as smartphone and TV will be possible.

That Foxconn purchased Nokia’s mobile phone business after strengthening display mass production area reinforces this idea. It could be understood as a resolve to renew itself as a set company with their own brand surpassing their main business OEM.

Some are anticipating Nokia’s return as the mobile phone leader of the past with the Foxconn’s purchase of Nokia’s mobile phone business. However, the business still struggled even after Microsoft’s takeover move in 2014 worth EUR 5,400 million. As such, many believe that it will not be easy for Nokia to reclaim their former success.

Apple Opens Development Office in Hyderabad

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Source = Apple

Source = Apple

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Apple announced the opening of a new office in Hyderabad that will focus on development of Maps for Apple products. This investment will accelerate Maps development and create up to 4,000 jobs.

“Apple is focused on making the best products and services in the world and we are thrilled to open this new office in Hyderabad which will focus on Maps development,” said Tim Cook. “The talent here in the local area is incredible and we are looking forward to expanding our relationships and introducing more universities and partners to our platforms as we scale our operations.”

This company has been continually updating and adding new features to Maps, including 3D views, the Flyover feature and tools to help customers find convenient places to shop, eat and explore nearby areas. With iOS 9 Apple added Transit, offering a combination of trains, subways, buses and walking, which is already available for more than 300 cities around the world.

The new facility, located on the Waverock campus, will provide a world-class, LEED-certified home for the expanding Maps team.

“We are honored Apple chose Hyderabad as a home for its Maps development office,” said Telangana Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao. “This will create thousands of jobs here and is a testament to our proactive approach, quality infrastructure and the excellent talent base we have in the region.”

“Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world and we are very proud they chose us to partner with for this important project,” said Anup Jindal, RMSI’s CEO. “We are experts in geospatial data and we will be hiring thousands of people from the local area to support this effort.”

Across India, Apple supports over 640,000 iOS app developer jobs and other positions related to the iOS ecosystem.

Samsung Amplifies Longstanding Partnership with 20th Century Fox

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Samsung Amplifies Partnership with Fox (Sorce : Samsung)

Samsung Amplifies Partnership with Fox (Sorce : Samsung)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics unveiled today a shared vision with 20th Century Fox to further elevate the consumer viewing experience, and the TV industry at large.

A new video released by the company highlights its longstanding partnership with industry leading film studio and underlines the importance of TV in today’s larger content ecosystem, featuring executives from both Samsung and Fox who share their collective vision for the future.

The partnership between Samsung and Fox began in 2013, when Samsung joined the Secure Content Storage Association (SCSA) — a consortium of companies in the entertainment and storage space that aim to provide consumers with new ways to access high-quality digital programming across devices — and did so with the backing of Fox. Samsung has since launched a UHD download service with Fox content, as well as an expanded service that includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) titles, which is available to consumers globally.

“Our goal is to offer the best consumer experience while preserving the filmmaker’s intent with no distortion, no compromises,” said Won Jin Lee, executive vice president, service business team, visual display at Samsung Electronics. “We are answering industry, market and user demand with this continued partnership.”

In 2014, Samsung launched its first ever branded “Video Pack” that provided users with five titles licensed by the studio. That same year, Samsung and Fox established the Fox Innovation Lab, with the first project integrating accessible content into Samsung’s Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs.

“We share a common goal of delivering the best user experience at home,” said Won Jin Lee. “Our complimentary skill sets have helped us continuously raise the bar for ourselves, as well as the industry.”

In 2015, they co-announced the UHD Alliance — a coalition of companies united to set the bar for next generation video entertainment by establishing standards to support innovation in video technologies. The Alliance is dedicated to furthering this commitment in 2016 and beyond.

UBI Research to Hold Consultation on OLED Reports and Consulting at SID 2016

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(Source = SID)

(Source = SID)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

In May 24-26, during the SID Display Week 2016 in Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, UBI Research will be operating a booth, open for business consultation.

At the exhibition booth, UBI Research will carry out meetings regarding their OLED Reports and consulting service. Visitors will be able to receive detailed information on reports published by UBI Research and consultation. The company will be introducing their methodology on investigating latest news in OLED industry and customer benefits.

UBI Research invites the interested parties to their booth at SID 2016. The company added that this will be an excellent opportunity to obtain important insights on OLED industry, and everyone is invited to visit their booth.

Interested visitors will be able to meet UBI Research at booth #409 in SID 2016 exhibition at Moscone Convention Center. Booth will be in operation for 3 days in May 24-26. Pre-arranged meetings are welcome.

For more details, please contact marketing team manager Hana Oh (hanaoh@ubiresearch.co.kr, + 82 2 577 4940).

JDI, 17″ 8K4K LTPS TFT LCD Awarded 2016 by SID

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Source = JDI

Source = JDI

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Japan Display Inc. ( JDI ) 17″ 8K4K LTPS TFT LCD Display is the proud recipient of the 2016 Display of the Year Award from the Society of Information Display (SID) This award is granted to a display product that incorporates the most significant technological advances or outstanding features, and is one award among SID’s Display Industry Awards which are the display industry’s most prestigious honor, given annually since 1995 to recognize the best display products or applications introduced to the market during the previous calendar year. The awards are announced and presented at Display Week, the annual SID International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition.

The Display of the Year Award recognized JDI’s development of the world’s first 17.3-in., high-resolution (7,680 x 4,320 pixels), fast-response (120Hz frame rate) liquid-crystal display module, introduced October 1, 2015. The module provides life-like imagery that offers an immersive sense of depth, enabled by its smooth playback of moving images and high resolution picture quality.

The 17.3-in. size is a standard for monitors used in video image production, with 8K technology expected to lead to the next-generation frontier. It is noteworthy that the Japan Broadcasting Company (NHK) has been a proponent of 8K broadcasting for several years, and many sources report that 8K will be used to broadcast the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. High-resolution modules like JDI’s are set to take advantage of this broadcast technology.

As we strive for further improvement, JDI has developed a low power consumption version with advanced LTPS technology. Both displays, the original award winning 17″ display and the new 17″ low power consumption version, will be demonstrated in JDI’s booth #917 at SID’s Display Week at the Moscone Convention Center, May 22 – May 27, 2016, in San.Francisco, California, USA.

DeePoon to Launch Samsung AMOLED Equipped New VR in June…Seeds of Chinese OLED VR

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DeePoon `s VR Device

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

DeePoon , Chinese VR (virtual reality) company, is launching a new VR device equipped with Samsung Display’s AMOLED panel in June.

Unlike Korean and Japanese companies such as Samsung Electronics and Sony that showed AMOLED VR already, Chinese VR companies are mostly releasing LCD equipped device. As one of the few Chinese companies that sticks to AMOLED, DeePoon is noteworthy.

At the CES Asia 2016 exhibition booth (May 11-13), DeePoon presented M2, AMOLED equipped VR device, which is to be released in June. M2, with 2K, improved picture quality from previous model E2. It is also an all-in-one type that can be linked to both mobile device and PC.

This company explained that OLED can actualize higher Hz figure compared to LCD, and demonstrates superior visual experience. They added that Samsung’s AMOLED panel was utilized, and emphasized DeePoon is the only Chinese company releasing AMOLED equipped VR device. In fact, at this event many Chinese companies presented LCD based VR. AltoTech introduced new VR product with FHD LCD panel which is expected to be launched in October.

EverDisplay (EDO), a key Chinese mobile OLED panel company, presented a beta version of AMOLED equipped VR device at CES Asia 2016. Following production of 3.2 inch 1K 400 ppi AMOLED for VR this year, EDO revealed plans to produce flexible based 800 ppi panel in 2019.

OLED Networking in One Place…’OLED Night’ in San Francisco

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(Source = SID)

UBI Research hosts ‘OLED Night’ in San Francisco (Source = SID)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Key players of global OLED industry gathers in one place.

On 25 May at 6.30 pm (local time), UBI research is hosting OLED Night for key players of global OLED industry in Dobbs Ferry, San Francisco.

UBI Research organized this event to facilitate wider networking opportunity for leaders of the OLED industry. The company selected the date and location to coincide with the largest display industry event Society of Information Display 2016 in San Francisco.

The cocktail party event will be attended by Korean companies such as LG Display, Duksan Neolux, and Sunic System, as well as global display companies including BOE, CYNORA, Visionox, and UDC.

UBI Research explained that they are organizing the OLED Night for mutually beneficial opportunity for development in OLED industry to correspond with the SID 2016. The attendees will be able to discuss how to lead the industry and solidify their personal connections.

* invitation letter required.

Samsung announced VR content package for new Galaxy S7

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GearVR (Source = Samsung Elec.)

Gear VR (Source = Samsung Elec.)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Following record pre-orders in Europe for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, Samsung Electronics Europe today announced an exclusive Gear VR content package for new Galaxy S7 customers.

For a limited period only*, new Galaxy S7 and S7 edge customers in Europe will be able to purchase the Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus, at a special price and get free access to exclusive premium games and experiences, available from the Oculus Store. The bundle includes some of the Oculus Store’s most popular paid-for content, such as Anshar Wars 2, Darknet, Drift, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Ocean Rift and Starchart.

This new reward, in partnership with Oculus, the pioneering virtual reality firm that helps to power the Gear VR, comes as the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge continue to perform strongly across Europe. This strong Galaxy S7 performance has also driven an upsurge of adoption in the mobile VR market in Europe. According to CCS Insight**, the Western European VR market is expected to grow 168% year-on-year in 2016. Samsung has already sold over 300,000 Gear VR headsets in Europe this year, a significant figure given that CCS Insight** estimates that the total number of VR devices sold in Europe last year was 1.8mn.

David Lowes, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics Europe, commented: “Our Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are performing extremely well, demonstrating continued strong demand for our premium flagship devices. The smartphone is already so fundamental to our lives but connecting it with a product like the Gear VR opens up incredible new experiences that are often as emotional as they are immersive. With this new incentive, we’re encouraging broader VR adoption so that more people can experience this amazing new technology for themselves.”

“At Oculus, we want people to experience anything, anywhere through the power of virtual reality and we’re starting to see that happen with Gear VR,” said Max Cohen, Head of Mobile at Oculus. “We recently announced that one million people used Gear VR in April – this is an important milestone, which speaks to the great experience that Samsung and Oculus can deliver. Together, the hardware and software provides the absolute best VR experience on mobile available today and we’re looking forward to continuing to excite and engage European consumers.”

Industry analyst house CCS Insight forecasts that revenues for VR headsets globally will reach $10bn by 2020, with Western Europe accounting for $3bn. 4.7mn headsets are expected to be shipped in Western Europe in 2016, with value-priced smartphone VR headsets such as the Gear VR expected to account for 90% of the volume.

Ben Wood, Chief of Research at CCS Insight, noted: “We are at the beginning of an exciting journey with VR. We believe consumers will be keen to experience the wealth of professionally curated 360-degree content that will emerge in 2016. Furthermore, the growth in self-created content generated by the growing number of 360-degree cameras and shared via Facebook and YouTube will only serve to take awareness levels to new heights as the year progresses.”

“Apple, to Use OLED More than Samsung Elec. from 2021” – UBI

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Apple, to Use OLED More than Samsung Elec. from 2021 – UBI

UBI Research’s Yi is Analyzing Market related to Apple’s OLED Selection

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

A forecast that Apple will apply more OLED than Samsung Electronics from 2021 has been suggested.

On 13 May, UBI Research hosted OLED Investment Analysis Seminar titled The Effects that Apple will have on Display Industry in Seoul, Korea. At this event, UBI Research’s Choong Hoon Yi estimated future flexible OLED smartphone market share.

According to Yi, Apple is to begin releasing flexible OLED iPhone from 2017, and occupy 8% of the global flexible OLED smartphone market in that year. Following this, Yi analyzed that Apple will continue to increase market share each year to record 32% in 2020, same as Samsung Elec., and exceed Samsung Elec.’s 27% with 37% in 2021.

For 2015 and 2016, with the market share of over 70% of the global flexible OLED smartphone market, Samsung Elec. is dominating the market. However, Apple is expected to release OLED iPhone from next year, and iPhone market share is increasing within the smartphone market. Yi believes that Apple’s OLED usage will exceed that of Samsung Elec.’s.

UBI Research estimates that the smartphone market will grow at CAGR of 6% in 2016-2021, and overall shipment will increase. Of these, Samsung Elec. has been outdistancing Apple and greatly increasing the market share until 2013. However, since 2014, Samsung Elec.’s market share has been gradually decreasing while Apple’s is increasing.

At the seminar, Yi told the attendees that Apple is selling approximately 220 million units of iPhone per year, but the number is expected to increase to 300-million-unit mark and of 30% of that, 1,00-million-unit mark, are estimated to be OLED equipped products. He added that this will grow to 4,00-million-unit mark in 2020, and 80% of that is estimated to be OLED.

With Apple’s section of OLED, the competition for the product supply between global display companies is expected to be fierce. Yi forecast that Samsung Display will supply 60% of the demand, the second supplier 30%, and the rest 10%.

LG Display and Japan Display were likely to be the second and third suppliers. However, Apple’s steadfast partner, Foxconn took over Sharp and became a strong candidate for this position. Hence, 4 companies could end up supplying to Apple. Yi added that one company of JDI and Foxconn could be pushed out.

Panel companies’ mass production establishment investment for product supply for Apple is also being carried out. Samsung Display is expected to execute 45-60K investment in flexible AMOLED line this year. LG Display is carrying out Gen6 7.5K investment in Gumi, with prospect of additional 7.5K order this year.

JDI also announced smartphone AMOLED panel mass production in January 2016 aiming for mass production in 2018. There is a possibility of investment for AMOLED supply for iPhone. Yi also estimated that Apple will conclude OLED emitting materials company selection by this August or September.

Furthermore, Yi explained that a human eye is more sensitive to contrast compared to brightness. He emphasized that OLED, with its contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 is a more human friendly display than LCD and its 3,000:1.

At the seminar, LG Economic Research Institute’s Senior Consultant Wookeun Lee also analyzed the market with the theme of The Effects that Apple’s OLED Selection will have on Korea and China’s Display Industry.

 

[CES Asis 2016] EDO, Accelerates Its Wearable Market…Reveals AMOLED Equipped VR

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EDO`s VR Device

EverDisplay `s VR Device

Shanghai=Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

EverDisplay (EDO), whose main force is mobile AMOLED, is accelerating its wearable market target.

In CES Asia 2016 (11-13 May) held in Shanghai, China, EDO presented VR (virtual reality) device equipped with their own AMOLED and revealed their roadmap in this market. The company displayed the VR device at the exhibition booth allowing the visitors to experience it. EDO explained that the device is a beta version, and although it has not been released, the picture quality is superior compared to LCD or LED equipped VR.

According to EDO, the company is planning to produce 3.2 inch 1K 400 ppi AMOLED for VR this year, and 3.5 inch 1.5K 600 ppi panel in 2017. Following this, the panel is to be improved to 2K 750 ppi in 2018, and EDO is planning produce flexible based 800 ppi panel in 2019.

EDO also revealed new AMOLED product in smartphone sector. In this exhibition, EDO showed 5.5 inch FHD panel that is already being mass produced, and flexible 6 inch panel to be mass produced in future.

Furthermore, the company exhibited new AMOLED panel in 3 types, 1.2 inch, 1.4 inch, and 1.41 inch, for smartwatch that will be consecutively launched from July. Of these, the 1.2 inch panel is expected to be used for Huawei’s smartwatch for women to be released in September.

CES Asia 2016’s participants greatly increased compared to last year, and 375 companies from 23 countries are taking part. Major companies such as Intel, Twitter, and BMW discuss wearable, VR, driverless cars, future of TV, etc. though conference.

 

 

[CES Asis 2016] Huawei to Release 1.2“ AMOLED Smartwatch for Women… EDO Panel Applied

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Huawei booth

Shanghai = Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Huawei is expected to release 1.2 inch AMOLED panel equipped smartwatch for women in September if early.

In CES Asia 2016 (11-13 May) held in Shanghai, China, Everdisplay (EDO) revealed that the 1.2 inch AMOLED panel product will be released in July, and Huawei will launch smartwatch for women equipped with this panel in September.

Previously Huawei released smartwatch for men equipped with EDO’s 1.4 inch AMOLED.

EDO, whose main focus is on AMOLED panel for mobile device, showed new AMOLED panels through this exhibition. EDO explained that of AMOLED panels for smartphone, 1.2 inch, 1.41 inch, and 1.4 inch panels are not yet released, and that 1.2 inch panel will be launched in July and 1.4 inch in 2017.

During this event, EDO also revealed 6 inch AMOLED panel to be mass produced in future and beta version of VR device equipped with their own AMOLED.

CES Asia 2016’s participants greatly increased compared to last year, and 375 companies from 23 countries are taking part. Major companies such as Intel, Twitter, and BMW discuss wearable, VR, driverless cars, future of TV, etc. though conference.

Apple, Eyes on OLED E-book? Patent Registered for Rollable Newsreader

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Source = Apple

Source = Apple registered patent OLED equipped device

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Is Apple eyeing the OLED e-book sector as well?

On 3 May, BidnessEtc reported that the United States Patent & Trademark Office granted a new patent to Apple regarding OLED equipped newsreader device.

It’s patent`s document shows that this rollable device has AMOLED panel on both sides, and as it is flexible it is easily portable. The device can be used for newspaper, magazine contests and advertisement, and can receive messages through wireless networks.

BidnessEtc reports that this shows there is a lack of suitable displays for newspapers and magazine contents.

Meanwhile, this company registered 56 patents in March including regarding AMOLED operation improving device and methods. Much attention is focused as Apple’s release of OLED equipped iPhone is almost confirmed. Apple’s continued moves with patents regarding OLED are expected to create more bustle for the OLED industry.

 

UDC, net income $1.9 million for 1Q 2016…46% ↑ YoY

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Source : UDC

Source : UDC

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

UDC (Universal Display Corporation), enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED® technology and materials, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016.

For the first quarter of 2016, UDC reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, on revenues of $29.7 million, compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, on revenues of $31.2 million for the first quarter of 2015.

“In the first quarter, our commercial emitter revenues grew 8% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong green emitter shipments. Royalty and license fees increased by 22%. Host material sales, in line with expectations, declined year-overyear,” said Sidney D. Rosenblatt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UDC

Rosenblatt continued, “The OLED landscape continues to expand. New OLED products are launching, capacity is building, equipment bookings are increasing and the pipeline of OLED design activities is broadening.

With OLED display penetration at only about 10% of the total consumer electronic display market, new applications like automotive, virtual reality, augmented reality and signage emerging and OLED lighting transitioning from development stage to commercial, we believe that our long-term growth trajectory remains strong.”

Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of 2016 The Company reported revenues of $29.7 million, compared to revenues of $31.2 million in the same quarter of 2015.

Material sales were $24.3 million, down 9% compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to a $5.0 million decrease in host material sales. This decline was partially offset by an increase of $2.5 million in emitter material sales.

Royalty and license fees were $5.3 million, up from $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2015.

No revenue was recognized under the Samsung Display Co., Ltd. (SDC) licensing agreement in the first quarter, as SDC is obligated to make licensing payments in the second and fourth quarters of the year. For 2016, the Company expects to recognize $75 million in SDC licensing revenues for the full year.

The Company reported operating income of $2.5 million, up from $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2015. Operating expenses were $27.2 million, compared to $29.5 million in the same quarter of 2015.

Cost of materials was $5.1 million, compared to $8.6 million in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the decline in host material sales volume, which have less favorable margins than the Company’s emitter materials.

The Company’s balance sheet remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents and investments of $395.7 million as of March 31, 2016.

Samsung’s UHD Blu-ray Player Earns UHD Alliance Premium Certification

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Samsung`s UHD Blu-ray player(Source=Samsung)

Samsung`s UHD Blu-ray player(Source=Samsung)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics announced today that its UBD-K8500 UHD Blu-ray player has been certified as ‘UHD Premium’ by the UHD Alliance (UHDA). Now a part of Samsung’s total UHD ecosystem, the UBD-K8500 joins the 2016 Samsung SUHD TV lineup in UHDA Premium Certifications.

Samsung’s recently released HDR-compatible UBD-K8500 offers four times the resolution and 64 times higher color expression than conventional Blu-ray players. When paired with Samsung SUHD TV’s Quantum Dot Display, the UBD-K8500 delivers a level of picture quality never before seen in the home. Its built-in upscaling technology enhances the picture quality from standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

The UBD-K8500 was tested to see if it could precisely read all of the information on a Blu-ray disc, which also bears the UHDA Premium logo, and reproduce what exactly is needed to meet true premium UHD picture quality. Moving forward, ULTRA HD PREMIUM logo from the UHDA will be included on all Samsung Ultra Blu-ray players to help consumers easily identify premium technologies and choose products with confidence.

“We are thrilled that the Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player has received the Premium Certification from the UHDA, and even more thrilled to offer our consumers a complete premium UHD home entertainment experience through the Samsung Ultra HD Blu-ray player and the 2016 SUHD TV lineup” said John JY KIM, Vice President of AV Product Marketing Group at Samsung. “Thanks to the industry’s continued focus on growing the UHD ecosystem to the fullest, consumers can expect more premium options with the best picture quality available – all at the comfort of their homes.”

As a trusted authority in UHD picture quality, the UHDA Premium Certification is designed to help consumers identify televisions, content and now playback devices that are capable of delivering a premium viewing experience at home. The certification is reserved for products, content and services that align with the rigorous performance metrics set by the UHDA for resolution, high dynamic range, peak luminance, black levels and wide color gamut.

The UHDA’s Premium Certification was adopted to TV products and UHD contents, but has now expanded to include Ultra HD Blu-ray players. Inclusion in this prestigious certification marks a meaningful step forward for Ultra HD Blu-ray players as it insures exacting video specifications are met to insure the players video output signal maintains artistic intent.

2016 AMOLED Market, UBI Forecasts USD 14.8 Billion, IHS 15 Billion…Rapid Growth

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2016~2020 AMOLED Market (Source = UBI Research)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

The global AMOLED market is estimated to record USD 15 billion in 2016.

According to IHS, market research company, 2016 global AMOLED market is expected to record USD 15 billion, an increase of 25% from 2015. IHS estimates that OLED’s low yield and lifetime are improving, and new markets such as VR are expanding.

IHS’ forecast is similar to UBI Research’s estimation of USD 14.8 billion.

According to UBI Research’s 2016 OLED Display Annual Report, the global AMOLED market is expected to record USD 14.8 billion and maintain the high growth at CAGR of 49% until 2020. The company estimates that the fast growth will be possible due to active mass production of OLED panel for TV and flexible OLED panel for mobile device, and the start of latecomers’ mass production.

Both research companies expect high growth for OLED panel for smartphone and TV.

IHS forecasts that OLED equipped smartphone will occupy up to 21% of the total smartphone market, an increase of 4% from 2015. Furthermore, the company estimates that the OLED TV panel shipment will increase to over 900,000 units, an increase of 125% from last year.

For UBI Research, the company expects the shipment of 4-6 inch panel for smartphone to be 242.9 million units in this year’s OLED panel market. The shipment for 55 inch or larger large size panel for TV is expected to be 1.2 million units.

Meanwhile, this rapid growth of AMOLED market is being led by Korea. 2016 OLED Display Annual Report estimates that AMOLED panels to be produced in Korea are expected to be approximately 270 million units and occupy about 95% of the total shipment. Korea is also estimated to occupy 96% of the revenue for this market in 2016 with USD 14.218 billion.

 

JDI to Participate in SID DISPLAY WEEK 2016

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Source = JDI

Source = JDI

 

Japan Display Inc. ( JDI ) will be participating in The Society of Information Display (SID) DISPLAY WEEK 2016, International Symposium, Seminar, and Exhibition. The event will begin on Sunday, May 22, 2016, through Friday, May 27, 2016 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, USA. JDI will be delivering presentations at the symposium and exhibition at booth # 917.

Based on the concept of “LTPS World – What JDI’s LTPS offers”, created by low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) technology, JDI will be exhibiting it’s latest technologies and products, including high resolution 8K4K liquid crystal display (LCD) modules, “WhiteMagic” LCD modules characterized by low power consumption, reflective-type LCD modules, “Pixel Eyes” modules integrating touch functionality into the interior of the display (in-cell), displays for automotive, industrial applications, and other innovations. This company will also be delivering six presentations at the symposium, which will bring together researchers and engineers involved with displays from around the world.

It`s booth will be divided into sections dedicated to exhibit displays for mobile (smartphones and PC/tablets) application, automotive applications, reflective displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology, and industrial applications. In each array of products will be exhibited, including the World’s first standard monitor Size 17.3-inch 8K4K.

Not Only Samsung and LG, but Also BOE and AUO…Panel Profit Plunges due to LCD

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Source = BOE

Source = BOE

 Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Although Samsung and LG both had smooth Q1 2016 for set businesses including TV, display sectors were different. The majority of the industry believes that global oversupply of LCD’s effects was great. Key LCD players in China, who could be seen as responsible for the LCD oversupply, also showed bleak performance. Key global LCD panel companies, including BOE and AUO, also revealed much reduced Q1 2016 profit.

On 28 April, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics announced that the business profit in Q1 2016 improved. Samsung Electronics recorded KRW 6.68 trillion business profit, a 12% increase compared to Q1 2015. LG Electronics also announced operating profit of KRW 505.2 billion, up 65.5% from last year. Both companies emphasized favorable TV business.

On the other hand, Samsung and LG both received significant damages in display sector. In Q1 2016, Samsung Display recorded operating loss of KRW 270 billion. Samsung Display recorded a profit against expectations. However, the business profit of KRW 39,500 million in Q1 2016 is a 94.7% fall from last year.

Not only Samsung and LG, but display leaders in Greater China region also showed much diminished performance. BOE, which has been aggressively investing in large area LCD mass production, showed a 6.7% increase from previous year with approximately CNY 12,300 million for Q1 2016 revenue. In Q1, BOE showed business profit of CNY 108 million, but profit ratio plummeted compared to the same period in 2015. The profit ratio in Q1 2016 fell to 0.8% from 8% in Q1 2015. On 28 April, Taiwan’s AUO also revealed TWD 5.58 trillion business loss in Q1 2016.

BOE and AUO are both key players within the global LCD TV panel industry, and within the top 5 in the Greater China region. BOE, in particular, is chasing the leader LG Display with aggressive product supply. The fact that BOE recorded dismal results despite this is analyzed to be due to price fall due to the oversupply of LCD and spread of OLED among others.

For global OLED leader for mobile device, Samsung Display, was known to have recorded deficit of approximately KRW 900 billion in LCD despite Samsung Electronics’ strength in OLED smartphone. Essentially, LCD eroded the profit that OLED brought. For LG Display, experts believe that as a leader of OLED for TV market, the company could avoid deficit by making up for the damages from the LCD price fall.

An expert of the display industry explained that LCD leaders such as BOE might have expanded market share with the product supply, but would have received significant damage in profit ratio. However, he explained that compared to 30 inch LCD panel, 50 inch and 60 inch level large area LCD panel received less fallout from the price fall. He then estimated that as the large size TV demand is increasing, the LCD industry could be improved in Q2.

 

AU Optronics Corp. Reports First Quarter 2016 Financial Results

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Source = AU Optronics Corp.

Source = AU Optronics Corp.

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

AU Optronics Corp. ( AUO ) held its investor conference and announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2016.

Consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2016 were NT$71.14 billion, down 14.7% from the previous quarter. Gross profit was NT$0.39 billion, with gross margin of 0.5%. Operating loss was NT$5.10 billion, with the operating margin of -7.2%. AUO’s net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was NT$5.58 billion. Net loss attributable to owners of the Company was NT$5.48 billion, with a basic EPS(2) of -NT$0.57.

In the first quarter of 2016, large-sized panel(3) shipments totaled 24.43 million units, a decrease of 11.5% quarter-over-quarter. Shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels in the same quarter exceeded 37.75 million units, up by 13.0% quarter-over-quarter.

AU Optronics Corp’s unaudited consolidated results for the first quarter of 2016 were highlighted as below:

  • Revenues of NT$71.14 billion
  • Net loss of NT$5.58 billion
  • Basic EPS (2) of -NT$0.57
  • Gross margin was 0.5%
  • Operating margin was -7.2%
  • EBITDA(4) margin was 6.8%

As the first quarter was the traditional slow season and the customers continued to digest their inventories carried from the end of last year, market prices for panels were still on the decline. As a result, AUO’s financial results in the first quarter were less than ideal. Despite of such challenging market conditions, the management team has managed the Company’s inventory prudently, and kept its net debt to equity ratio at a low level at 17.6%. Overall speaking, the Company has been able to maintain its financial structure at a stable and healthy status.

Beginning from March, the market demand has shown signs of recovery, benefiting from the inventory preparation for the coming sports events and the Labor Day sales in China. Looking forward to the second quarter, the business momentum is expected to continue. AUO will keep promoting high value-added products, including curved TV panels, bezel-less TV panels, and integrated touch panels for notebook PCs, industrial PCs and cars. By continuing to pursue product strategies of “differentiation”, “quality optimization” and “value enhancement”, it is hoped that AUO can stand out from its peers in the panel industry with ever-intensifying competition.

LG Elec., Premium Focused Strategy Results in Highest Profitability 2016 1Q

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Source : LG Elec.

Source : LG Elec.

 

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced first-quarter 2016 operating profit of KRW 505.2 billion (USD 420.25 million), a 65.5 percent increase from the same period in 2015 on sales of KRW 13.36 trillion (USD 11.12 billion).

The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company contributed the largest amount, KRW 407.8 billion (USD 339.23 million) in operating income for the quarter, while the LG Home Entertainment Company earned KRW 335.2 billion (USD 278.84 million) in operating profit, both up significantly from the first quarter of 2015. The LG Mobile Communications Company posted an operating loss of KRW 202.2 billion (USD 168.20 million) primarily due to increased marketing expenditures for the new LG G5 flagship smartphone, while the LG Vehicle Components Company reported a modest loss of KRW 15.8 billion (USD 13.14 million) reflecting higher R&D investments.

LG’s overall global sales and profitability are expected to improve in the second quarter, with double-digit growth in revenues and higher profitability anticipated as LG continues its premium-focused strategy with LG SIGNATURE products, the LG G5 smartphone and 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs.

LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company recorded sales of KRW 4.22 trillion (USD 3.51 billion) in the first quarter, an increase of 4 percent year-on-year due in large part to higher premium product sales and growth in its B2B operations. Operating profit and operating margin of 9.7 percent were the highest in the history of LG home appliances. Revenues in the Korean domestic market increased 11 percent from the same period the previous year thanks to strong performance of TWIN Wash washing machines, premium refrigerators and commercial air conditioners. Weaker demand caused by the drop in oil prices and unfavorable currency exchange movements negatively affected sales in markets such as the Middle East, South America and CIS, while revenues in North America and Europe remained strong.

LG Mobile Communications Company reported sales of KRW 2.96 trillion (USD 2.46 billion), a decline of 15.5 percent from the first quarter last year. Shipments of 13.5 million smartphones were 12 percent lower both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, mainly as a result of the business entering the slow season as well as declining shipments of existing flagship models due to high interest in the recently announced LG G5. Competition in the smartphone market will continue to increase, leading to further price erosion which LG plans to counter with a strong global push for the modular LG G5 smartphone and new mass-tier models such as its X series.

LG Home Entertainment Company reported revenues of KRW 4.33 trillion (USD 3.6 billion), down 2.3 percent from last year’s first quarter as TV shipments declined somewhat in the key markets of North America and Europe. A solid operating margin of 7.7 percent was accompanied by a 207 percent increase quarter-on-quarter in operating income, demonstrating strong evidence of the growing demand for premium OLED and 4K OLED TV products. Improved cost structure and cost competitiveness is expected to drive improved profitability in the next quarter.

LG Vehicle Components Company sales of KRW 592.9 billion (USD 493.2 million) represent a 55 percent year-on-year increase, on the back of LG’s growing automotive infotainment business, although profitability was negatively affected by increased R&D investments. The outlook for LG’s automotive business is positive, with higher expected demand for electric vehicle components and as LG expands its global reach and secures new customers.

Samsung, Despite the Favorable TV Sales in Q1, Display Still in Deficit

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Source = Samsung Elec.

Samsung Elec. today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016. Samsung’s revenue for the quarter was KRW 49.78 trillion, an increase of 5.7 percent YoY, while operating profit for the quarter was KRW 6.68 trillion, an increase of 12 percent YoY. In the company’s earnings guidance disclosed on April 7, 2016, Samsung estimated first quarter consolidated revenues would reach approximately KRW 49.0 trillion with consolidated operating profit of approximately KRW 6.6 trillion.

The first quarter saw overall earnings growth led by the early launch and successful sales of the flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, improved memory product mix, expanded 14nm supply of System LSI products and increased sales of OLED panels.
Overall earnings of the Display Panel business decreased due to a sharp decline in LCD panel earnings although earnings of OLED panels improved mainly driven by the Galaxy S7. The LCD business experienced temporary yield issues while adopting new process technology as well as TV panel price decline.

The IT & Mobile Communications (IM) Division saw a substantial earnings improvement both YoY and QoQ mainly driven by the early launch of Galaxy S7 and its strong sales and improved cost efficiency through the streamlining of mid-to-low-end smartphone lineups. Although the company had a one-time royalty settlement expense in the quarter, the impact on operating profit was equivalent to less than 1 percent of IM revenue.

The Consumer Electronics (CE) Division achieved significant earnings growth YoY led by expanded sales of premium TV models such as SUHD TV and Curved TV in developed markets, and also a notable sales increase of premium home appliance products in North America.

In the second quarter, the company expects its solid performance to continue led by steady earnings in the Mobile and Semiconductor businesses plus improvement of the CE and Display Panel businesses.

The IM Division is expected to secure solid earnings by expanding sales of the Galaxy S7 along with strong profitability of mid-to-low-end products. The CE Division expects to see improvements as seasonality should improve air conditioner sales, while flagship SUHD TV sales are expected to increase.

The Display Panel segment is expected to see earnings improvement compared to the previous quarter as LCD profitability is forecast to rise on stabilized TV panel yields and improved demand and supply conditions.

For the Display Panel business, OLED earnings are expected to improve due to growth driven by an increase in flexible and high-resolution panels. LCD panel profitability is expected to improve in the second half driven by high valued-added products amid better supply and demand conditions.

For the IM Division, the company expects the sales of flagship products to increase YoY, especially with strong demand for flagship products such as the Galaxy S7 and new model launches in the second half. In addition, the company will continue to manage cost efficiencies by streamlining its smartphone lineups.

For the CE Division, the company will focus on profitability by increasing premium products such as SUHD and Curved TVs. With the Olympics and other global sporting events forecast to drive global demand for large-size TVs, the company expects strong improvements in operating results YoY.

Meanwhile, capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the first quarter was KRW 4.6 trillion, which includes KRW 2.1 trillion for the Semiconductor business and KRW 1.8 trillion for the Display Panel business. The annual plan for CAPEX has not yet been confirmed but is projected to increase slightly compared to last year’s CAPEX based on various business opportunities. CAPEX for the Display Panel segment may increase as the company sees strong market demand for OLED panels. DRAM CAPEX will remain flexible based on supply and demand conditions but is expected to be lower than 2015.

The Display Panel segment posted KRW 6.04 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.27 trillion in operating loss for the quarter.

In the first quarter, shipments of OLED panels improved from the previous quarter, driven by launches of new high-end smartphone panels and strong demand for smartphones in the mid-to-low-end space. Conversely, the company’s LCD panel shipments decreased, affected by weaker demand during low seasonality.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, for OLED panels, Samsung hopes to actively address demand for new products and expand its customer base, while focusing on improving profitability of LCD panels by increasing shipments of strategic premium products such as UHD and large-size panels.

In 2016, the company expects OLED demand will continue to rise helped largely by growth in the mid-to-low-end smartphone segment while the LCD market will continue to be over supplied. In this market, Samsung hopes to actively address demand for new products, increase sales of value-added products and reinforce its leadership by developing new panel applications.

The IM Division – comprising the Mobile Communications and Networks Businesses – posted KRW 27.60 trillion in consolidated revenue, a 6.6-percent YoY increase, and KRW 3.89 trillion in operating profit for the quarter, a 42-percent YoY increase.

While smartphone and tablet demand saw a slight QoQ decrease due to seasonal effects, overall operating profit for the Division increased. This increase was largely due to the early launch and strong global performance of the flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, as evidenced by robust sell-out figures and low inventory levels compared to their predecessors. A streamlined mid-to-low-end smartphone lineup also contributed to improved profitability.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, while demand for smartphones and tablets is forecast to remain flat due to continued weak seasonality, the worldwide rollout of the latest flagship models as well as an increase in shipments of the mid-to-low-end Galaxy A and J series are expected to help the company maintain robust sales momentum and profit.

As for the year ahead, Samsung anticipates softening demand in the smartphone market and negative growth in the tablet market. The company will reinforce its leadership in the premium smartphone segment on the back of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, while continuing to increase volume and improve profitability in the mid-to-low-end segment. In addition, the company will continue to expand the Samsung Pay service to global markets and look into new business opportunities.

For the Networks Business, the company will seek growth through the continued rollout of 4G LTE services in new markets around the world, including Southeast Asia.

The Consumer Electronics Division – encompassing the Visual Display (VD), Digital Appliances (DA), Printing Solutions and Health & Medical Equipment (HME) businesses – posted KRW 10.62 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.51 trillion in operating profit for the quarter.

In the first quarter, TV market demand decreased YoY due to weak seasonality and economic downturn in emerging markets. Earnings for the VD Business showed significant growth YoY, led by increased sales of premium products such as SUHD and Curved TVs.

For the appliances business, earnings improved compared to the corresponding quarter last year, led by continued growth in the North American market and increased sales of innovative premium products such as Chef Collection refrigerators and the Activewash™ washing machine.

In the second quarter, TV demand is expected to slightly increase riding on sports events such as the Olympics. The company plans to further improve profitability by continuing to focus on the new and improved SUHD TVs with the world’s only cadmium-free Quantum dot display, while also increasing sales of premium products such as UHD TVs and Curved TVs.

Digital appliance demand is expected to rise due to seasonal growth for air conditioners, despite global market uncertainties. Against this backdrop, Samsung aims to increase profitability by expanding sales of innovative premium products such as a newly launched air conditioner and Family Hub Refrigerator. Additionally, the company expects to improve performance by expanding its enterprise business including built-in kitchens and system air conditioners.

LGD Records 40 billion KRW Profit Against Expectations…“1 Million OLED TV Panel to be Shipped 2016”

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Source = LGD

Source = LGD

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Display reported today unaudited earnings results based on consolidated K-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) for the three-month period ending March 31, 2016.

  • Revenue in the first quarter of 2016 decreased by 20% to KRW 5,989 billion from KRW 7,496 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 and decreased by 15% from KRW 7,022 billion in the first quarter of 2015.
  • Operating profit in the first quarter of 2016 recorded KRW 40 billion, a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 34% from the operating profit of KRW 61 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015, and a year-on-year decrease of 95% from the operating profit of KRW 744 billion in the first quarter of 2015.
  • EBITDA in the first quarter of 2016 was KRW 853 billion, compared with EBITDA of KRW 882 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 and with EBITDA of KRW 1,595 billion in the first quarter of 2015.
  • Net income in the first quarter of 2016 amounted to KRW 1 billion, compared with the net loss of KRW 14 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015, and a year-on-year decrease from the net income of KRW 476 billion in the first quarter of 2015.

LG Display announced its sixteenth straight quarterly operating profit at KRW 40 billion, which resulted from a thorough and profit-focused management based on differentiated technologies in response to a difficult market situation caused by panel oversupply and falling panel prices.

To deal with the difficult market situation, LG Display reduced the manufacturing of TV panels of 30-inches and below, which faced a large fall in prices, while expanding production of 40-inch range TV panels and those of 60-inch and above. The company also increased profitability by focusing on premium differentiated products based on M+ technology and maximized production efficiency in its overall operations by flexibly allocating production between IT product panels and TV panels.

Panels for TVs accounted for 38% of the revenue in the first quarter of 2016, tablets and notebook PCs for 24%, mobile devices for 23%, and desktop monitors for 15%.

With 77% in the liability-to-equity ratio, 153% in the current ratio, and 15% in the net debt-to-equity ratio as of March 31, 2016, the financial structure of the company remains stable.

LG Display will continue to increase profitability by concentrating on premium products such as Ultra HD TV panels based on its M+ technology to respond to a growing demand for large-size TVs, and make efforts to maximize efficiency by improving the manufacturing process in the second quarter of 2016.

Mr. Don Kim, CFO of LG Display, said “Panel shipments in the second quarter of 2016 are expected to increase by a mid-single digit percentage compared to the first quarter. Panel prices are expected to stabilize due to global sports events and an increase in new product shipments.”

 

◆ 65 inch, 30% of Total OLED Panel Shipment… 4-5 Trillion KRW Installation Investment

 

During the morning conference call on 27 April, LGD emphasized that the proportion of panel for ultra large size TV is increasing.

LGD reported that OLED panel shipment in Q1 2016 is slightly less than 200,000 units and estimated they will be able to ship 1 million units this year. While the 55 inch occupied over 85% of the total in 2015, in this year’s quarter the 55 inch proportion decreased slightly and 65 inch increased up to 30%.

LGD is operating OLED panel mass production line at 34,000 units per month as of H2 2015, and explained that the company will achieve Gen8 60,000 units capacity from Q2 2017. This year’s installation investment is expected to be of 4-5 trillion KRW. Along with this, LGD expects global oversupply of LTPS capacity, and revealed they will transform LTPS into plastic OLED (POLED) in stages.

LGD emphasized that the 55 inch FHD line’s golden yield has been almost achieved. The UHD section is also improving yield according to plan.

Apple Reports Second Quarter Results

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Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter (Source: Apple)

Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter (Source: Apple)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter ended March 26, 2016. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $50.6 billion and quarterly net income of $10.5 billion, or $1.90 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $58 billion and net income of $13.6 billion, or $2.33 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 39.4 percent compared to 40.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 67 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

“Our team executed extremely well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We are very happy with the continued strong growth in revenue from Services, thanks to the incredible strength of the Apple ecosystem and our growing base of over one billion active devices.”

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase of $50 billion to the Company’s program to return capital to shareholders. Under the expanded program, Apple plans to spend a cumulative total of $250 billion of cash by the end of March 2018.

“We generated strong operating cash flow of $11.6 billion and returned $10 billion to shareholders through our capital return program during the March quarter,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “Thanks to the strength of our business results, we are happy to be announcing today a further increase of the program to $250 billion.”

As part of the updated program, the Board has increased its share repurchase authorization to $175 billion from the $140 billion level announced last year. The Company also expects to continue to net-share-settle vesting restricted stock units.

The Board has approved an increase of 10 percent to the Company’s quarterly dividend, and has declared a dividend of $.57 per share, payable on May 12, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2016.

From the inception of its capital return program in August 2012 through March 2016, Apple has returned over $163 billion to shareholders, including $117 billion in share repurchases.

The Company plans to continue to access the domestic and international debt markets to assist in funding the program. The management team and the Board will continue to review each element of the capital return program regularly and plan to provide an update on the program on an annual basis.

Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2016 third quarter:

  • revenue between $41 billion and $43 billion
  • gross margin between 37.5 percent and 38 percent
  • operating expenses between $6 billion and $6.1 billion
  • other income/(expense) of $300 million
  • tax rate of 25.5 percent

 

2016 Global OLED Emitting Materials Market to Record $677Mn…94% by Samsung and LG

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OLED Emitting Materials Market Forecast, Source: UBI Research’s 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

 

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

This year’s global OLED emitting materials market is expected to record US$ 677 million, approximately a 16% increase compared to 2015.

According to 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report, published by UBI Research, the global OLED emitting materials market is to grow at CAGR of 46%, and record US$ 4,323 million in 2021. The reasons for continued rapid growth include AMOLED equipped smartphone and large area OLED panel mass production increase. AMOLED panel equipped Galaxy S7 series is expected to be a hit this year, and AMOLED application of mainstream Galaxy series is also expected to increase compared to last year.

Furthermore, LG Display is planning to greatly increase this year’s large area OLED panel production. Chinese panel companies are also to actively begin AMOLED panel mass production from this year. Accordingly, the amount of OLED materials entering the global display market will increase.

The global demand for OLED emitting materials in 2016 is estimated to be approximately 38 tonnes. Of this, the amount expected to be used in Korea is approximately 36 tonnes, about 93% of the total demand. Basically, just the amount used by the 2 Korean OLED panel companies, Samsung Display and LG Display, is 93% of the global market. 64% of the total demand is Samsung Display, and 29% is LG Display.

In terms of revenue, of this year’s US$ 677 million, Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to occupy 94%.

As key Chinese panel companies, including BOE, are carrying out or planning AMOLED mass production line, China’s emitting materials demand is estimated to increase from 2017. Accordingly, of global OLED demand, China’s proportion is expected to increase each year, and Korea’s to decrease.

LED Market Revenue ↓ for First Time…2015, $14,300 Mn

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 Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Last year, the global LED market recorded its first decrease. This is analyzed to be due to aftermath of price competition.  the spread of OLED is also one of the reason.

According to recent report of LEDinside, the global LED market recorded revenue of US$ 14.32 billion in 2015. This is a 3% fall compared to 2014, and this is the first time that this market recorded a fall.

This is judged to be due to intense price competition from the oversupply. In fact, 2015 LED’s ASP (average selling price) fell by over 40% compared to 2014 due to price competition.

Along with this, OLED lighting market growth is also becoming one of the factors in LED market depression.

OLED lighting panel is more expensive, and still has technical issues. However, it is light and flexible, and technical issues are gradually improving; OLED lighting market is continuously growing. Above all, that it can create a new market that did not exist in the existing lighting sector is receiving much attention.

IDTechEx forecasts that the OLED lighting panel market will reach US$ 1.8 billion in 2025.

 

 

 

2016 Apple Watch Shipment to Fall by More than 25%…Watch Market, Below Expectations

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Apple Watch(Source=Apple)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

With the trend of smartwatch market’s below expectation growth, some believe that this year’s Apple Watch shipment volume will decrease by 25% or more compared to last year.

On 19 April, international media such as OLED-a reported this citing KGI investment. KGI’s research estimates that 10,600,000 units of Apple Watch were sold in 2015, and forecast that much reduced 7,500,000 units or less will be sold this year. What is worse, last year’s sales volume is the total of 8 months sales, and this year’s forecast volume is for 12 months.

KGI suggested 2 reasons for this decrease.

First, this is because the wearable device market is still an immature one, formed not too long ago.

Second, the product itself still has many flaws. Also, of the wearable applications, there is a lack of killer application that pulls in consumers. Hardware also needs further improvements. Short battery lifetime and iPhone dependent functions are analyzed to be factors preventing the demand increase.

KGI forecasts the mass production of the next Apple Watch will begin in Q3 2016. Some estimates that the next product will be released before that in June this year. However, this product is more of an S model upgrade with few changes to the existing product. KGI estimated that the demand improvement will take place when 2017 product, the new product after this one is released.

Much like the not so optimistic forecast of Apple Watch, the smartwatch market growth is also not meeting the expectations. In 2016 Wearable Smart Device International Forum and Exhibition held in Seoul hosted by Korean Display Industry Association, IDTechEX’s analyst James Hayward explained that smartwatch market is growing at below expectations, and it is estimated that eye wear market, such as AR and VR, will have greater growth rather than watch.

 

Apple’s WWDC Kicks Off June 13 in San Francisco

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WWDC will be held on June 13(Source : Apple)

WWDC will be held on June 13(Source : Apple)

 

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com
Apple announced that it will hold its 27th annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), hosting the creative talent behind the world’s most innovative apps, from June 13 through 17 in San Francisco. At WWDC, Apple’s developer community comes together from all corners of the globe to learn about the future of Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS.

Monday’s kickoff events, including the keynote address, will be held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The rest of the week’s conference sessions will take place at Moscone West.

“With four innovative operating systems and a new, intuitive programming language powering over 1 billion devices worldwide, there has never been a more exciting time to bring our developer community together,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “WWDC 2016 is going to be a landmark event for developers who are coding in Swift, and building apps and products for iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS. We can’t wait for everyone to join us — in San Francisco or through the live stream.”

Developers can apply for tickets via the WWDC website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/register/) now through Friday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Tickets will be issued to attendees through a random selection process, and developers will be notified on the status of their application by Monday, April 25 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. For the second consecutive year, there will be up to 350 WWDC Scholarships available, giving students and STEM organization members from around the world an opportunity to earn a ticket to meet and collaborate with some of the most talented developers of Apple’s ever-growing app ecosystem (developer.apple.com/wwdc/scholarships/). Additionally, this year, we will provide travel assistance to up to 125 scholarship recipients to ensure aspiring developers with financial limitations have an opportunity to participate.

WWDC sessions will be streamed live throughout the week via the website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/live/) and through the WWDC app, giving developers around the world access to the week’s news and events.

Visit the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2016 website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/register/) to apply for a ticket, as well as for updates and more information.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

 

BMW’s Olaf Kastner to Deliver Keynote at CES Asia 2016

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Source : BMW

Source : BMW

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ today announced that Olaf Kastner, president and CEO, BMW Group Region China, will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming CES Asia™ 2016, Asia’s premier technology event. Owned and produced by CTA, and co-produced by Intex Shanghai, the second annual CES Asia will run May 11-13, 2016 in Shanghai, China.

Kastner’s keynote will take place at 10 AM, Thursday, May 12 in the Kerry Hotel, Shanghai Ballrooms 2-3. He will illustrate BMW’s vision about a new eco-system for individual mobility, which is characterized by sustainability, connectivity and automated driving.

“BMW is a driving force in the automotive industry, combining cutting-edge engineering with the latest technology innovation that makes cars safer, more efficient and fun to drive,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “As a global automaker and champion of innovation, congratulations on a successful 100 years and we look forward to Olaf Kastner sharing BMW’s plans for the future.”

Olaf Kastner, president and CEO, BMW Group Region China, previously served as the president and CEO, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., China and the finance director for BMW (UK) Ltd. In 2014, Mr. Kastner was granted the National Friendship Award of China. Mr. Kastner holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hamburg, Germany.

The relationship between technology and cars is reaching new heights and the latest in-vehicle innovations will be on display at CES Asia 2016, including advancements in driverless vehicles, connectivity and display technology. More than 25 automotive and vehicle technology companies will exhibit at the show, including Baidu, BMW, Cobra Electronics, Continental Automotive Holding, Mercedes-Benz, NavInfo, Peiker, Pioneer, Sogou Technology Development, OnStar/Chevrolet, TE Connectivity and Volvo.

“Today’s consumers want their cars to be as technologically innovative and integrated as the rest of their lives,” noted Shapiro. “Automotive companies recognize that CES Asia is a highly effective and visible platform to introduce their latest innovations into the Asian market and meet this growing demand.”

CES Asia will feature two vehicle technology conference sessions in the Kerry Hotel.

Breakthroughs in Autonomous Vehicles:  Features a panel discussion focused on the challenges associated with autonomous driving regulations in China.
Connected Car: Explores the profound impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the driving experience. How do these new technologies affect the Asian marketplace and what automotive innovations can consumers look forward to?

Returning to Shanghai for its second year, CES Asia 2016 is expanding from two exhibit halls in 2015 to four with a show floor that will span 32,000 gross square meters (16,000 net square meters). Featuring more than 300 exhibiting companies , the entire global technology industry will be represented at CES Asia across 15 product categories from 3D printing and smart home to vehicle technology and wearables.

 

Galaxy S7 and S7 edge Now Available in Pink Gold

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Galaxy S7 and S7 edge Pink Gold(Source : Samsung Elec.)

Samsung Electronics has released Pink Gold editions of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, bringing the total of available colors for the devices to five. Debuting in Korea on April 20, the Pink Gold Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will soon be available for customers in select markets.

Pink Gold was chosen as it, like the other colors available for the  S7 and S7 edge, is a natural color that provides a sense of comfort. These hues glitter and shimmer as if illuminated from inside their glass surfaces.

In particular, the refined, skin tone-inspired Pink Gold color scheme is intended to soothe and incorporate a touch of gentleness, radiance and sophistication to the smartphones’ design.

As well as Pink Gold, the S7 and S7 edge are available in a choice of Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, White Pearl and Silver Titanium.

UDC’s 2015 OLED Emitting Materials Revenue $ 113 million, a 11% Decrease…Still Leading Market

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Source : UDC

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

UDC (Universal Display) that is dominating the global OLED emitting materials market, recorded 11% reduced OLED emitting materials revenue in 2015 compared to 2014. Despite the decreased revenue, it maintained its top place in the market.

According to 2016 OLED Emitting Material Annual Report, published by UBI Research, UDC recorded approximately $ 113 million in 2015 OLED emitting materials revenue. In 2014, this company’s OLED emitting materials revenue recorded $ 127 million and led the global market, and maintained its position in 2015.

In particular, this company is a dominating presence in dopant materials sector. In 2015, UDC occupied 82% of the dopant materials sector, and the rest of the companies share the remaining 18%. Based on the phosphorescent patents, it is supplying phosphorescent red and green dopant to Samsung Display and LG Display.

Following UDC’s top place in 2015 global OLED emitting materials market in terms of revenue, Idemitsu Kosan ranked 2nd, and this was followed by Novaled, Dow Chem., and Samsung SDI. In 2013, Dow Chem. was at the top of the market, but since 2014 UDC overtook the leadership. In 2016, LG Display’s OLED TV mass production line operation rate, materials structure of Galaxy Note series to be mass produced in H2, and other factors are expected to affect the OLED emitting materials market.

UDC is scheduled to announce 2016 Q1 performance on 5 May (local time).

 

Sharp will release RoBoHoN, a robot-shaped phone

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RoBoHoN(Source : Sharp)

                                    (Source : Sharp)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Sharp Corporation will release RoBoHoN, a small and easily portable robot-shaped phone.

The phone was developed in collaboration with Tomotaka Takahashi, Project Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology and CEO of robot development company Robo Garage Co., Ltd. RoBoHoN is the world’s first*1 mobile robotic phone. This humanoid robot can walk on two legs and is compact enough (approx. 19.5 cm tall) to be carried almost anywhere.

Supporting LTE and 3G networks, it has all the basic mobile phone functions, such as phone, e-mail, and camera, as well as a range of services accessed through dedicated apps, all of which are used by conversing with this humanoid. A newly developed built-in compact laser projector*2 with focus-free operation allows users to project photos, videos, and maps onto a screen or wall. Users can also download dedicated apps to give it new functions and services. What’s more, it can grow to accommodate more natural communication with the user by learning the user’s profile and usage situation.

In conjunction with the product launch, an official RoBoHoN website provides users with cloud services and information on connectivity, product warranty, and how to reserve and purchase RoBoHoN.

Sharp is focusing on promoting and supporting RoBoHoN, a totally new concept in IT mobile devices.

Foxconn’s Large Size Panel Yield, Equal to Samsung·LG within 2016

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Foxconn is expected to occupy approximately 22% of 2016 Q4 global large size panel yield(Source : Foxconn)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn is expected to occupy approximately 22% of 2016 Q4 global large size panel yield, similar to the levels of Samsung Display and LG Display.

Foxconn, recently confirmed to buy 66% of Sharp’s stake for $ 3.5 billion, is estimated to actively invest in improving Sharp’s panel competitiveness against Samsung Display and LG Display.

DigiTimes recently reported their research indicates Sharp’s large size panel yield will occupy 5.3% of global market in Q4 2016. This places the company on the 7th place after Samsung Display, LG Display, Innolux, AUO, BOE, and CSOT.

However, Sharp and Innolux are under Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn Technology). If the Q4 2016 large size panel yield of Sharp and Innolux are combined, the global occupancy is added to 21.9%. This is approximately the same level as Samsung Display (23.7%) and LG Display (22.7%).

Foxconn is analyzed to be investing in Sharp mainly with focus on OLED. According to a recent DigiTimes article, Foxconn is planning to invest approximately US$ 1.8 billion in OLED development.

DigiTimes estimates that Foxconn will actively begin mass production of OLED for smartphone from 2018, and expand the production to large and medium-sized OLED panel for TV, notebook, etc. Foxconn is forecast to begin shipment of OLED for TV from 2021, and annually ship 7,200,000 units of OLED panel for TV in 2025.

Adoption of Idemitsu’s Material in LG’s OLED TV

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Source : Idemitsu Kosan

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.´s (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Takashi Tsukioka, hereinafter “Idemitsu”) OLED material will be used for LG Electronics Japan Inc.´s (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: In-gyu Lee) latest OLED TV which will be released in Japan this coming mid-May. An

An OLED TV is a next-generation television that has a display which eliminates the need for backlight, which is different from an LCD TV.

Eliminating the need for backlight makes it possible to not only provide a curved and super-thin display but to also represent jet black without being affected by the illumination of the backlight.

Idemitsu has studied and developed OLED materials since the 1980s and has a particular advantage in the development of high-performance blue light-emitting materials. In addition, Idemitsu also has many related patents and manufacturing plants in both Japan and South Korea, and supplies materials to a variety of manufacturers.

After the agreement to form a strategic alliance regarding the OLED business in 2009, Idemitsu and the LG Group concluded an agreement for mutual cooperation in the field of OLED technology and device-related patent licensing in December 2014.

As leading companies, each company has achieved results in product development through their active efforts in this field.

As a result of concluding the agreement, Idemitsu´s OLED material will be used for LG Electronics´ latest television to be released in Japan following the world´s first large high-definition OLED TV which was released by LG Electronics in 2013.

Both companies will continue to provide technical cooperation to develop materials and products that will popularize the use of OLED displays.

Samsung, announced the availability and pricing for New SUHD TVs

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Samsung Electronics America, announced the availability and pricing for its 2016 line up, including SUHD TVs.(Source=Samsung Elec.)

Samsung Electronics America, announced the availability and pricing for its 2016 line up, including SUHD TVs.(Source=Samsung Elec.)

Samsung Electronics America, the leader in home entertainment for over 10 years, announced the availability and pricing for its 2016 line up, including an entirely new Flagship model series – the KS9800, bringing a new meaning to Smart TV.

“Samsung has always been about the ultimate experience in Picture Quality. This year is no different. Our new SUHD models provide the brightest, most realistic color and clarity for every viewing environment,” said Dave Das, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. “What is new this year is our redefined Smart TV experience. We listened to our customers and made enjoying content the easiest it’s ever been”

Whether it’s SUHD, UHD or LED, Samsung delivers the brightest, most stunning picture quality, with richer colors and more dynamic audio than ever before.

Samsung’s SUHD TVs feature the world’s only cadmium-free 10 bit Quantum Dot Display, setting the quality standard of 1,000-nit HDR with the best and most vibrant color and contrast available for true-to-life picture and experience. The Ultra Black feature reduces reflections by absorbing light to help provide for deeper, richer blacks. This year’s Samsung SUHD line up meets the UHD-A’s Premium UHD certification program, which ensures consumers are getting the most premium experience from their UHD TV.

From curved and slim to the new boundless design edge, Samsung offers stunning design with optimum viewing. The new KS9500 features an immersive ‘360’ design that is elegant and looks beautiful from every angle.

Samsung’s 2016 Smart Hub Interface takes simplicity to the next level.  The new Smart Hub Interface eliminates a lengthy setup process by automatically integrating set top boxes from cable providers like Time Warner, Comcast (coming soon), and satellite services such as DIRECTV (coming in June), as well as game consoles. Users can simply plug the STB into any HDMI port, and the TV will recognize the box and provider, as well as automatically set up the remote control to access and control the STB features – not just channel up and down, but DVR controls and other commonly used controls – without the user ever having to program or “teach” the remote. It’s the ultimate in simplicity.

The UBD-K8500 supports backward compatibility, upscaling existing 3D Blu Ray, Blu Ray to near-UHD quality. The player can also handle the next generation of home audio formats, including immersive, object-based sound formats like Dolby Atmos and multi-channel systems.

For 2016, Samsung offers breathtaking design and unparalleled excellence with its new line of TVs, including a series of five Curved SUHD TVs and a series of five UHD TVs that vary in display size from 49” to 88”. Ranging from the popular curved form to the traditional flat-panel, Samsung provides consumers with sleek appeal, the most exceptional picture quality and smartest TVs.

The Samsung KS9800 SUHD TV will be available in early June in a 65” model for $4,499, and an 88” model for $19,999. A 78” model will be available in early May for $9,999.

The Samsung KS9500 Curved SUHD TV is available now in a 55” model for $2,499 and a 65” model for $3,699. A 78” model will be available in early June for $7,999.

Samsung’s KS9000 4K SUHD TV is available now in a 55” model for $2,299, and a 65” model for $3,499. A 75” model will be available in early June for $6,499.

Samsung’s KS8500 4K SUHD Curved TV is now available now in a 55” model for $1,999 and 65” model for $2,999. A 49” model will be available in May for $1,699.

The Samsung KS8000 is now available in a 55” model for $1, 799, and in a 65” model for $2,799. Starting in May, it will be available in a 49” model for $1,499, and a 60” model for $2,299.

LCD or OLED…JDI CTO “Will Seize Mobile Market though LTPS”

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JDI’s CTO Emphasizing LTPS Technology(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

As a response strategy for the future smartphone display market, Japan Display (JDI) nominated LTPS evolution. This is to continue the position that JDI achieved within the LCD market through LTPS technology in the OLED market using Advanced backplane technology.

JDI’s CTO, Hiroyuki Ohshima gave a keynote speech titled Future Perspective for Small to Medium-sized Displays in FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8), and emphasized that they will continue developing backplane technology prowess.

Furthermore, Ohshima stressed that whether the mobile display’s frontplane is IPS LCD or OLED, the key backplane technology is LTPS. he explained that unlike LCD’s stabilized technology, OLED still has issues that need to be solved such as high uniformity and stability. However, he added that OLED is the best technology to achieve flexible display comparing the merits of LCD and OLED.

Ohshima told the attendees that LTPS is a widely used technology applied to both LCD and OLED, has high electron mobility compared to other TFT technology, and high resolution, low power, etc. are possible. From 2015, JDI has been using 60 Hz Gen1 LTPS technology, and expected to use 30 Hz Gen2 Advanced LTPS from 2016, and Gen3 with 15 – 5 Hz from 2017. The evolved technology can greatly reduce energy consumption compared to the previous versions of the technology.

Furthermore, Ohshima is planning to respond to the small to medium-sized display market by developing in-cell touch, low power technology, etc. He added that small to medium-sized display, represented by smartphone, requires the integration of developed technology

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

AUO Reports March 2016 Consolidated Revenue

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AUO announced its unaudited consolidated revenue for March 2016(Source=AUO)

AUO announced its unaudited consolidated revenue for March 2016(Source=AUO)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO)announced its unaudited consolidated revenue of NT$26.27 billion for March 2016, up by 27.7% month-over-month and down by 24.5% year-over-year. Consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2016 were NT$71.14 billion, down by 14.7% from the previous quarter and 25.4% year-over-year.

Shipments of large-sized panels for LCD TV, desktop monitor, notebook PC, and other applications totaled nearly 9.55 million units in March 2016, up by 35.0% from the previous month. As for small-and-medium-sized panels, the shipments were around 14.74 million units, an increase of 26.6% month-over-month.

In the first quarter of 2016, large-sized panel shipments totaled 24.43 million units, a decrease of 11.5% quarter-over-quarter and 8.8% year-over-year. Shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels in the same quarter exceeded 37.75 million units, up by 13.0% quarter-over-quarter and down by 11.5% year-over-year.

LG Elec.`s operating profit is 505.2 billion KRW 1Q 2016…65.5%↑

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LG Elec. announced its preliminary earnings results for the 1Q of 2016(Source=LG Elec.)

LG Elec. announced its preliminary earnings results for the 1Q of 2016(Source=LG Elec.)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the first quarter of 2016.
Tentative consolidated revenues for the first quarter of 2016 is 13.36 trillion KRW and operating profit is 505.2 billion KRW. Revenues are expected to be 4.5 percent lower than the same period the year prior while operating profit will be 65.5 percent higher year-over-year.

These figures are the tentative consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS. This tentative earnings is provided as a service to investors prior to LG Electronics’ final earnings results including net profit and details regarding each division which will be announced officially later this month.

Zhaohong Zhang, BOE’s CEO, “Will Become 8K TV Market Pioneer”

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BOE’s CEO Emphasized They Will Lead 8K TV Market(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

China’s TFT-LCD company, BOE, revealed ambition that it will lead the 8K market within the TV sector.

At the Technical Conference of FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8), BOE’s CEO Zhaohong Zhang gave a keynote speech titled Strategy of Adaptation and Innovation, and emphasized that the large size TV will notably grow, and BOE will lead the large size 8K TV market.

Zhang explained that he believes the enlargement will become the growth engine for the global display market. Accordingly, he estimates that the enlargement of monitor and TV among others will spread. He added that the display market will find it difficult to grow rapidly, and the display will become larger and mobile products of FHD 400 ppi or higher and TV products of UHD 4K or higher will expand.

Zhang emphasized that BOE became the victor by earning market opportunity through scale and value innovation, affirming the determination to lead the large size TV market. In terms of BOE’s innovation directions, Zhang suggested several keywords including ▲Picture ▲Power ▲Health ▲Price ▲Panel and ▲Pilot.

In particular, BOE’s policy is to make a winning move in large size display sector. Within the smartphone and tablet sectors, Zhang plans to place UHD 4K display at the front, and lead the 8K era within TV sector. He further emphasized that with the forecast of rapid growth of large size 8K TV market from 2018, BOE will become the pioneer in 8K technology and product. In future, BOE is planning to apply 8K to all panel series for TV.

Additionally, Zhang’s strategy includes low energy consumption actualization through backplane TFT semiconductor and high aperture ratio technology. Furthermore, he stressed that by developing display that lowers eye fatigue and corrects color, BOE is considering viewer’s health too. He revealed that in order to enter the new application sectors such as automotive, medical, AR, and VR, BOE will carry out development on high resolution, touch module, flexible panel, etc.

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

Samsung Curved Monitor Surpasses One Million Sales Mark

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(Source : Samsung Elec.)

(Source : Samsung Elec.)

 

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics announced today that it has sold more than one million curved monitor products worldwide. The global display provider introduced its first curved LED monitor – the 27-inch, 4000R (curvature radius of 4,000 mm) SD590C model – in September 2014, and since has expanded its line-up to include several additional curved monitors. As a result, Samsung currently accounts for more than 85 percent of all global curved monitor sales (Source: International Data Corporation (IDC), 2015 Q4 worldwide sales results for 15”~34” curved monitors).

Designed to match the natural shape of the human eye, Samsung’s curved monitors feature uniform center-to-edge viewing distances to create a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience conducive to long-term use. Combined with extra-wide viewing angles and enhanced contrast ratios, these curved displays are ideal for gamers and at-home entertainment users seeking realistic, distraction-free picture quality. As a result, Samsung has capitalized on growing demand from these audiences (many of whom employ several monitors during game play or content viewing).

“Since the launch of our first curved monitor in 2014, we’ve seen this technology evolve to become an industry standard that gaming and entertainment viewers expect,” said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “As curved monitors continue to grow in popularity, we welcome the challenge of further advancing our displays’ design and capabilities to drive new levels of viewer engagement and comfort. We are happy to have reached one million sales for our curved monitors so far, and we look forward to delivering new curved technology innovation in the coming years.”

Samsung’s curved monitor design refinement includes the introduction of a sharper curve with each new model while maintaining a consistently sleek and stylish presentation. In January 2015, Samsung released its second curved monitor, the 34-inch SE790C, featuring 3000R curvature. The company’s latest curved offerings – the CF591 (27-inch model) and CF390 (23.5- and 27-inch models) – further expand visual possibilities with an industry-leading 1800R composition.

JOLED Propels Printing OLED…“19.3` Development Complete, Mass Production in 2018”

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Tomoaki Tsuboka, Corporate Officer in JOLED(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

Tomoaki Tsuboka, Corporate Officer in JOLED(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter /jjoo@olednet.com

JOLED has completed development of 19.3 inch and 12.2 inch OLED panel through printing technology, with plans of mass production in 2018.

During the FineTech Japan (April 6-8) Special Session, Tomoaki Tsuboka, Corporate Officer and Head of Business Development in JOLED, gave a talk titled The Strategy of JOLED to Challenge Innovation and revealed this information.

According to Tsuboka, JOLED recently completed printing technology based 12.2 inch FHD flexible OLED panel, and 19.3 inch 4K OLED panel prototype development. The 12.2 inch product has pixel density of 180 ppi, and 19.3 inch is 230 ppi.

It is planning to start prototype’s mass production related verification process from this August, and begin formal mass production from 2018. In order to achieve this, JOLED is preparing Gen4.5 mass production line (730 x 920 mm).

Until now, JOLED’s main products were mass produced OLED panel for smartphone. Its strategy is to enter the large size market through the printing technology and using it as the growth engine. During this session, Tsuboka explained the characteristics of printing OLED mass production technology and emphasized the superiority of JOLED’s printing technology.

Tsuboka explained that the RGB printing technology can actualize large size OLED panel in atmosphere, and has short processes. However, further improvements are required regarding mura, material characteristics, etc. In the case of JOLED, he added that this was much improved through independent technology, as well as algorithm improvement, and materials and device structure optimization.

He told the attendees that JOLED is attempting to enter the large size panel market with printing technology. He also emphasized that as OLED can actualize high quality flexible, freeform, and transparent panels, it will bring innovation to spaces such as station, airport, and gallery.

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

CPT`s Net Sales for March NT$3.24 Billion

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Source : CPT

Source : CPT

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com
Chunghwa Picture Tubes(CPT) today announced that CPT`s consolidated net sales for March 2016 approximated NT$3.24 billion , up 16.0% MoM and down 29.0% YoY. the company`s cumulative consolidated sales revenues from January to March 2016 is NT$9.5 billion, down 28.5% YoY.
March shipments of large-sized panels totaled 74 thousand, up 22% MoM and down 40.6% YoY. March shipments of S&M-sized panels totaled 33.88 million, up 6.4% MoM and down 9.8% YoY.

Samsung Electronics Announces Earnings Guidance for 1Q 2016

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Samsung Electronics announced its earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2016(Source=Samsung Electronic)

Samsung Electronics announced its earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2016(Source=Samsung Electronic)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics announced its earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2016.

  • Consolidated Sales: Approximately 49.0 trillion Korean won
  • ŸConsolidated Operating Profit: Approximately 6.6 trillion Korean won

The above figures are estimates of consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS. Korean disclosure regulations do not allow earnings estimates to be provided as a range. Therefore, the above figures are based on the median of the earnings estimate range, as given below.

  • ŸSales:  48.0 ~ 50.0 trillion Korean won
  • Operating Profit: 6.5 ~ 6.7 trillion Korean won

LGD’s Head of OLED TV Development Group, “65·55 inch, Growth Engine”

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LGD’s ChangHo Oh, “65, 55 inch TV are OLED TV’s Growth Engine”(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

LGD’s ChangHo Oh, “65, 55 inch TV are OLED TV’s Growth Engine”(Tokyo=OLEDNET)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Display has once again reaffirmed its determination to lead the TV market with OLED as the growth engine. In particular, the company is planning to actively respond to the increase of demand for 65 inch and 55 inch OLED TV.

On April 7, during the FineTech Japan Special Session, ChangHo Oh, LG Display’s OLED TV Development Group, gave a talk titled ‘Technology for Large Size OLED Display’ and emphasized the superiority of large area OLED panel.

As a display for a large size TV, LCD has light leakage issue, but Oh explained that OLED can solve this and actualize natural colors without distortion. Oh added that through self-emitting characteristic of OLED, the demands for large size TV picture quality can be solved, and through freedom in forms such as foldability, the design can be improved to less than 1 mm thickness. Furthermore, he added large size OLED panel’s advantages including superior light actualization in same color sector

a-Si, poly Si, and oxide substrates are mainly used for LCD, and for OLED it is oxide, and poly Si. Oh explained that as a part of responding to the panel enlargement, changing the a-Si of the existing mass production line to oxide could improve enlargement and safety.

Oh reported that as the demand for 65 inch and 55 inch TV is increasing, this will become the growth engine of the OLED market, and that P10 factory establishment in Paju is being carried out.

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

LG TVS Recommended by Netflix for Second Straight year

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Source : LG Electronics

Source : LG Electronics

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Electronics’ top-tier 2016 4K TVs have been selected by Netflix for its Netflix Recommended TV program for the second consecutive year. Netflix Recommended TV is an evaluation program recognizing smart TVs that deliver excellent performance for Netflix and a better Internet TV experience overall.

LG’s superior webOS 3.0 4K TVs qualified for the global Netflix Recommended TV designation after undergoing a rigorous, criteria-based smart TV evaluation program. Making the list includes LG SIGNATURE OLED TV (G6), 4K OLED TVs (models E6 and C6), LG SUPER UHD TVs (models UH9500 and UH8500) and UHD TVs (models UH7500, UH6500, UH6300 and UH6100) with more models expected to be added as they are evaluated.

The Netflix Recommended TV program is designed to help consumers identify televisions that offer a quicker, easier and up-to-date Netflix experience. LG’s webOS 3.0-enabled OLED TVs, SUPER UHD TVs and UHD TVs offer an unbeatable combination of breathtaking picture quality and streamlined, intuitive smart TV features that provide an optimal Internet TV streaming experience.

With an extensive library of award-winning TV shows and movies and over 600 hours of original programming planned for this year, LG TVs offer an amazing 4K viewing and streaming experience for Netflix members across the globe. What’s more, select LG webOS 3.0 4K TVs offer best-in-class Instant On performance so you can turn on your TV and start watching Netflix faster than on any other model on the market today. Other WebOS 3.0 features like Fast App Switching mean accessing Netflix and other Internet Services is as easy as changing channels.

On top of flawless 4K content, LG TVs are already prepared to provide optimal HDR picture quality.LG’s OLED TVs and SUPER UHD TVs are fully compatible with both the HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR formats and are ready to offer viewers optimal picture quality for Netflix original series in HDR, including Season 1 of Marco Polo, available now, with Marvel’s Daredevil coming soon.

“We are excited that the Netflix Recommended TV program recognizes our exceptional smart TV performance for the second consecutive year,” said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “On top of smart TV functionality, LG’s premium-tier 4K OLED TVs offer unequaled 4K picture capabilities. Now with more 4K and HDR Netflix content available globally, choosing a TV from LG has become the obvious choice.”

“LG has continued to lead the way in making streaming services, including Netflix, easier and faster to use” said Scott Mirer, Vice President, Device Partner Ecosystem at Netflix. “We are pleased to designate LG’s latest 4K UHD TVs with webOS 3.0 as Netflix Recommended TVs, offering a superior experience for Netflix members all over the world.”

LG TV users can access Netflix by selecting the Netflix app in LG’s webOS smart TV platform. Netflix is also accessible on older TVs through LG’s former smart TV platform, Netcast. For more information on the full list of Netflix Recommended TVs, please visit www.netflix.com/recommendedtv or the LG.com site in your region.

A Window that Turns into a Billboard…Samsung Display’s CTO “AMOLED, to Open New Era?”

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 Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

SDC’s CTO Sungchul Kim During Keynote Speech at FineTech Japan 2016

 

Samsung Display’s CTO, Sungchul Kim, displayed infinite potential of AMOLED’s new market creation ability, and emphasized that panel, manufacturing equipment, materials, and communication sectors need to grow together. He also suggested new life through AMOLED and technologies required for this.

On April 6, during the Technical Conference of FineTech Japan (April 6-8), Kim gave a keynote speech on the new market creating AMOLED’s next generation application and key technology.

As the market that AMOLED will newly open, Kim suggested mobile device, TV, VR and AR (virtual reality and augmented reality), automotive, PID (public information display), etc. According to Kim, these applications will be actualized through various forms of AMOLED such as foldable, rollable, stretchable, mirror, and transparent.

Explaining the utilization of mirror and transparent AMOLED, Kim emphasized that what is normally a wall or window can be turned into a PID that shows required information when needed. Kim explained that AMOLED is suitable for VR or AR that allows the user to realistically experience a particular environment or situation by combining the imaginary and reality. He added that when foldable and rollable displays are applied to mobile device, IT device, TV, etc., large screens can be produced while the device is small, and space utilization and mobility can be increased. Regarding automotive AMOLED, Kim explained that it will provide required information without disrupting driving, as well as improving the design of the vehicle.

Additionally, Kim suggested key technology required for actualization of each application. In the case of a window display, a technology that can simultaneously produce flexibility and hardness is required, and for automotive AMOLED, the technology for blue materials of phosphorescent materials needs to be improved. For transparent display that actualizes PID, transparency of each layer, substrate heat resistance, etc. have to be achieved.

Kim explained that in future, new life which is smart and connected through AMOLED will open. He further emphasized that for this to happen panel, manufacturing equipment, materials, and communication sectors need to grow together.

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

Foxconn to Actively Mass Produce phone OLED in 2018…7.2mn for TV in 2025

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Hyunjoo Kang /Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn Headquarters, Source: Foxconn

With the forecast of gradually bolstered investment in OLED by Foxconn that recently bought Sharp for $ 3.5 billion, there is a possibility that this company could actively mass produce OLED panel for smartphone from 2018.

DigiTimes recently reported their research indicates that Foxconn will actively mass produce OLED panels for smartphone from 2018 and increase the OLED panel mass production in stages.

According to DigiTimes, Foxconn is planning to first mass produce small size OLED panel for smartphone and then begin medium size OLED for tablet, notebook, and TV. In 2021, It is expected to release 3 million units of OLED panel for tablet and notebook, and increase it to 10.4 million units in 2025. Hence, Foxconn is expected to occupy a quite significant amount of market share in future OLED panel market.

IT is estimated to begin releasing OLED panel for TV in 2021. It’s OLED shipment for TV in 2021 is expected to be 252,000 units, but it is estimated to gradually increase to record 7.2 million units per year in 2025.

 

◆ “IGZO Technology to be Applied to OLED”

 

In a recent press conference regarding the Sharp takeover, Hon Hai’s Chairman Terry Gou said that IGZO, which is LCD (liquid crystal display) technology of Japan’s Sharp, is better than OLED, Korea’s newest display technology. He further revealed that future Sharp display will utilize IGZO technology for approximately 60% of the panel and OLED for 40%.

IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) display is Sharp’s LCD. IGZO is known to have superior picture quality in comparison to the general LCD, with less power consumption. It is used in the majority of smartphone and tablet PC such as iPad.

As Foxconn’s Sharp is IGZO technology’s leading company, DigiTimes estimates that IT will apply the IGZO backplane technology on OLED panel.

UBI Research, an OLED specializing market research company, explained that as Sharp’s small size LCD process is LTPS based, and can be transformed to OLED line, it will be easier for Foxconn to achieve OLED mass production ability through Sharp. He added that this added Foxconn to the lineup of Samsung Display, LG Display, and Japan Display as the likely supplier for iPhone OLED panel for Apple. Furthermore, he analyzed that although Foxconn and Japan Display are both latecomers in OLED sector, Foxconn is in a more favorable position due to its solid relationship with Apple.

2015 OLED Emitting Materials Market, Dow Chem and LG Chem in Slump…Why?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter /jjoo@olednet.com

 

 

In the midst of UDC`s domination of 2015 global materials market, with Japanese Idemitsu Kosan`s rapid growth and slump of emitting materials companied, there has been changes to the enviroment.

According to [2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report] to be published by UBI Research in mid-April, the 2015 global emitting materials market recorded approximately a 17% growth compared to 2014

 

 

UDC’s revenue decreased from previous year, but remained at the top, the same as 2014. UDC was closely followed by Idemitsu Kosan despite its fourth place in 2014.

Such growth of Idemitsu Kosan is mainly due to its supply expansion in regards to Korean companies such as Samsung Display and LG Display. In 2015, Idemitsu Kosan began actively supplying Samsung Display with blue materials. Together with the increase in Idemitsu Kosan’s client LG Display’s OLED panel for TV mass production line’s operation rate, Idemitsu Kosan’s supply increased.

 

2015 Global OLED Emitting Materials Market Ranking
Source: UBI Research, 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

◆ Samsung Display to Determine Up and Down of Companies

On the other hand, some OLED emitting materials companies that ranked high until 2014 showed poor performance. Dow Chem., that reached the second place in 2014 after UDC in revenue, fell to the fourth place in 2015 due to a big sales decrease. The third and fifth companies in 2014, LG Chem and Duksan Neolux respectively, fell below fifth place in 2015 due to the same reason.

Dow Chem. and Duksan Neolux are analyzed have recorded sales decrease in comparison to 2014 due to the supply chain changes of Samsung Display. In the case of LG Chem, the sales fell as the Samsung Display’s supply volume decreased.

However, Samsung SDI recorded sales increase, and entered within the top 5 in 2015. This company’s performance improved as it supplied Samsung Display with green host.

The company that recorded greatest growth is a Germany company Novaled that Samsung SDI, then Cheil Industries, took over. This company recorded approximately 150% revenue increase compared to previous year, and reached the third place in 2015 following UDC and Idemitsu Kosan. With the increase in OLED panel for TV mass production line’s operation rate, Novaled’s revenue greatly increased.

UBI Research estimated that in 2016, LG Display’s OLED TV mass production line operation rate and Galaxy Note series’ material structure, to be mass produced in the second half, will greatly affect revenue of OLED emitting materials companies.

Foxconn’s Takeover of Sharp, Who is the Biggest Casualty?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

 

Sharp_Head_Office(Source : Wikipedia)

Sharp_Head_Office(Source : Wikipedia)

Following Foxconn’s takeover of Sharp, which company will end up suffering the most?

On March 30, Taiwan’s Hon Hai’s Foxconn agreed to buy Sharp for about $ 3.5 billion. With this decision, there is much focus on how it will affect the global display market.

 

Korean companies leading the global display market such as Samsung Display and LG Display as well as key display companies in Japan, China, and Taiwan are keenly interested in this takeover.

 

Some experts analyze that, out of these companies, the one being most threatened by this takeover will be Japan Display.

 

◆ Japan Display, May Not be Able to Retain OLED Supply for iPhone

 

As it became known that iPhone will replace the LCD panel with OLED for future iPhone, it is expected to create a great business within the OLED market. 3 companies, Samsung Display, LG Display, and Japan Display, have been considered as the most likely supplier for iPhone’s OLED panel.

 

Some media have reported that Samsung Display and Apple have already signed OLED supply agreement, and LG Display and Japan Display are known to be having a heated competition to become the secondary supplier.

 

However, this Foxconn’s takeover of Sharp could break the big 3. Of these, experts estimate that Japan Display is most likely to be pushed out.

 

iPhone’s largest LCD panel supplier is LG Display, with over 50%. Following this, Samsung Display and Japan’s Sharp are the second and third LCD panel supplier for iPhone but the order has not been confirmed.

 

As it became known that Apple will utilize OLED, Japan Display with investment plans for OLED mass production line rose as the possible panel supplier for Apple. Rather than Sharp, Japan Display became a strong candidate for OLED supplier for iPhone along with Samsung Display and LG Display.

 

However, it all changed when Foxconn bought Sharp. Sharp does not have OLED line for mobile device at the moment, but its small device LCD line is LTPS based that could be transformed to OLED. Foxconn, expected to invest in OLED sector, is likely to turn Sharp’s small device LCD line into OLED line.

 

Furthermore, Foxconn is Apple’s key production collaborator. Worse, even Foxconn’s newly bought Sharp is one of Apple’s panel suppliers. Excluding Samsung Display and LG Display with verified OLED technology prowess, Apple could choose Foxconn with closer connections rather than Japan Display as an OLED supplier.

 

One display industry expert explained that Foxconn could push out Japan Display regarding iPhone OLED supplier issue, and even if that does not happen, it will have very narrow standing. He added that although compared to Samsung Display and LG Display, Foxconn and Japan Display are both latecomers in OLED sector, Foxconn is in a more favorable position due to its solid relationship with Apple.

“Samsung Unveils Internet of Trousers Fashion Range”

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Source : Samsung Elec.

Source : Samsung Elec.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in Internet of Things and advanced components, announced the Internet of Trousers, a new lineup of IoT-enabled smarter fashion products.

 

The new fashion range includes an exciting collection of pants abounding with innovative functions. And, boasting an array of unique, contemporary styles that fit just about any lifestyle, these smart wearables are just that… wearable.

 

The intelligent trousers, which combine the latest in high-tech with high fashion, were designed to address the pain points of everyday apparel. Samsung has made smarter fashion a reality by embedding the new garments with ARTIK Smarter Fashion chip modules, which communicate with the Smarter Fabric Care app.

 

Key Internet of Trousers functions include:

 

  • Wi-Fly: Gone are the days of unnoticed, unzipped trouser zippers upon exiting the restroom. Should your fly remain open for more than three minutes, the ZipARTIK module will send a series of notifications to your smartphone to save you from further embarrassment.
  • Get Up! Alert: Using pressure sensors, Samsung’s intelligent trousers detect prolonged periods of inactivity and send notifications to ‘get up off of that thing’ at least once an hour. Should you remain seated for more than three hours, devices embedded in each of the rear pockets send mild electrical shocks to provide extra motivation.
  • Keep-Your-Pants-On Mode: Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away with the moment. The Samsung Bio-Processor in your pants checks your bio-data including your heart rate and perspiration level. If these indicators get too high, Samsung’s trousers will send you subtle notifications as a reminder of the importance of keeping your cool.
  • Fridge Lock: If the tension around your waist gets too high, the embedded ARTIK chip module will send signals to your refrigerator to prevent you from overeating. The fridge door lock can then only be deactivated with consent from a designated person such as your mother or significant other.

 

The Internet of Trousers, and all related products and features, are not actual Samsung products or concepts – at least not yet!

Happy April Fools’!

Foxconn Takes Over Sharp…what will happen to Samsung·LG?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn Decided to Buy Sharp for Approx. $ 3.5 billion, Source: Foxconn

 

On March 30, 2016, Taiwan’s Hon Hai’s Foxconn agreed to buy Sharp for about $ 3.5 billion. With this decision, there is much focus on how it will affect Korean display and set companies including Samsung and LG.

 

Foxconn, primarily an electronics contractor manufacturer, became responsible for Apple’s iPhone production and continued its growth. The fact that through this takeover Foxconn now possesses display mass production ability can greatly affect Korean companies that are currently leading the display and set market.

 

◆ Competition with Samsung·LG for iPhone Panel Supply Intensifies

 

A possible scenario for future includes Foxconn becoming a strong competitor for Samsung Display and LG Display in smartphone OLED sector for Apple’s iPhone.

 

Although Sharp is a company that produces LCD, it is estimated that Foxconn will invest in Sharp to mass produce OLED.

 

Apple is expected to release OLED equipped iPhone from 2017, and it is known that Samsung Display, strong in OLED, have agreed to supply the initial volume. As Apple has been close with LG in supply and demand of display, some believe that LG Display will become the biggest supplier in future.

 

However, if Apple’s key collaborator Foxconn begins to produce OLED, it could become a strong rival for Samsung and LG.

Sharp Headquarters, Source: Wikipedia

Sharp Headquarters, Source: Wikipedia

 

◆ Suggestion of Foxconn’s Own Brand Set Production Prospect

Foxconn, despite being a contract manufacturer, became widely known with great growth. As such, the company could branch out into producing sets under their own brand name. Furthermore, with the display mass production now possible with the Sharp takeover, this scenario is gaining traction. According to market experts, Foxconn is now able to expand its smartphone and TV set business. As Chinese set companies are rapidly growing to threaten Korean companies, the prospect of Foxconn’s set business cannot be ignored.

 

One display expert explained that as a key collaborator of Apple, Foxconn can successfully enter the smartphone panel market. He further analyzed that with Foxconn’s expertise in set production, their own brand set release is not too much to expect, and that this will be easier with the takeover of Sharp.

Blossoming April… Hurt by LCD, Heal with OLED

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Flexible OLED from LGD(CES 2016)

From April, the display industry is estimated to start mending the damage carried out by LCD with OLED.

 

In Q1 2016, Korean display industry suffered due to oversupply of Chinese LCD panels. Market experts believe that Samsung Display and LG Display will announce large Q1 deficit in April due to LCD.

 

However, the display market is expected to actively improve its performance from April.

 

Dong-won Kim, analyst with Hyundai Securities, estimated that great increase in profit is expected from Q2 2016 due to the increase in OLED operation rate and yield improvement. Also because of profitability improvement effect following LCD panel’s price rebound, the deficit will decrease.

 

LG Display’s performance in OLED sector is expected to noticeably improve. Over 90% of LG Display’s total mass production line is LCD at present. Hence, the fall of LCD price in Q1 is expected to have hit hard and OLED business is also showing deficit.

OLED TV from LG(CES 2016)

◆ After Harsh Q1, Warm Breeze of OLED… Spring for Equipment Industry Too

 

However, this will change from Q2. Analyst Hyeoncheol So of Shinhan Investment forecast that LG Display’s OLED TV sales volume and revenue in Q2 2016 will increase by 144% and 106% respectively. He added that the business deficit of OLED TV sector will greatly decrease.

 

LG Display is anticipating that the deficit will turn to profit in H2 2017, with the business profit of up to 1 trillion KRW in 2017, an increase of 115%.

 

Samsung Display, whose LCD and OLED ratio is 50:50, is expected to show 900,000 million KRW in deficit in LCD sector this first quarter. However, this is estimated to be compensated to some degree by the profit in OLED.

 

Samsung Display and LG Display are actively carrying out investment in OLED panel mass production line in Q1. As well as the investment in turning the existing LCD line to OLED, investment in new OLED line establishment is actively being carried out.

 

As such, with the optimistic outlook on OLED within the display market, flexible OLED manufacturing equipment companies such as Tera Semicon, Viatron Technologies, and Dong A Eltek had been discussed as the favorites of securities companies. In fact, Samsung Display’s flexible OLED manufacturing equipment related key collaborator AP Systems showed remarkable growth recording 12,100 million KRW in business profit last year.

 

UBI Research forecast that Korean companies will strengthen their dominance with their 2016 AMOLED shipment’s 95% occupancy of the global market. As OLED is becoming stronger in the TV, smartphone, and VR market, this will become a huge growth engine for global panel companies such as Samsung and LG.

 

LG G5 to Begin Shipping Worldwide

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter /jjoo@olednet.com

Source : LG Elec.

Source : LG Elec.

Starting this week, LG Electronics (LG) will begin reaching global markets with its highly anticipated LG G5 modular smartphone. The LG G5 will debut in South Korea on March 31 and the United States on April 1 to be followed by countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, among others. Approximately 200 carriers and operators worldwide have committed to offer the G5 in their local markets.

As demonstrated at its unveiling at Mobile World Congress last month in Barcelona, LG G5 is a showcase of cutting-edge technologies and rich features thoughtfully designed deliver a more playful user experience. MWC attendees seemed to agree with the philosophy behind the G5 as the device walked away with a record 33 awards including Best New Smartphone at MWC 2016 from the GSMA’s Glomo Awards, the mobile industry’s longest established awards platform for innovation, excellence and achievement.

“Since MWC, LG G5 and Friends have captured the imagination of consumers everywhere with its engaging take on mobile technology,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Modularity has been talked about for years but no one was able to consumerize it until now and we’re happy to take on the mantle.”

Engagement comes in the form of dual 78- and 135-degree camera lenses for ultra wide angle shots, an Always-on Display that requires no button-pressing to get the latest information and Dolby Digital Plus and 7.1 channel audio for cinema-style sound that delivers dialogue and nuanced effects clearly even in loud environments. LG G5 also supports IFTTT (If This Then That), a smart solution that allows users to create a series of action programs called recipes to boost productivity and efficiency.

LG simplified the graphical user interface with a simple, flat look while applying a bright color combination and a semi-transparent blur effect to the GUI. In addition, animation and feedback effects are choreographed at the right moments to deliver a playful and enjoyable experience (https://youtu.be/WqJvMtkmyZI).

The following companion devices, or Friends, will be available in select markets at the time of the G5 rollout or soon after: CAM Plus, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY (with pouch), 360 VR, 360 CAM (with case), Rolling Bot, TONE Platinum, H3 by B&O PLAY

Prices and exact date of availability will be announced separately in each local market.

Samsung Pay is now available in China

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

<Source :  Samsung Elec.>

 

Samsung Electronics and China UnionPay (CUP) announced the launch of Samsung Pay in China. A simple, safe and easy-to-use mobile payment service, Samsung Pay works virtually anywhere you can swipe or tap your card in China. Samsung Pay will enable users to safely manage and use their debit and credit cards on eligible Samsung mobile phones with CUP.

 

“We are pleased to be partnering with CUP to bring Samsung Pay to China,” said Injong Rhee, EVP and Head of R&D, Software and Services of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The reception of Samsung Pay since its launch has been extremely positive and the service has already seen tremendous success in terms of availability and adoption by consumers. In compliance with national laws and regulations, thanks to cooperating with CUP and many banks, we ultimately want to make Samsung Pay available to as many consumers as possible in china, so that everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy the simplicity, safety and convenience of this mobile payment solution.”

 

“China UnionPay attaches great importance to the security and innovation of payment. In order to follow the tendency of mobile payment in both China and abroad, CUP cooperates with industry to bring safe and convenient mobile payment experience for millions card holders. With the joint efforts of banks and Samsung, based on the safety testing and certification by relevant national testing agency, CUP QuickPass starting Samsung Pay service will bring users safer and more convenient mobile payment choice.” said Hu Ying, Assistant President of UnionPay.

 

Samsung Pay is currently available on the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5 in China with the opportunity to support additional mid-range models in the future.*

 

Samsung Pay currently supports select credit and debit cards from nine banks including China CITIC Bank, China Construction Bank, China Everbright Bank, China Guangfa Bank, China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd, China Merchants Bank, Hua Xia Bank , Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Ping An Bank**

 

Samsung Pay will eventually include future support for select credit and debit cards from six additional banks including Bank of China, Bank of Beijing, Bank of Communications, China Bohai Bank, Industrial Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. Samsung Pay continues to strategically expand its partnership ecosystem to provide greater flexibility, access, and choice for customers.

 

To make a payment with Samsung Pay, consumers simply swipe up from Home bottom whether the phone screen is locked, going black or in home screen, scan their fingerprint and pay, which is quite easy and convenient. In term of safety, Samsung Pay has three layers protection, which are fingerprint authentication, tokenization and KNOX. Because of innovative technology, Samsung Pay can be used on both QuickPass POS terminal with NFC and more POS terminals without NFC technology, which is more accepted than other similar applications with only NFC technology.

“Can’t Cope Because of LCD”… Samsung·LG, in Despair over Large Deficit

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Hyunjoo Kang / OLEDNET / jjoo@olednet.com

 

<CES 2016 Exhibition. Many Chinese Companies’ LCD TV Were Present.>

Due to the oversupply of LCD panel in global display market, the opinion that Samsung Display and LG Display will also not be able to avoid large amount of deficit is becoming stronger.

 

As of March 28, according to market experts including securities industry, Samsung Display and LG display will both face sizable deficit in LCD sector this quarter.

 

For Samsung Display, Q1 LCD sector is expected to record up to 900,000 million KRW. The company is estimated to reduce the overall display industry deficit with the OLED profit of approximately 400,000 million – 500,000 million KRW. Consequently, Samsung Display is to record approximately 400,000 million – 500,000 million KRW of deficit in Q1 2016.

 

LG Display, whose over 90% of the current production line is for LCD, is estimated to be hit more directly. LG Display has been showing profit in LCD until 2015, but is expected to turn to deficit in Q1 2016. LG Display has been showing deficit in OLED, and market experts are also expecting more deficit in Q1 2016.

 

◆ Unlike Samsung and LG’s High Quality, China Floods Cheaper LCD

The main reasons that display industry is having difficulty include oversupply of Chinese LCD, and overall market depression. Chinese companies’ affordable LCD supply, backed by active support of Chinese government, is damaging Korean companies.

 

Particularly, companies such as BOE, which greatly improved productivity with much assistance from Chinese government including corporate tax exemption, have been pressuring Samsung, LG, and others in the global LCD market. As the Chinese companies are still aggressively investing in LCD facilities, the LCD oversupply is analyzed to continue until 2018.

 

Accordingly, the majority of the industry believe that both Samsung Display and LG Display will carry out LCD production line restructuring. In a recent conference hosted by information company IHS, senior analyst Jeong Du Kang revealed that LG Display could restructure Gumi’s P2, 3, 4 production lines, and added that some thinks L6 production could stop following the same of L5 production line last year.

 

As expected, both companies do not officially comment on these forecast. However, most of the industry players believe that the production line changes of the 2 companies are inevitable.

 

One display expert explained that “unlike Samsung and LG which do not accept even small faults, Chinese companies are pouring out products with slightly lesser quality armed with lower price, and will dominate the mainstream market”.

 

He also estimated that as Samsung and LG are nearing the situation where they have to give up LCD, the speed of which OLED will settle as the main player within the global display market will increase.

LG UX 5.0, Equipped to G5

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

 

Souece : LG Elec.

Souece : LG Elec.

 

With the imminent consumer rollout of the new LG G5, LG Electronics (LG) will also be introducing a new version of its mobile user interface, LG UX 5.0. Designed for a more playful and innovative mobile experience, LG UX 5.0 will offer advanced features and greater convenience not only for LG G5 users but owners of upcoming smartphone models as well.

Based on Android’s latest Marshmallow OS, LG UX 5.0 conveys LG’s philosophy on the future of mobiles. LG UX 5.0 is an enjoyable, enhanced and user-centric UX that supports easy connection for optimal control of LG Friends and delivers a more convenient and powerful experience by adding new functions that allow users to enjoy the G5 to its maximum potential.

“We analyzed the lifestyle of smartphone users to provide a superior mobile experience and greatly expanded the usability with LG UX 5.0,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG UX 5.0 and G5 were designed to provide an innovative user experience that reflects the needs of our most demanding customers.”

An Enjoyable UX for Connecting with LG Friends

The highlight of LG UX 5.0 is LG Friends Manager, a versatile application that enables users to easily connect with and control the modules and accessories known as LG Friends. LG Friends Manager intuitively detects nearby accessories for easy pairing with LG G5, easily downloading and installing all the required apps from the Google Play Store. No hassles, no hunting. With LG Friends Manager, the process of connecting the LG G5 to its Friends couldn’t get any easier.

LG Friends Manager generates a different display for each LG Friend. When paired with the 360 CAM, the screen on the G5 will display photo previews and the available shooting modes. The Friends Camera Album in the Gallery enables users to categorize and manage images captured with LG Friends such as 360 CAM and Rolling Bot.

An Enhanced UX for a Powerful Visual Experience

The greatest advantage of LG UX 5.0 is its enhanced support for LG G5’s extremely powerful camera. Image and video capturing has never been so enjoyable with features such as:

Zoom In & Out – Seamlessly switch between the standard 78-degree lens to the 135-degree wide angle lens by simply pinching the screen.

Auto Shot – An enhanced version of Gesture Shot, take the perfect selfies with this smart feature which triggers the shutter as soon as the users’ face is recognized.

Multi View – Captures different angles of images at the same exact moment using the front and rear cameras of the G5 and the LG 360 CAM.

360 Wallpaper – Images taken with the LG 360 CAM can be displayed as a 360 panorama, shifting in sync with movements of the G5.

Pop-out Picture – Combine two images taken simultaneously with the standard and wide angle lens to create a picture-in-a-frame effect.

Film Effect – Raise the level of effects with this set of filters that deliver an “analog” feel to photos. Use Camera Preview to preview and change a filter on the fly before taking the shot.

A User-Centric UX for Greater Convenience

LG refined its user interface and included several new smart features on LG UX 5.0 to enhance usability and convenience, such as:

New Home – LG combined its Home Screen with the App Drawer in LG UX 5.0 to simplify the user experience. Users who prefer the traditional style can download the Home & App Drawer directly from the settings menu on the LG G5.

LG Health – Upgraded for UX 5.0, LG Health provides a Beginner as well as Advanced mode matched to the user’s profile. Start with Beginner and switch to Advanced once your activities reach a certain level, staying motivated along the way with visual details of your progress.

Always-on – Avoid the hassle of turning on the smartphone display just to check the time. With Always-on, all your key information including the date, notifications and SMS icon are displayed on the screen at all times.

Smart Doctor – Keep your G5 performing at its optimal level with solutions and tips based on your usage habits.

World Clock – Enhanced with an attractive graphical user interface, this smart clock displays the time in selected cities around the world and immediately syncs them to whatever local time you set for easy scheduling of phone calls and meetings.

File Manager – Navigate the G5 as easily as navigating your PC with direct access to any folders or files indicated by the directory path at top. Use the new search filter to find documents, videos and images anywhere on your G5.

Quick Help – Find answers to any questions about the G5 quickly and easily or request feedback by e-mail.

LG Backup – Use LG Backup and NFC to restore conveniently from other Android phones and now record conversations from your favorite messenger app.

Diverse Security Method – In addition to LG’s familiar Knock Code, accurate fingerprint recognition is now built into LG UX 5.0 to provide added convenience and security.

Samsung, Even if OLED TV is Released, Different from LG

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

<LG Elec. is Introducing OLED TV in CES 2016>

 

Within the TV market, there is an opinion that even Samsung Electronics which believes it is not yet the time for OLED panel cannot continue to insist on LCD. Experts estimate that even if it is the same OLED TV, Samsung Elec. will differentiate the actualization method from competitors’ including LG Electronics. One of the possibilities suggested is Samsung’s selection of ink-jet printed OLED TV panel.

 

Hyun-Suk Kim, Samsung Elec. Visual Display department’s vice president, who recently announced new LCD based SUHD TV mentioned that OLED TV is premature and also needs technological improvements.

 

However, it looks to be difficult for Samsung to insist on LCD TV only in the long term. China is threatening Korean companies in LCD panel market with superior price competitiveness; there is too much risk for Korean display companies such as Samsung Display to invest further in LCD production line. Although Samsung Elec. is not receiving panel supply exclusively from Samsung Display, Samsung Display is the biggest supplier. Therefore, Samsung Display’s LCD investment reduction is also expected to affect Samsung Elec.’s TV business.

 

Furthermore, Samsung Elec. is in the position of having to emphasize OLED’s superior picture quality over LCD in smartphone business, but highlight the opposite in TV. This is also an issue that needs to be tackled.

 

Despite these issues, Samsung cannot easily start on OLED TV as several problems such as price competitiveness have not been solved.

 

<Hyun-Suk Kim, Samsung Elec.’s Vice President, is Introducing New SUHD TV>

 

◆ Ink-jet Printing, Can it Solve OLED for TV Price Issue?

 

According to Dong-won Kim, analyst with Hyundai Securities, Samsung Display, with Samsung Elec. as the biggest client, has unfavorable structure for reducing production cost as 65 inch OLED TV panel production efficiency is low in Gen8 line.

 

Kim estimated that Samsung Display will apply solution process ink-jet printing technology to OLED TV with 2018 mass production target in order to solve this problem.

 

When producing OLED TV panel, WRGB OLED method, which uses evaporation method, can only reduce production cost by certain amount as the material usage efficiency is low. On the other hand, ink-jet printing RGB technology finely deposits ink in liquid form and can reduce materials cost. Additionally, RGB OLED has fewer organic layers compared to WRGB OLED and processes can be decreased.

 

For these reasons, some believe that Samsung will select ink-jet printing method rather than evaporation for OLED TV in future. There is also a view that LG Display, which is currently using evaporation method, will also actively consider producing ink-jet printed OLED TV panel in the long term.

 

A display expert explained that although ink-jet printing processes are simpler than evaporation method, that does not necessarily mean materials cost is always cheaper. The ink-jet printing technology is not yet perfect, and particularly for blue the efficiency issue has not yet been solved.

 

He added that Samsung Elec. has strong tendency to differentiate itself from competitors such as LG, and even if Samsung Elec. releases OLED TV, it is likely that ink-jet printing, which is different from LG, will be the preferred method.

Why is ‘Cadmium-free’ Significant? Samsung’s Quantum Dot SUHD TV

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

 

<Samsung Elec. Released 2nd Generation Quantum Dot TV. Source: Samsung Elec.>

On the subject of Samsung Electronics’ 2nd generation quantum dot display equipped SUHD TV product, recently released in Korea, display experts consider the actualization of 1,000 nit without cadmium as the key strength.

 

In 2015, Samsung Elec. first launched quantum dot SUHD TV under the name nanocrystal technology. Each quantum dot of nanosize, 10,000 times narrower than a human hair, actualizes accurate color.

 

According to Samsung Elec., the 2nd generation quantum dot technology to produce this new product, an improvement over last year’s. The company emphasized that compared to the previous product, the price was reduced and brightness was improved. HDR (high dynamic range) with 1,000 nit maximum was applied to the new product.

 

The 1,000 nit brightness is the standard figure of premium image produced in Hollywood, US. If this figure is high, screen’s bright and dark areas can be experienced fully even in bright environment such as a living room area.

 

Although not applied to all models of Samsung’s 1st generation quantum dot SUHD TV, 1,000 nit brightness was applied to the majority of the models; that 1,000 nit brightness was applied to the new product is not worth much attention by itself.

 

<Samsung Elec.’s 1st Generation Quantum Dot TV vs. Other Display in CES 2015>

 

◆Hazardous Heavy Metal Cadmium, Why Difficult to Remove?

 

Quantum dot film includes cadmium. As cadmium is a hazardous heavy metal, cadmium including quantum dot film cannot be environmentally friendly. Cadmium use in Europe is limited.

 

However, without cadmium, the quantum dot film’s optical efficiency is reduced. In order to make up for this, LED chips have to be applied which increases the price as well as the energy consumption. An alternative method to avoid this is development of additional quantum dot materials that increase efficiency.

 

For these reasons, some Chinese companies that produce quantum dot display equipped products select to use cadmium, overlooking the environmental issues. Samsung Elec. also emphasized that it is the only company that utilizes environmentally friendly cadmium-free quantum dot materials.

 

Through quantum dot materials’ efficiency and color mapping algorithm improvement, Samsung actualized 1,000 nit brightness without resorting to cadmium and without increase in power consumption. Color accuracy, which is a quantum dot display trait, was also improved by 25%.

 

Samsung Elec. is planning to release 14 models of SUHD TV, from 49 inch to 88 inch, in Korea. This is over 30% increase compared to last year. The price also was reduced by 900,000 KRW compared to the previous version. The new products, depending on the specifications, cost around 6 million KRW for 65 inch, and 4 million KRW for 55 inch.

A comment from a display expert is, “the new product has 1,000 nit brightness is not significant by itself, and color accuracy improvement also is not of much attention as it is an existing quantum dot trait”. However, he also put another comment from his analysis, “1,000 nit brightness was actualized without using cadmium and without decreasing energy efficiency is worth noting”.

LG Electronics Launches 58:9 Signage…Transforms Columns and Corners to Billboards

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Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

<LG Elec. Launched 58:9 Ultra Stretch Signage. Source: LG Elec.>

 

On March 23, LG Electronics launched world’s first 86 inch 58:9 commercial display Ultra Stretch.

 

Ultra Stretch signage allows places which have been difficult to install signage, such as columns and corners, to be used as billboards.

 

LG Elec.’s Ultra Stretch has the widest screen ratio of the signage released. The display is 2,158 mm wide and 349 mm long, and can be installed horizontally or vertically.

 

Ultra Stretch can be used on media pole, which is integrated into columns within buildings such as airports or hotels, and billboards above building entrances. Total of 16 units of Ultra Stretch, maximum 4 units lined horizontally and vertically, can be tiled. When installed on a separate stand, Ultra Stretch can be moved to where needed.

 

This product uses LG IPS panel, and with ultra HD resolution (3840 x 600), small writing as well as customary images are clearly shown. The IPS panel has wide viewing angle of 178°, and clean images can be viewed from any directions.

 

With consideration for commercial use of signage, it was designed to for easy editing of contents as well as other amenities. The display can be divided into 4 screens maximum and provide diverse information simultaneously.

 

For example, if installed in an airport, the display can be divided into 4 sections and each can show information such as weather, traffic information, news, advertisement, and others. This will allow foreign visitors to easily receive information.

 

SuperSign W media editor is equipped for easy transformation of existing contents to 58:9 ratio. Ultra Stretch also includes around 30 sample styles specific to the product.

 

LG Elec.’s Korean B2B Marketing representative explained that Ultra Stretch is a signage never been experienced and will lead the new commercial display market.

[Light + Building 2016] OLEDWorks Presents Diverse Lineup to Open OLED Lighting Market

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Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

<OLEDWorks’ Keuka Module, Light + Building 2016>

 

OLEDWorks, an OLED panel lighting production company, is carefully opening the future lighting market with diverse future product lineup.

 

At the Light + Building 2016 (March 13-18), OLEDNET could observe OLEDWorks’ 6 types of Brite FL300 series, Brite Amber, Keuka module and others. The products showed 10,000-50,000 hours of lifetime, average efficiency of approx. 50 lm/W, CRI of 80-90, and with diverse color temperatures.

 

The OLEDWorks representative at the exhibition told OLEDNET that the company is aiming for general lighting market and the OLED lighting market will be actively open after 2-3 years earliest. OLED lighting has advantages of thickness and design freedom, and they estimated finding the killer application that can utilize these OLED merits is the key for the OLED lighting’s success.

 

[Light + Building 2016] OSRAM to Release Automotive OLED Lighting within 2-3 Months

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Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

 

<OSRAM’s O-ring, OLED Product Applied Automotive Rear Lamp>

 

During the Lighting + Building 2016 exhibition (March 13-18) held in Frankfurt, Germany, OSRAM revealed that OLED rear lamp equipped cars will be on the road within 2-3 months.

OSRAM exhibited O-ring, OLED product applied to automotive rear lamp at this exhibition, and OLEDNET could see the fruit of OSRAM’s steady automotive lighting product development.

 

 

<General OLED Lighting Concept Suggested by OSRAM>

The OSRAM representative at the exhibition explained that OSRAM will continue their focus on automotive lighting and develop products but at the right moment, will enter the general lighting market. The representative added that although only the basic concept of the general lighting is present for now, further development will be carried out in future.

[Light + Building 2016] “OLED is Organic Food of Lighting”… LGD Presents Diverse Lighting

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Hyunjoo-Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

 

<LGD’s Flexible OLED Lighting>

 

OLEDNET visited Light + Building 2016 (March 13-18) held in Frankfurt where LG Display unveiled product line up that can be used to diverse applications such as flexible solution, luminaires, mirror solution, module solution, OLED panel products, and transparent connection solution.

During this exhibition, LGD demonstrated their well-deserved reputation as the world leading OLED lighting panel producer.

LGD presented diverse applications for OLED lighting that many people wanted to know. Although they were not directly displayed in the exhibition, the company showed photographs of OLED applied Korean traditional house hanok, as well as more commonly imagined uses such as cosmetic shop, office, show room, café, and restaurant.

<LGD’s Flexible OLED Lighting>

Speaking to the foreign press who attended the exhibition, Joon Park, LGD’s Head of OLED Lighting Sales & Marketing Division, explained that if world’s first Gen5 OLED lighting (1,000 mm x 1,200 mm) investment is carried out and mass production is carried out in H1 2017, additional cost reduction is possible in comparison to before the investment. Park added that the current OLED lighting places more importance to the user experience rather than profit. As organic food is receiving positive response within the market as premium products, OLED lighting will play the role of organic food within the lighting market.

LGD to Build 5G OLED Light Panel Plant…15,000 sheet monthly

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Hyun Joo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

LGD is Showcasing it`s OLED Light products at Light+Building 2016(Source :LG Display)

LG Display announced today that it will invest in a new OLED light panel manufacturing facility.

The planned facility will be the first 5th generation (1000 x 1200mm) OLED light panel manufacturing plant in the world. It is to be located in the South Korean city of Gumi, where it will produce a range of OLED light panels. The initial input capacity at the plant will be 15,000 glass substrates per month.

The monthly input capacity could be gradually ramped up depending on the market situation. LG Display expects the increased production with the new facility to give the company economies-of-scale.

This will help the company obtain significant price competitiveness. In addition, the accumulated OLED display technical know-how will allow LG Display to considerably enhance OLED light product quality.

The 5th generation facility will give the company panel size flexibility. With the larger glass substrate, LG Display will be able to produce a wide range of different size light panels, including giant ones. Further, this ability to make giant panels will better enable the company to penetrate the general lighting market.

The investment decision follows the acquisition by LG Display of the OLED light business of its sister company, LG Chem in December, 2015. The plan for the new facility is in keeping with LG Display’s vision of bringing the exciting new OLED technology to customers around the world in the broadest array of applications.

The company will firstly focus on task lighting and decorative lighting in high-end retail stores and in luxury hospitality; and expand to the general lighting market going forward.

Also, the company will focus on automotive and convergence applications such as OLED light panels merged with furniture, architectural materials, electronic devices and more.

Mr. Young Kwon Song, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy & Marketing Group at LG Display, said, “Our OLED light business will further strengthen LG Display’s commitment to nurture OLED as the future growth engine. Based on LG Display’s strong track-record and know-how in OLED display business, we will create synergy with the OLED light business and maintain our strong position in the overall OLED industry going forward.”

LG’s OLED light experience began in 2000 with R&D into OLED materials at the Group’s chemicals affiliate, LG Chem, with production of OLED light panels beginning in 2012.

The acquisition last year of the OLED light panel manufacturing business by LG Display has been creating synergies with its production infrastructure and technology in OLED displays.

It allows the company to save costs through integrated purchasing and shared investments, increase productivity by drawing on the accumulated knowledge of the display business, and help improve production infrastructure and use of technology patents.

OLED light is made up of layers of organic materials which is self-illuminating and consumes less power and also emits lower heat than conventional lighting.

It is environmentally friendly and is closest to natural light. Due to its ability to be thin and flexible, it is suitable for different applications and venues and could create new markets for lighting.

According to UBI Research, a market research firm, the OLED light market is expected to grow rapidly from US$ 135 million in 2016 to US$ 1.6 billion in 2020.

2016, Korea Seizes AMOLED Market…95% of Global Market

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2016-2020 Global AMOLED Panel Market Shipment [1 Million] (source : UBI Research)

This year, Korea is expected to secure overwhelming leadership position within the global AMOLED panel market with 95% market share.

According to 2016 OLED Display Annual Report, recently published by UBI Research, approximately 270 million units of AMOLED panel are to be produced from Korea in 2016, approximately 95% of the global shipment.

For AMOLED panel market revenue, Korea is estimated to occupy 96% of the total market in 2016 with US$ 14,218 million. Korea is expected to maintain approximately over 70% of the market share until 2020, and lead the global market for several more years.

This is analyzed to be due to active response by Korean display companies against AMOLED application expansion by influential global smartphone companies.

Samsung Electronics is forecast to sell over 47 million units of AMOLED panel equipped Galaxy series in 2016. The projection that Apple will also apply AMOLED panel to future iPhone series for product differentiation is gaining traction.

Several companies, including LG Display and Samsung Display, are carrying out active investment for AMOLED panel mass production line from H1 2016.

Other than Korea, China is showing rapid movement within the global AMOLED market. China is estimated to produce approximately 11 million units of AMOLED panel in 2016, and occupy approximately 4% of the global shipment, marking the second place after Korea’s 95%. China is estimated to increase the market share each year and reduce the gap with Korea; in 2020, China is expected to hold 24% of global AMOLED panel shipment in 2020.

China’s AMOLED panel market revenue is also forecast to show significant growth with approximately US$ 500 million in 2016 to US$ 13,700 million in 2020, a 20% of the total market.

2016 OLED Display Annual Report forecasts that the global AMOLED market is to record approximately US$ 15,000 million in 2016, and grow to approximately US$ 70,000 million in 2020.

 

[Light+Building 2016]LG Display to Showcase Cutting-edge OLED Light Products and Solutions

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Hyun Joo Kang, Editor, OLEDNET

LG Display announced today that it is showcasing its latest advanced OLED light products and solutions at Light+Building 2016, one of the leading global trade fairs for lighting and building services technology, in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 13th to 18th.

Eleven OLED light panels are being exhibited along with four solutions using the panels. LG Display is highlighting the key advantages of OLED light, including the design flexibility that makes it suitable for different applications and venues, as well as its supreme light quality which is closest to natural light, thereby making people feel comfortable and reducing eye fatigue.

The company is exhibiting four solutions using OLED light panels:

Flexible Solution Section

The flexible OLEDs can be used to create unique and creative decorative lighting fixtures. The creativity in design increases along with the length of the panels. The flexible OLED light panels are light-weight and unshatterable. There are applications using 200x50mm flexible panels and 406x50mm flexible panels. The main highlight in this section is an application using many 320x320mm flexible panels.

Transparent Connection Solution Section

The LG Display OLED light panel generates a floating light effect by attaching the panel to glass and providing power through metal mesh transparent conductive film. It can be applied to display cabinets, shelves, and furniture. Especially when it is applied to shelves at stores, the lack of heat preserves product quality while the lack of shadow makes them more visually appealing to customers. The simplicity of OLEDs opens up the possibilities of various designs and applications.

Mirror Solution Section

By embedding the OLEDs into mirrors, LG Display has created a solution that can have a variety of uses. It can be used as a mirror in upscale hospitality settings or as a unique display box in high-end retail stores. When other light sources are used in a mirror solution, they tend to make the mirror too thick whereas OLED keeps the mirror thin and also minimizes glare.

Module Solution Section

OLED light panels allow for easy installation in diverse settings. LG Display is introducing super-slim OLED light modules at the fair with a simple aluminum housing that connects multiple panels into each module, generating unique and sleek designs. The company is showcasing the module solutions in order to demonstrate how well OLED light can be applied to interior design and architecture. It is committed to develop other solutions in order to encourage more and more people to easily use OLED lights.

[Light+Building 2016] Sumitomo Chemical to Exhibit Polymer OLED Lighting

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Sumitomo Chemical will exhibit its polymer OLED lighting at “Light+Building 2016,” one of the world’s largest trade fairs for lighting and building technology, to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 13 to March 18, 2016.

This is the third time for Sumitomo Chemical to exhibit its products at the trade fair, following its previous participation in 2014. Sumitomo Chemical will run a booth at the trade fair, inviting the world-renowned Japanese lighting designer Motoko Ishii as the art director for the exhibit.

Sumitomo Chemical’s exhibit, named “OLED JARDIN,” symbolises a “Garden in the Sky” as formed from polymer OLED lighting panels, creating an approachable space of a vast expanse with a taste of Japanese grace added.

In addition to “OLED JARDIN,” Sumitomo Chemical will exhibit its newly-designed OLED panels, improved for brightness and luminance efficiency from those displayed in the previous trade fair. The new polymer OLED panels, available in a range of colors, shapes and sizes, provide a greater degree of flexibility in the design for various spaces and applications.

Following the exhibit at “Light+Building 2016,” Sumitomo Chemical will start the sales of its new product line-up consisting of polymer OLED lighting panels in April this year, aiming to further expand its OLED lighting business.

 

 

 

CYNORA focuses on blue TADF-materials

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During the 2nd OLED Korea Conference, the Germany-based CYNORA has presented its current status in blue TADF-based OLED-emitter development.

CYNORA focuses on materials that are able to convert triplet excitons into light via Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF).  While efficient emitters for red and green are already commercially available from other suppliers, there is still no blue OLED material available to match the strong demand for the industry. TADF technology is a promising candidate for highly efficient and stable blue emitter systems. TADF-based emitters offer up to four times better efficiency than currently used materials, which are based on fluorescence.

CYNORA has shown its current TADF-materials for sampling with good color points in blue (CIE 0.16, 0.17) and sky-blue (CIE 0.19, 0.36). The presented materials confirm that blue emission and high efficiency can be combined. CYNORA is focusing its current material development on vacuum-processing following the customer request, as represented in large investments into this deposition technology by the major AMOLED displays makers.

In order to provide more sample materials to customers, while reducing the cycle times for material improvements, CYNORA is growing its infrastructure. The company is extending the device testing capacity by setting up a new cluster tool and hiring continuous experts for the synthesis and device department. Due these actions CYNORA’s emitter throughput will increase significantly.

The strong interest from the OLED industry in TADF-based blue emitters systems has been once more confirmed at this UBI event and allowed CYNORA to further extend its network with the Korean OLED community.  The present expansion of CYNORA management operations, consistently sampling and improvement of blue OLED materials are further strengthening the position of CYNORA as a technology leader in the field of TADF emitter systems.

[The 2nd OLED KOREA Conference] AIXTRON Pioneers New Sector of the Evaporation Technology

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At the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference (Feb 24 – 25), Juergen Kreis, Director of Business Development of AIXTRON, gave a presentation titled ‘Cost-efficient OLED’ and discussed AIXTRON’s evaporation process technology.

 

AIXTRON, an evaporation manufacturing equipment production company, bought Plasma Si situated in Silicon Valley in April 2015 to develop encapsulation technology. During the presentation, Kreis focused on organic layer evaporation technology OVPD, OPTACAP, and PVPD, a polymer thin film evaporation technology.

 

OVPD technology deposits the materials above the substrate using the shower head corresponding to the substrate area. Kreis revealed that OVPD technology allows for the optimized evaporation and can increase the material usage efficiency and productivity.

 

Regarding OPTACAP, Kreis emphasized that this is an encapsulation technology that forms multilayer thin film of high flexibility with low stress and cost. AIXTRON had previously announced that they are expecting to supply to a key Asian panel company in Q1 2016.

 

Kreis reported that PVPD is a technology that allows for the advantages of polymer materials and CVD process. He also added AIXTRON is currently continuing to research similar process technology with low process cost and high efficiency.

 

[2nd OLED KOREA Conference] Visionox Reveals Core Keyword for Flexible OLED Surge

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On February 24, Dr. Xiuqi Huang, Visionox’s general manager, gave a keynote speech at the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference (Feb 24-25). With the presentation title of Development of AMOLED Display: From Rigid to Flexible, Dr. Huang discussed how the flexible display was introduced and its future.

 

Flexible display is expected to solve CRT’s heavy weight, and FPD’s design limitation. Key issues include thin film formation process, structure that can withstand bending, and materials with high tensile strength. Dr. Huang emphasized that OLED is a display that can solve all 3 issues.

 

In order for flexible OLED to make the leap, Dr. Huang announced that 7 technological developments need to be carried out: encapsulation, TFT backplane, array design, flexible technology, flexible substrate, stress management, and module integration.

 

Visionox first developed flexible OLED in 2001, and revealed 5.2 inch flexible AMOLED of rollable type with 3 mm curvature radius and 20 um thickness in July 2015. They are aiming for mass production within 2 years.

 

Regarding OLED mass production, Dr. Huang revealed that the Gen 5.5 AMOLED mass production line phase1 4K will be increased to 15K until 2016, and Gen 6 AMOLED mass production line is expected to be in operation in 30K volume in 2017.

 

[2nd OLED KOREA Conference] LG Display, OLED is the Next Generation Display that Satisfies Both Performance and Design

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In the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference (Feb 24-25), Won-Gyun Youn, LG Display’s head of OLED TV Product Planning Team, gave a keynote speech. Through the presentation, he emphasized the importance of display’s design and performance and discussed why OLED will become important in next generation display.

 

Youn told the attendees that in the last few years, display performance issues, such as 3D, UHD, and HDR, and design issues, such as curved and super slim, arose together. Emphasizing these issues, Youn revealed that OLED is the display that can solve both. He added that in terms of performance, OLED can actualize perfect black and colors, cleanly express movement, and has wide viewing angle. In terms of design, OLED is thin and flexible, and can produce diverse shapes and be transparent.

 

LG Electronics and LG Display recently installed ultra large OLED signage OLED Moment in 2 places inside Incheon International Airport. They also presented OLED sculptures in various shapes such as tunnel, waves, cylinder, and others using 250 units of 55 inch OLED panels at N Seoul Tower. The 2 companies are carrying out aggressive marketing promoting OLED. Regarding OLED’s future, in short term, form factor changes are expected to occur following design change, and in mid-to-long term, the paradigm will shift with the introduction of rollable and transparent display.

 

Youn revealed that at present OLED has to resolve the expansion of the market and infrastructure, and improvement of productivity and technology. In order to solve this, research in improving the TFT mobility by more than 50%, and increasing the efficiency and lifetime is being carried out. He also added that they are researching ink-jet process, manufacturing equipment, and materials to develop soluble process.

 

[2nd OLED KOREA Conference] Samsung Display, Future Display’s Virtue is Design Freedom

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Insun Hwang, Samsung Display’s principal engineer of the Frontier Technology Team, announced that as the display market is expanding, the key factor for positive outlook for future display is ‘design freedom’.

 

At the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference (Feb 24-25) hosted by UBI Research, Hwang gave a keynote presentation.

 

During the presentation, Hwang announced that the mobile overtook TV as the medium that people use to access daily media. According to the presentation materials, the mobile usage is increasing each year, while the TV usage is decreasing. Also as the mobile usage of people under 50 is higher than that of TV, Hwang forecast that the number of people using mobile to access information will increase. He added that if the display panel price falls down, the number of the display panels will become higher than the number of users and forecast positive future for the display market.

 

Hwang particularly mentioned that AMOLED applied products will increase as it emits less harmful blue light and is human friendly, giving smartwatch and VR as the current examples. He estimated that the smartwatch market can expand through differentiated strategy with new functions and designs. Additionally, as an issue that needs to be solved, he mentioned that the resolution of VR falls as the distance between the user and display is short. High resolution is the key in VR, and Hwang explained that approximately 2,000 ppi is required for suitable realism. He also forecast that the automotive display will lead the display field and the future market. He further explained that as OLED can actualize the curvature and transparency, it is appropriate for automotive display.

 

However, Hwang also mentioned OLED’s lack in technology. Pointing out that technology for plastic window, flexible touch, encapsulation, and backplane falls short of what the market requires for flexible display and design freedom, Hwang described the need for OLED technology development.

 

Hwang estimated many flexible display equipped smart products in future, and concluded that display’s design freedom will be the most important issue.

[2nd OLED KOREA Conference] Looking at the Future Through Display Trend

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Choong Hoon Yi, the president of UBI Research, discussed the trend change of CES 2016 and the effects on future OLED display and market forecast.

 

During the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference (Feb 24 – 25), Yi gave a key note presentation titled ‘Dynamic Change in OLED Industry’.

 

Discussing CES 2016, Yi first gave VR and drones as display related hot issues. However, he defined the 2 products as items that bring enjoyment to the users rather than products that are necessary in everyday life. Yi estimated that the market is expected to grow but with some limitation.

 

The second issue Yi gave was automotive display which he forecast significant growth as dashboard attachment from the exhibitions by automotive and related companies that became more prominent since the last CES. Volkswagen particularly drew attention with IoT function attached dashboard display that can control electronic appliances at home. Additionally, Hyundai Mobis and Denso embedded display for side mirror use on the dashboard.

 

Yi reported that in CES, for TV section which is the most important home appliances, LG Electronics’ OLED TV decidedly stood out. At CES 2016, LG Electronics impressed the viewers by actualizing the blackness of the space and fiery sun filmed by NASA. Samsung Electronics exhibited existing SUHD TV with quantum dot display. Japanese companies such as Panasonic and Sony presented LCD panel applied TV.

 

Additionally, Yi told the attendees that Samsung’s transparent OLED using Galaxy Gear promotion and LG’s dual-view curved tiling OLED promotion of various home appliances were impressive. He added that these exhibitions were only possible by companies currently producing OLED. Forecasting that OLED market will exceed 1,000 million units of shipment in 2020 and mentioning investment forecast following this, Yi concluded his presentation.

[MWC 2016] Surge of AMOLED in China

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A surge of AMOLED panels by Chinese set companies is starting. Chinese set companies exhibited many AMOLED panel applied products in MWC 2016 (Feb 22 – 25), forecasting that the demand for AMOLED panel could greatly increase.

 

6 companies, including Huawei, ZTE, LENOVO, and Gionee, exhibited AMOLED panel applied smartphones. Particularly, Hisense and KONKA, well known as TV set companies, presented AMOLED panel smartphones and the Chinese set companies’ increased interest in AMOLED panel could be confirmed.

 

The majority of the AMOLED panel smartphones exhibited by Chinese set companies had 5 inch level panel with HD and FHD level resolution, and analyzed to have been supplied by Samsung Display.

 

Samsung Display is known to have significant amount of mainstream AMOLED panels to Chinese set companies in 2015. Following this trend, over 100 million units of AMOLED panels are expected to head toward China in 2016.

 

The key points are Samsung Display’s rigid AMOLED panel production capa. and whether the Chinese AMOLED panel companies can carry out mass production. The current Samsung Display’s rigid AMOLED panel mass production capa. is estimated to be insufficient to meet the demands for Samsung Electronics’ mainstream Galaxy model and Chinese set companies. Chinese panel companies have also announced active mass production from the first half of this year.

 

From the significant occupation of Chinese set companies that applied AMOLED panel within the Chinese smartphone market, panel companies’ supply ability of AMOLED panel for Chinese set companies is expected to be one of the issues in 2016.

Huawei’s Nexus 6P

LENOVO’s Moto X Force

 

[MWC 2016] Tianma Reveals Their First Flexible AMOLED Panel

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In MWC 2016 (Feb 27 – Mar 2), Tianma, a Chinese AMOLED panel company, revealed 5.46 inch flexible AMOLED panel for the first time. This panel has HD resolution (720 x 1280) with the curvature radius of 20 mm. Additionally, Tinama also exhibited 5.5 inch and 5 inch FHD AMOLED panel, and 5 inch HD AMOLED panel.

 

Tianma added that the 5 inch HD AMOLED panel is expected to be actively mass produced in the first half of this year and it is being produced in smaller quantity and that additional investment will soon be carried out for Gen5.5.

 

Tianma is currently carrying out small volume of mass production using Ulvac Gen4.5 manufacturing equipment. Although Tianma continued presenting their products in display related exhibitions, it is their first time in a set exhibition such as MWC. This activity is analyzed to be a part of Tianma’s effort to further their client base before active AMOLED panel mass production.

 

Tianma’s5.46 inch Flexible AMOLED Panel

Samsung Electronics Unveils Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

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On February 21 (local time), Samsung Electronics held Samsung Galaxy Unpack 2016 event at the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB), Spain, and unveiled smartphone Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Gear 360, a camera that can film in 360°.

 

Koh Dongjin, Samsung Electronics Mobile Communications Business president, announced that at this important time of change in the mobile industry, Samsung Electronics will provide not only smartphone but also the comprehensive experience and value for the consumers through diverse products, contents, and service surrounding the smartphone. He added that the company will pay even more attention to the consumers in future and lead the mobile market through ceaseless challenges in new technology and areas.

 

4 items were much emphasized in Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Firstly, for the camera, the latest technology used in the top DSLR, dual pixel image sensor was applied to smartphone for the first time in the world. Particularly, the demonstration of Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge camera’s superiority through the comparison with iPhone 6S is analyzed to be a move to come ahead in the future competition with iPhone.

 

The second is the battery capacity. Despite that the embedded battery of S6 and S6 Edge was considered a great drawback, the same was applied to the most recent S7 and S7 Edge. However, the battery capacity increased by 38%, in the case of S7 Edge, with 3,600 mAh, and improved on the disadvantage of embedded battery.

 

The third is the low energy consumption environment. AOD (always-on display) was applied, and also to meet the trend of heavy gaming use, the next generation graphic Vulkan API (application programming interface) is supported that can be also used on consoles, minimizing the energy consumption.

 

Fourthly, the new smartphone has the waterproof and dustproof function. The highest standard in waterproof/dustproof IP68 grade was applied to Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and provides highest protection. With this function applied to the entire smartphone including components such as USB terminal and earphone jack, waterproofing is possible without a USB cover.

 

Additionally, Samsung Electronics expanded the Galaxy ecosystem and revealed Gear 360, a camera that can take pictures and videos in 360° at the Samsung Galaxy Unpack 2016.

 

Gear 360 has two 195° fish-eye lenses that can take 180° wide angle pictures and videos. These can be put together and generate contents that can be viewed in 360° horizontally and vertically. This can be viewed in virtual reality through Gear VR.

 

Gear 360 can be connected to Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge+, Note5, S6 Edge, and S6, and can film through smartphone application, preview and upload the contents to social network and Google Street View.

 

Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will be available in 4 colors (white pearl, silver titanium, gold platinum, and black onyx) with luxurious and glass quality. Gear 360 is expected to be released in white in the first half of 2016.

2016 AMOLED Market, Estimated to Record US$ 15,000 Million, an Increase of Approx. 40% from 2015

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According to 2016 OLED Display Annual Report, published by UBI Research, 2016 AMOLED panel market is estimated to show US$ 15,000 million, which is a growth of approximately 40% from 2015. The report also expects the shipment to record 16% increase compared to 2015 with 270 million units, and 2016 to be the year for the AMOLED industry could take off again.

 

UBI Research revealed that “Samsung Electronics is actively selecting AMOLED panel for mainstream models of Galaxy and the demand for AMOLED panel by Chinse set companies is also increasing. Additionally, Apple’s application of flexible AMOLED panel for iPhone is becoming more concrete, and OLED TV sales is gradually increasing. As such LCD will be slowly replaced”. Particularly, regarding AMOLED for mobile device market, UBI Research explained that “the flexible AMOLED panel equipped set market analysis shows approximately 500K (Gen 6) per month will be required until 2020, and it is anticipated that active flexible AMOLED investment will be continually carried out”.

 

The AMOLED market growth staggered momentarily in 2015, but due to the increase of demand for mainstream AMOLED panel and flexible AMOLED panel, it grew with a large margin in 2015. Accordingly, investment for flexible AMOLED panel application for Apple’s iPhone, which is leading the total smartphone market with Samsung Electronics, is in consideration. The panel companies in China, Japan, and Taiwan are also anticipated to invest in flexible AMOLED panel, and bring energy into stagnated OLED related display industry.

 

According to the 2016 OLED Display Annual Report, the AMOLED panel market exceeded US$ 10,000 million with approximately 230 million units in 2015, an increase of approximately 25% from the previous year. It is expected to record US$ 67,000 million until 2020 with CAGR of approximately 46%.

AMOLED Panel Market Forecast (2016-2020)

JDI Announces OLED Mass Production in 2018

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Japan Display (JDI) officially announced OLED mass production. The press, including the Sankei Shimbun and the Nikkei, reported that on January 22 JDI revealed their plans to begin mass production of OLED panel to be used in smartphone from 2018.

 

JDI continued development with the aim of LTPS TFT and WRGB OLED technology applied high resolution AMOLED panel mass production for mobile device, and revealed the results through exhibitions in recent years.

 

In Display Innovation 2014 (FPD International) and SID 2015, JDI have presented 5.2 inch FHD flexible AMOLED panel. Particularly, in SID 2015, JDI showed a notepad equipped with flexible OLED panel.

 

JDI is likely to mass produce flexible AMOLED following the current mobile device market trend. Although the mass production technology was not mentioned, due to the client demands, it is estimated that either the RGB method, which is being used by LG Display and Samsung Display, or WRGB method, which is being developed by JDI, will be selected.

 

At present, only Samsung Display and LG Display can mass produce flexible AMOLED panel, but Chinese companies are fast in pursuit. There is much interest in how this JDI’s mass production announcement will affect the future OLED market.

 

JDI

D-21 to the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference

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The 2nd OLED KOREA Conference, which is receiving much attention as the world’s largest OLED international business conference, is only 21 days away. At this conference, the OLED industry leading panel companies, Samsung Display and LG Display are scheduled to give keynote sessions. Through this, future OLED industry direction forecast is anticipated. UBI Research is to discuss the rapidly changing the OLED industry’s current status and future, and China’s Visionox is expected to examine the flexible AMOLED’s potential and future market.

 

Furthermore, sessions with diverse topics are prepared. These include next generation backplane technology, AMOLED mass production technology, issues facing OLED industry, QLED which is receiving interest as the display after OLED, various applications for OELD, etc. Therefore, this event is expected to be useful for materials and manufacturing companies, as well as display panel companies, university, research lab, and display industry related professionals, providing assistance in responding to the next generation display industry and a place of sharing information and thoughts.

 

Particularly, away from formal discussions, the OLED Reception will prove to be a valuable time through conversations on future of OLED in a comfortable setting.

 

The 2nd OLED KOREA Conference will be held for 2 days on February 24-25 at The-K Hotel Seoul in South Korea. 9 sessions in total will be held with 30 speakers, including Samsung Display and LG Display, and approximately over 200 display related industry/academy players will be in attendance.

 

Advance registration is open until February 23 with approximately 10% discount. As the places are limited, early registration is recommended. Conference registration can be accessed through the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference homepage (www.oledkoreaconference.com). Enquiries can be made to Hana Oh (hanaoh@ubiresearch.co.kr).

 

OLED Frontier Forum’s 3rd Section Panel Discussion Summary

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The 3rd section of the 1st OLED Frontier Forum (Jan 28), OLED’s Future, held a panel discussion with government, industry, and academia experts discussing OLED industry development strategy, such as next generation technology development, convergent areas, and personnel training, and future forecast. OLEDNET summarized the answers that each expert gave to the questions of the panel chair (Professor Changhee Lee, Seoul National University).

 

Jun-hyung Souk (Professor, Sungkyunkwan University)

For SDC mobile, as the OLED depreciation is ending the OLED production cost is becoming almost the same as LCD. If OLED related experts stay within Korean industry as well as the technology, Korea can continue to lead for 4-5 years. In order to achieve the continued leadership, differentiation through flexible R2R has to be carried out, as well as the materials and encapsulation technology development.

 

 

Sung-Chul Kim (CTO, SDC)

As a-Si is an existing technology, there is no room for further advancement. Sharp’s difficulty in panel business is due to lack of technology research on the panel. Because one technology can only be used for approximately 7 months, diverse technology development is required.

 

 

In-byeong Kang (CTO, LGD)

Fast organizations cannot but win. Therefore, rapid change to OLED from LCD is needed. As difficult is the technology, cooperation between academia and industry is needed. Now is the time when this cooperation for next generation technology development is more in demand. LGD is putting in much effort for OLED profitability.

 

 

Sung-Jin Kim (Vice President, Toray Advanced Materials Korea)

Cooperation between materials and manufacturing equipment companies is important in solution process materials development. Particularly, how to control dry process is an important issue. Also, Kim expects the current solution process materials development to show tangible results in 3-5 years.

 

 

Junyeob Lee (Professor, Sungkyunkwan University)

Solution process is favorable for materials optimization. From the initial concentration on polymer materials, recently small molecule materials focused soluble materials development is being carried out, and how to implement common layer is an issue. Emitting layer is using the small molecule materials that are being used as evaporation materials. The difference is the higher cost as the solvent is used. Also, as there is an issue (formulation problem) when used in large area, solution is required.

 

 

Kyoung-Soo Kim (Vice President, Korea Display Industry Association)

Expert acquirement is a key issue. Through upgraded cooperation between industry and academia, and industries, cooperation between panel, manufacturing equipment, and materials has to progress into a positive cycle. Also the open platform regarding new OLED application is needed.

 

 

Young-Ho Park (PD, Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology)

Flexible display competitiveness acquirement is a big concern. Programs for challenging R&D, and high added value product/technology development, and R&D infra establishment (highly cost-effective R&D) have to be considered.

 

Sung-Chul Kim, Samsung Display’s CTO, What is Needed for OLED To Enter New Areas?

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Sung-Chul Kim, Samsung Display’s CTO, at the 1st OLED Frontier Forum (Jan 28) gave a presentation ‘AMOLED Technical Issue and Future’ and discussed OLED technological issues of the past and present.

 

Kim pointed out the fact that glass substrate is not always necessary for OLED as the most different factor compared to LCD, and emphasized flexible OLED where plastic substrate is used. Kim reported that flexible OLED issues include window’s durability and coating, touch panel’s electrode materials and flexibility, reduction of number of encapsulation layers and flexibility, and backplane’s low stress structure and OTFT application. He revealed that developing spherical stretchable display, which the user can zoom in, is also included in the product roadmap.

 

Regarding transparent/mirror display, Kim announced that this is the direction that OLED should head toward and added that layout design development suitable for different application areas is needed. Specifically, the transparent display should be developed to increase the transmittance area and decrease the TFT area, and the mirror display to optimize the ratio between the total reflection and half-reflection areas.

 

Additionally, in order to produce high resolution OLED, Kim mentioned that innovation in terms of pixel operation and backplane structure is needed. He emphasized compensation circuit and that whether high resolution display can be manufactured cheaply and using simple structure is the key.

 

Kim discussed wall display, IoT, educational display, etc. as the new applications which will become important in future. Particularly, mentioning the automotive display area, Kim explained that for OLED to enter these new areas, plastic materials suitable for each applications and technology that can correctly process this are required. In order for this type of research development to be carried out smoothly, Kim added that cooperation between the academia and industry is necessary.

 

In-byeong Kang, CTO of LG Display, Discusses the Past, Present, and Future of Large Area OLED Panel

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On January 28, Korea Display Industry Association organized the 1st OLED Frontier Forum in JW Marriott Hotel Seoul.

 

Under the title ‘OLED, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’, the forum attendees could review Korean OLED research results of the past 20 odd years, and discussed regarding future OLED industry growth strategy.

 

LG Display’s CTO In-byeong Kang gave a presentation on Large Area OLED Status and Future and talked about the current status and forecast of large area OLED which is expected to become the key area of future display.

 

Since the mass production of first 55 inch OLED panel that utilized WRGB method and oxide TFT, 3 years went past. During those 3 years, Kang revealed that many innovations were carried out in terms of TFT device, compensation algorithm, OLED device, OLED materials, and processes.

 

First, the oxide TFT structure changed to coplanar method from etch stopper method, and for compensation wiring, the internal compensation was changed to external compensation. Also, he revealed that through much effort, the existing OLED device and materials were changed to new structure and high efficiency and high color gamut OLED emitting materials. Kang added that the uniformity, which becomes the most crucial point in large area OLED panel mass production, was greatly improved in Gen8 manufacturing equipment.

 

In 2013, there was only 1 LG Electronics’ OLED TV, 55 inch FHD, but recently 77 inch and 65 inch were added, and the resolution increased to UHD. Kang emphasized that although the 2013 product was priced at 11 million KRW with 100/400 nit of brightness but recent products have brightness of 150/450 nit at the reduced price of 4.2 million KRW.

 

LG Display is going through many changes recently. OLED business department began operation from last year. Large area OLED panel, which started with 8K monthly mass production at Gen8, is now being produced at 26K in full operation. Also, additional investment of 10 trillion KRW to large area panel has been decided, and new factory is being built in Paju. Kang told the audience that he heard many positive views on large area OLED at CES, and that there was a huge response regarding the 77 inch HDR video. Kang revealed confidence in the technology reporting that rather than replacing LCD, OLED could succeed as a totally different display.

 

Regarding the next 20 years, Kang forecast that the flat will move toward transparent and flexible, and OLED is the most suitable for this. He explained that the Korean government estimated this and is carrying out national project titled ‘≥60 inch UHD level transparent flexible display and applicable IT fused infotainment system development’ for the past 4 years. LG Display is responsible for this project’s overall consortium, and is planning to reveal UHD level 60 inch transparent flexible OLED panel in 2017 summer when the project is complete.

 

At the end of the presentation, Kang summarized 3 innovation factors for large area OLED. First, the substrate materials at Gen8 has to change to PI and transparent PI. Second, even for flexible substrate, the structure has to change to top emission from bottom emission, and lastly, Kang added that much more diverse applications have to be considered for flexible panel.

 

Leaders Who Created Korean OLED Industry

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On January 28, OLED Frontier Forum, ‘OLED, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’ was held in Seoul, Korea. With approximately 250 attendees from the industry, academia, and government organizations, experts discussed scenes from the early days of OLED development, the current market and technology competition status, and future industry development issues.

 

President of UBI Research, Choong Hoon Yi, was the first speaker of the first section, and gave a presentation titled ‘Korean OLED Industry Creating Something from Nothing’, introducing figures from the initial stages of OLED development and now. In 1996, Yi, in charge of Strategy Technology Planning of Samsung Display Devices (now Samsung SDI), calculated OLED to be the most powerful display inheriting from LCD. Asserting the need for development, Yi led the OLED research development investment.

 

Discussing the most influential people within the 20 years of OLED industry, Yi first mentioned Samsung SDI’s vice chairman Soon-taek Kim, explaining that despite the IMF crisis Kim decided on AMOLED investment and laid the foundation for Samsung’s main role within the OLED industry. On top of this baiss, Ho Kyoon Chung (then Samsung SDI’s vice president) began active development of small size AMOLED, and Samsung Display’s vice president Sung-Chul Kim is responsible for Samsung’s OLED for mobile device of now. Yi also introduced Miwon Commercial’s CEO Kyu-Ha Chung (then Samsung Electronics executive director) as the key player who suggested vision for large area OLED through world’s first development of 40 inch WRGB OLED. Within LG Display, vice chairman Sang-beom Han was mentioned as the person responsible for OLED TV’s market release through difficulty decision of large area OLED investment, and CTO In-byeong Kang for technological advances as the person in charge of OLED development. For academia, Yi discussed Seoul National University’s Professor Changhee Lee as the first person in Korea who began white OLED development and contributed to OLED standardization. Professor Jin Jang of Kyung Hee University suggested oxide TFT’s commercialization prospect and mentored many people who contributed to Korean OLED industry. Yi, together with Sung-Chul Kim and Dr. Nam-Yang Lee (then LG Philips LCD director) established OLED sector within Korea Display Industry Association. During the talk, he introduced how this formed the inter cooperative structure with OLED industry companies and contributed to Korean OLED industry success on the basis of governmental support.

 

OLED Forum1

 

In the second section of the event, LG and Samsung’s CTOs presented on OLED industry’s key issues, and future innovative technology. The 2 companies both discussed current technology, products and projects that need to be solved in order to increase the competitiveness of OLED.

 

OLED Forum2

OLED Forum3

 

During the last section, the speakers panel discussion handled how to respond to China’s rapid growth. The speakers all agreed on the need for acquisition and hold on experts, corporation between industry and academy, and between companies, and new application areas.

 

OLED Forum4

LG Display to Focus on OLED Investment in 2016

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On January 27, LG Display held Q4 2015 earnings announcement, stating that the business profit recorded a surplus for 15 consecutive quarters, and annual profit of over 1 trillion KRW for 3 years.

 

LG Display’s Q4 2014 sales recorded 7,495,700 million KRW, a 5% increase from the previous quarter’s 7,158,200 million KRW and 10% decrease from 8,341,900 million KRW of the same period from the previous year. The business profit of 60,600 million KRW in Q4 is a significant decrease from previous quarter’s 332,900 million KRW and previous year’s 625,800 million KRW, a decrease of 82% and 90% respectively.

 

Sang-don Kim, LG Display’s CFO, mentioned that the business condition has been difficult due to weak demand and reduced panel prices as a result of China’s additional capa. establishment. Stating that it is hard to expect demand recovery as the economy continues to be uncertain in 2016, they suggested that the poor performances could continue.

 

Kim, in order to overcome the current situation, put up the keywords ‘choice and focus’. He reported that the investment could be flexible at times, but 50-60% of this year’s investment will be focused on OLED. He emphasized that choice and focus will be on areas with technological merits such as large area, M+, and AIT.

 

During the LG Electronics performance announcement (January 26), CFO Do Hyun Jung asserted world’s top premium image mentioning the OLED TV. LG Display also showed confidence in large area OLED technology. Sang-don Kim stated that OLED is a technology that exceeds existing LCD, and not only will it replace LCD TV but it is expanding the market and cemented its place as a premium product, jumping ahead of quantum dot TV. He added that whether in large size or small to mid-size, the technology difference of LCD with Chinese companies is 2-3 years, OLED is 5-6 years.

Samsung Electronics’ Smooth Foldable AMOLED Panel Development

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On January 28, Samsung Electronics, through conference call, analyzed Q4 2015 and announced overall results of 2015. Q4 2015 sales of Samsung Electronics recorded 53,320,000 million KRW, a 3% increase from previous quarter, and 6,140,000 million KRW of business profit, an increase of 1,250,000 million KRW from previous quarter.

 

CE (consumer electronics) department showed highest increase of sales compared to previous quarter. Samsung Electronics revealed that LCD TV is receiving great response in advanced market, and that the sales in North America increased by 94% from previous quarter. They also estimate that the demand will increase in 2016 due to Rio 2016 Olympics

 

However, Samsung Electronics’ IM (IT and Mobile) department mentioned that as the smartphone market growth is expected to remain in single digit and competition between companies will become fierce, estimating that future is not simply bright. As a response to this, Lee emphasized that through strengthening of product and efficient lineup they will maintain the margin of double digits. Additionally, Samsung Electronics’ foldable OLED is rising as the new form factor for product build up. In regards to this, Samsung Electronics revealed that foldable display development is smoothly being carried out and they will deal with mass production and market release timing after discussions with customer companies.

 

With the recent news regarding Samsung Display’s second stage investment for A3 line, there is much interest. Samsung Electronics explained that although A3 related investment is estimated for small to mid-size OLED additional investment, detailed plans have not been confirmed. However, through proactive additional capa. increase, they are planning to strengthen Samsung Display’s competitiveness.

 

Regarding large area display, Samsung Electronics reported that they are the only company that is mass producing by using environmentally friendly quantum dot technology. While revealing pride in SUHD TV’s technology prowess, they also suggested new form factor stating they are looking for the best cost competitive mass production method considering large size OLED marketability through diverse research development.

LG Electronics to Actively Induce OLED TV Demands in 2016

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LG Electronics CFO, Do Hyun Jung announced that they expect this year’s OLED TV’s demand to be approximately 4 times higher than last year’s.

 

With this statement during the LG Electronics earnings announcement (January 26), Jung demonstrated determination in popularization of OLED TV. Regarding the forecast of Q1, he estimated that despite the slow season, profit structure will improve through product mix improvement and production cost structure among others.

 

It was also revealed that the UHD OLED TV and UHD premium TV sales increased in Q4 2015. Particularly, OLED TV products recorded double the amount of previous quarter’s shipment, occupying 10% of the total TV sales.

 

Regarding the total TV market, Jung forecast that the 2016 demand stagnation will continue. Revealing that LG Electronics’ TV market share fell slightly, demand for premium products such as OLED TV and UHD TV is anticipated. He added that LG Electronics will cement the image of world leading premium products through OLED TV and compete through quality and performance.

 

In Q4 2015, LG Electronics Home Entertainment business increased shipment in key markets such as Europe, Russia, and North America, and recorded revenue of 4,740,000 million KRW, a 11% growth compared to previous quarter, and business profit also increased to 2.3% from 0.9%.

 

LG Electronics Earnings Announcement

LG Electronics Earnings Announcement

OLED Encapsulation Transparent Gas Barrier Film Market, How High Can It Grow?

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At present for flexible AMOLED encapsulation, thin film encapsulation, where organic and inorganic thin films are laminated, and hybrid encapsulation, where minimum passivation and gas barrier film are laminated, are used in mass production. As large area AMOLED panel is being mass produced through bottom emission structure where the light is emitted toward substrate, metal foil utilizing hybrid encapsulation is used.

 

However, TFE method which is used in flexible AMOLED panel for mobile device employs expensive manufacturing equipment and increases the investment cost. It also increases the number of processes involved and reduces mass production efficiency. For these reasons, this method is not suitable for cost reduction. As large area requires high resolution and high brightness, top emission structured AMOLED panel is being developed. When top emission structure is used, transparent encapsulation is essential.

 

Following this trend, the necessity for next encapsulation is rising, and in particular, transparent gas barrier film encapsulation is receiving increasing amount of attention. The transparent gas barrier film that is used for the hybrid structure currently being applied in mass production has WVTR of 10-4g/m2day, which is less than encapsulation requirement of 10-6g/m2day. However, in R&D stage, the WVTR level reached to 10-6g/m2day, and encapsulation could be possible only with transparent gas barrier film. Research development regarding this is being actively carried out.

 

According to 2016 OLED Encapsulation Report, published by UBI Research, transparent gas barrier film encapsulation can reduce investment cost compared to TFE. As it can also be applied to large area top emission structure, high market growth can be anticipated with this encapsulation.

 

UBI Research analyzed that if transparent gas barrier film encapsulation is applied to the new large area line and mobile added from 2017, the transparent gas barrier film market could grow to record up to approximately US$ 700 million in 2020.

 

dlszoq

Will 2016 be the Year of Glasses-Free 3D Display Commercialization?

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During the Pioneer Technology Seminar to Overcome Display Industry Crisis (January 14) held in South Korea, Dr. Sung-Kyu Kim of Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) discussed the current issues of glasses-free 3D display and technology development for commercialization. He also revealed related KIST research results.

 

At present, the 3D display applied to TV can be divided into FPR (film patterned retarder) method and SG (shutter glass) method. Both of these methods require 3D glasses. Regarding this, Kim revealed that the glasses using method could be the biggest factor in hindering the 3D display’s accessibility. Kim announced that glasses-free 3D display development is essential particularly for outdoor advertisement applications.

 

To increase the accessibility of 3D display, glasses-free 3D display related research, such as holographic and multiview 3D display technology, has long been carried out. Kim revealed that at present the multiview 3D technology is closest to glasses-free 3D display commercialization. He added that the key issue is how much the 4 problems (crosstalk development, quantization effects between viewpoints, reduced resolution, human factor) can be controlled.

 

In order to solve these problems, Kim applied technology that forms visual field of 4 or more views between eyes and provide same image information in the adjacent area. He emphasized that this was fused with technology that tracks the location of the observer and developed improved glasses-free 3D display. He added that prototype was shown in PyeongChang 2018 Olympics PR venue and Sangwolgok Station in South Korea.

 

Kim explained problems such as human factor occur for TV and monitor where observers watch for a long period of time and future of 3D display is not bright. However, in advertisement area where people can freely watch, it could be effectively applied. He revealed that he will focus on commercialization this year and expedite development.

 

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Quantum Dot, Will it Rise to Become the Answer for Future Display Materials?

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The interest in quantum dot materials is increasing daily. In July 2015, Professor Changhee Lee of Seoul National University received Science Technology Person of the Month prize with technology that greatly improves QLED performance and lifetime. In CES 2016, with cadmium-less quantum dot applied SUHD TV, Samsung Electronics achieved UHD TV’s color standard BT.2020 and received much attention.

 

Regarding this interest, during the Pioneer Technology Seminar to Overcome Display Industry Crisis (January 14) held in South Korea, University of Seoul’s Professor Jeong Hoon Kwak reported that quantum dot technology is a material with plenty of potential from the long-term perspective.

 

Quantum dot materials can be used with blue LED to improve LCD color gamut. Two techniques are generally used; the edge type has quantum dot placed on the sides and for surface type the quantum dot film is attached in front of BLU. Most of TV makers, excluding Sony, are using surface type. Professor Kwak explained that quantum dot can achieve desired color by adjusting the size of the particles without changing the materials. Through this, he estimated that it could replace color filter.

 

As well as increasing the LCD color gamut, as quantum dot materials emit light when connected to electricity, much like organic light emitting materials, it is anticipated that they could be used to replace the emitting materials in OLED panel. Within the industry, this technology is called QLED or QD-LED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology. Professor Kwak emphasized that QLED has better color gamut than OLED and has a merit of good actualization of deep blue. As QLED is basically formed through solution process, he added that solution process pixel patterning technology has to be development and device lifetime also has to increase.

 

Professor Kwak explained that as there are not many places mass producing QLED materials at present, the cost is high. However, he emphasized that because the quantum dot materials have an advantage of being easy to synthesize, from long term perspective, they can be used at lower price than OLED.

 

[Lighting Japan 2016] Yamagata University Develops Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation

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Innovation Center for Organic Electronics in Yamagata University in Japan discussed low cost flexible OLED encapsulation in Lighting Japan 2016 conference. Existing flexible OLED encapsulation mainly used hybrid encapsulation structure that forms multi-layer thin film passivation layers on top of OLED, and then applying adhesive organic material and laminating gas barrier film. The encapsulation structure presented by Yamagata University forms, of the hybrid encapsulation structure, thermoset resin and barrier film above OLED without multi-layer thin film passivation, and laminate at approximately 130 °C. Yamagata University announced that they were successful in transparent flexible OLED panel development on January 13 using encapsulation, and that this panel will be presented in Printable Electronics 2016 in Tokyo from January 27.

 

The OLED panel to be exhibited is a leaf shaped of 45 mm width, 110 mm length, weighs less than 1.2g, and 250 um thick transparent film substrate that can be folded.

 

According to Yamagata University, if the newly developed encapsulation is applied, the OLED lighting panel price can be reduced as passivation layer is not used. Also, Yamagata University revealed as it can satisfy both transparent and flexible categories simultaneously, it is estimated that it will become a key technology in future transparent flexible OLED lighting development.

 

Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation, Yamagata University

Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation, Yamagata University

Sumitomo Chem. Aims for General Lighting Market with P-LED

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Sumitomo Chemical’s Decorative P-LED Lighting Panel, Lighting Japan 2016

Sumitomo Chemical’s Decorative P-LED Lighting Panel, Lighting Japan 2016

Sumitomo Chemical revealed that they are planning to enter the general lighting market with solution process applied P-LED (polymer OLED).

 

Sumitomo Chemical is a company developing polymer and solution process applied OLED lighting panel. The company began actively selling decorative OLED lighting panel from H2 2015.

 

In Lighting Japan 2016 exhibition, Sumitomo Chemical announced that through their polymer materials and process technology, 80-90% of evaporation materials efficiency, and lifetime of approximately 20,000 hours at white 60-80 lm/w have been achieved. From 2017, they are planning to commercialize solution process OLED lighting panel as general lighting, as well as for decorative use, and revealed that the biggest issues are cost and improvement of consumers’ OLED awareness.

 

According to these issues, Sumitomo Chemical explained that although the cost of emitting area formed through solution process, cost down of evaporation formed emitting area and electrode part is required further. Although the 20,000 hours of lifetime is satisfactory, as consumers are aware that LED lighting’s lifetime is 40,000 hours or longer, Sumitomo Chemical pointed out it is important to change consumer’s OLED lighting awareness and understanding of lighting products.

 

by Moojong Lim, reporter@olednet.com

[Lighting Japan 2016] LED Lighting Industry Crisis. Solution?

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Osram Bussiness Unit Digital Systems's CEO, Geert van der Meer, Lighting Japan 2016

Osram Bussiness Unit Digital Systems’s CEO, Geert van der Meer, Lighting Japan 2016

 

In Lighting Japan 2016 Keynote Session, Geer van der Meer, CEO of Osram Business Unit Digital Systems, suggested directions for future lighting industry.

 

Geert van der Meer explained that the current lighting market is rapidly adopting LED, but the large volume of Chinese products is decreasing the price of LED source and device quickly. He emphasized that with the trend of disappearance of lighting companies’ profit, new business format is required to create profit.

 

The new businesses suggested by Osram are embedded lighting, and connected and smart lighting. He suggested lighting industry should move toward where the lighting can be used as part of building materials through internal installations and utilization as indirect illumination, and adopt smart system and form smart building and furthermore, smart city.

 

The current lighting market’s players are being joined by IT related companies, BMS (business management system) companies, and electronic appliances companies, and its megatrend is changing rapidly. Accordingly, Osram is expanding from the existing lighting to lighting electronics such as module and control gears, lighting solution system, and specialty lighting such as OLED and automotive. Osram also revealed that they took over a wireless energy management system company called ENCELIUM and intensifying focus on smart lighting system business.

 

Smart system provides many different functions such as energy reporting, remote and preventative maintenance, personal lighting control, and zone analysis among others and can optimize energy reduction, maintenance cost reduction, and workspace environment. Van der Meer emphasized that new function can be created through lighting used area’s data analysis and become the focus of future lighting analysis.

 

[Analyst Column] CES 2016 Press Conference Comparison Analysis, Samsung Elec. TV vs. LG Elec. TV

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Choong Hoon Yi, Chief Analyst, UBI Research

 

When Samsung Electronics, CES’ most important company, holds a press conference, members of the media wait longer than an hour anticipating the new world the firm will show. For LG Electronics’ press conference, the waiting period is relatively shorter.

 

However, the press conferences at CES 2016 were not as anticipated. In CES and IFA, the representative of electronic appliances companies is TV. However, the TV in Samsung Electronics’ event was merely the same SUHD TV as shown before. Instead, ICT area, such as VR, USB adaptor, and Samsung Pay, was emphasized. During the last year’s CES, Samsung Electronics received much acclaim with curved design added SUHD TV. The only difference for this year’s TV from CES 2015’s was the text ‘Quantum Dot Display’ underneath the SUHD.

 

 

Samsung Electronics is considered the rule maker of the market with new designs and aggressive marketing. The fact that Samsung Electronics only added the words quantum dot to the already applied SUHD TV LCD panel is analyzed to be a desperate measure demonstrating the LCD TV’s development limitation.

 

On the other hand, during their press conference, LG Electronics provided a vision where the TV market can have another growth spurt through the introduction of the improved OLED TV with 800 nit peak brightness. Particularly, NASA’s video of vivid deep black of the space and dynamic fiery red of the sun on the OLED TV brought the audiences to cheer and applause. What could only have been seen by astronauts can now be seen by everyone through OLED TV. This was an event where everyone could feel what a true display really is.

 

 

Of course, as the largest market of the consumer market is smartphone, it would be illogical to discuss Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics with only TV. However, Samsung Electronics’ smartphone business also remained stationery last year and all businesses, excluding semiconductor, is falling downward. As such, for Samsung fans who have high expectations it is of much concern.

 

The reason that the companies that led electronic appliance industry for the past half century such as Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba are falling is because they did not have paradigm changing technology and product when the market was stalling. The same unfortunate sign is coming from Samsung Electronics.

 

Chinese set companies including TCL also brought quantum dot technology applied LCD TV to CES 2016. 8K TV was also exhibited. Although the picture quality control technology of the Chinese TV companies still falls short compared to companies such as Samsung Electronics, LC Electronics, and Sony, the set exterior reached similar standards and the price is less than 70% of the early starters’. The difference in the picture quality is difficult to distinguish for those who are not TV or display experts. The quality of Chinese products does not reflect the cheaper price, and cheap and good products are pouring in from China.

 

For Samsung Electronics that cannot produce OLED TV, in order to repeat the last year’s popularity in international events such as IFA in later this year, a big issue and product that can represent the company are urgently needed.

 

[CES 2016] OLED Smartphone Territory Slowly Expands

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OLED panel, mostly used for Samsung Electronics, is expanding its market and slowly entering China. In CES and IFA until now, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics only exhibited OLED panel equipped smartphone. However, this time, China’s dark horse Huawei exhibited Samsung Display’s OLED onto new smartphone model Nexus 6P.

 

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The panel used is 5.7 inch 518 ppi FHD OLED.

 

According to Huawei, although until now LCD has been used as OLED can produce profound black it is estimated OLED will be highly popular in Chinese market.

 

Huawei is already using OLED on smartwatch. Huawei Watch Active that began to be exhibited starting with CES 2015 uses 1.4 inch 286 ppi OLED panel with 400 x 400 resolution supplied by AUO. The thickness of the watch is 4.2 mm and rather thick, but the external design is highly detailed and beautiful much like luxury analog watch.

 

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As Huawei, which has the highest market share out of Chinese set companies, started to actively push for OLED panel use in smartphone following smartwatch, other Chinese companies, including Xiaomi, are expected to rapidly join the OLED sector.