AMOLED panel for smart phones, just around the corner of 100million-unit shipment in a quarter

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According to UBI Research, the shipment amount of AMOLED panel for smart phones in the 3rd quarter of 2016 was announced to be counted as 96million units.

It is the figure increased for 103% compared with the last quarter, and increased for 148% compared with the same period of last year, and it renewed the quarterly highest shipment amount once again, after the last quarter.

The person in charge of UBI Research mentioned that “The output of flexible AMOLED panels for Galaxy Note 7 was reduced compared to the plan due to the discontinuation of the production of Galaxy Note 7, however, the increase in shipments of AMOLED panels for China and Galaxy s7 series is seemed to play a important role in the increase of shipments in the third quarter.”

Currently, Samsung Display occupies more than 91% of the AMOLED panel market for smart phones, and Chinese panel makers such as BOE, EDO, Tianma, and Visionox are conducting mass production with small quantities.

In addition, Apple is expected to apply the flexible AMOLED panel to some models of the iPhone to be launched in 2017, therefore, future AMOLED panel market for smart phones will be increased continuously.

UBI Research expects that the annual shipment amount of AMOLED panel will form the market volume as about 1.4billion units by 2020 with the average annual growth rate of 41%, and flexible AMOLED panel among them will account for about 61%.

Smart Phone AMOLED Panel Shipment Forecast, Source : UBI research

BY HYUNJUN JANG, HANA OH

Would it be possible to accelerate commercialization of QLED by Samsung Electronics’ acquisition of ‘QD Vision’?

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According to the industry source dated Nov. 21, it was confirmed that Samsung Electronics was selected as a preferred bidder participating in the acquisition battle for ‘QD Vision’. The amount of acquisition proposed by Samsung Electronics is U$70million, and the industry expects that the final takeover will be agreed no later than the next week.

Quantum dot is the materials whose implementing color is different according to the size, and Samsung Electronics is introducing SUHD TV to the premium TV market, which improves the color reproduction rate by applying quantum dot sheet to LCD BLU for the first time in the world, and Chinese companies are actively launching the products.

‘QD Vision’ established by the researchers from MIT, is a specialized enterprise with high technology in the field of cadmium-based quantum dot and it is introducing non-cadmium-based material, too, lately. The industry considers that the acquisition of ‘QD vision’ by Samsung Electronics is the cornerstone to accelerate the commercialization of QLED along with the expansion of the quantum-dot TV market.

Although QLED is highly anticipated to be available to realize the panel with high purity as it is less impacted by oxygen and moisture than OLED and as it has a narrow half width, very low efficiency and life time compared to OLED materials are mentioned as the problem, under its initial stage of development. Furthermore, cadmium used in the core of quantum dot is highly toxic carcinogen, so Cd-free materials are being developed by ‘QD Vision’, ‘Nanoco’, ‘Nanosquare’, etc., however, its performance is lower than Cd-base materials. Therefore, the industry expects that it will take at least 5 years for QLED to be applied to mass production.

In the meantime, related with this issue, in the ‘Market penetration possibility analysis and seminar for QLED and Solution Process OLED’ hosted by UB Research in last October, Professor Chang-hee Lee of Seoul National University mentioned that, “If large-scale investment and manpower would be input, it is likely to find the product in earlier time than expected, and there is a possibility that the entry barrier can be lowered due to its similar structure to OLED”

It is highly attended that whether the acquisition of ‘QD vision’ by Samsung Electronics can accelerate the commercialization of QLED by becoming the starting point of large-scale investment, and what effect would be influenced to the display industry.

BOE and CSOT, Acquired the China first title through the panel for OLED TV

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In ‘18th China High- Tech Fair,’ BOE collected a big topic by exhibiting 55” UHD OLED TV of Skyworth to which 55” UHD OLED Module was applied.

CSOT also publicized 31inch curved FHD OLED panel this time even though they have exhibited 31inch FHD OLED panel in the past.

About 80inch was realized by attaching 3 Curved OLED panels, and resolution was 5760*1080 along with 150nits brightness.

Two enterprises manufactured the product together by applying WRGB+CF structure having been produced massively in LG Display.

In this exhibition, BOE and CSOT became to have first tile in Chinese enterprises with 55inch UHD OLED and 31inch curved OLED, and it is expected that it could be new drive of WRGB OLED panel market afterwards.

BOE and CSOT are manufacturing the panel for OLED TV in Gen8 pilot line of Hefei and Gen4.5 R&D line of Shenzhen, China respectively, and two enterprises are under positive consideration about large-scale OLED mass production lines.

Currently LG Display possesses mass production lines uniquely in relation with large-scale OLED panel market, and is leading OLED panel market alone. In future, BOE and CSOT are expected to join in large-size OLED panel market, and it is anticipated that market expansion through competitions in large-size OLEF panel market could be made.

Visualization of display for mirror-less automobiles, Green light to OLED display

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After Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport did pre-announcement of legislation about partial revised plan of ‘Regulations on the performance and standards of automobiles and auto parts’ on the 7th, interests in ‘mirror-less automobiles’ having not side mirror (rearview mirror) are getting hot. This is a method of securing eyesight through display screen in the car after installing subminiature camera to car front and rear and also front doors of both sides, and solving blind zone problem which was the defect of existing side mirror and improving fuel efficiency and designs are expected, even though there are problems on functional errors and design development.

Thus, display for mirror-less automobiles is getting attentions as a drive of new market in display market for automobiles. Display fields for automobiles belongs to the industry to which creating high added value is expected because further customization is required compared to mobile and TV. So LGD or SDC panel enterprises are developing products for market penetration, and two companies are known as setting up policy of progressing differentiating strategies differently from Taiwan, Japanese companies by focusing on Flexible OLED especially.

Flexible OLED has thin, light characteristics and a nature to be able to bend, so it is favorable to mirror-less automobiles requiring new designs from free installing aspects. Also, mirror-less is being evaluated to be suitable to the display for automobiles because it can implement high visibility with very fast speed, contrast range, and wide viewing angle. On July 1st last year, Continental Corporation, auto parts supplier, revealed the possibility of better eyesight provision even in dark situations or the rain while introducing several merits of mirror-less automobiles to which 2 OLEDs were applied through its homepage. In addition, Alfred Eckert, Director of the Advanced Engineering department in Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division mentioned “The effects of unwanted optical phenomena such as glare and weak light can also be compensated”

<Mirror-less concept car to which 2 OLEDs were applied> (Source: www.continental-corporation.com)

Samsung Electronics is recently propelling automobile electric apparatus business in earnest by taking over Harman, US automobile electric company, and the industry foresees that competency of Samsung Electronics’ OLED and semiconductor would make great synergy effect to electric apparatus business. Furthermore, they lighted up goals such like securing world 30% market share in display for automobiles based on OLED display in 2018, and achieving 2 trillion won in sales.

In this way, OLED display is expected to play core roles in expanding business to electric field industry from electronic/display industry, and it is anticipated that OLED could be a new dynamic to growth of display industry.

Solution Process OLED TV is prospected to be launched on the market in 2019, targeting the Mid-end TV Market

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According to “Market Entry Analysis for Solution Process OLED -The Possibilities and Opportunities” issued on November 14 by Ubiresearch, OLED TV, produced in solution process method, is prospected to be launched on the market in 2019.

Solution process is a technology which enables producing OLED panel in RGB pixel structure without any panel division on a device higher than G8, which major AMOLED panel producers has actively engaged in developing.

However, lamp efficiency and life cycle have no option to decrease because luminescent materials have lower purity than that of evaporation materials as luminescent materials applied to solution process should be mixed with various solvents in order to make the existing evaporation materials ink. Nevertheless, why major panel producers has actively engaged in developing solution process is that production cost can be declined as the usage efficiency of luminescent materials is high without using color filters and its structure is simpler than that of OLED panel using WRGB method.

According to the report, it is said that although developing luminescent materials for solution process OLED has been fully engaged, it should be more efficient than that of WRGB methods so as to enter the premium market. However, it seems substantially difficult that the capacity of solution process OLED surpasses that of WRGB as WRGB has been developed in top emission structure to improve its efficiency by over 20% and evaporation materials have also constantly been developed. Rather, based on proper level of life cycle and efficiency, it would be competitive to replace LCD targeting the mid-end TV market, according to the report.

Issues on OLED, QLED, hybrid QD, which can be applied to solution process and possibilities to enter the market, comparative analysis on the capacity of present solution process OLED, supply chain of QD industries, and major soluble OLED material producers are included in this “Market Entry Analysis for Solution Process OLED -The Possibilities and Opportunities” and it is expected to help the relevant producers understand the solution process industry.

Meanwhile, it is predicted that the market of large-scaled solution process OLED panel over 55 inch will begin in earnest being mass-produced as of 2019 and have accounted for the entire wide OLED panel market by approximately 15% growing by approximately US$ 1,000 million by 2021.

Samsung Electronics launched Galaxy Gear S3 with improved luminance over 400nit comparing to the previous model

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“Gear S3”, Samsung Electronics’ smart watch officially launched in Korea last 11 November, will be globally launched in USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany, France, Singapore, UAE, and others coming 18 November. It is anticipated that the markets will react enthusiastically as 54%(510 people) responded that they would like to buy Gear S3 based on a survey conducted on 994 people in USA.

The latest Samsung Gear S3 has implemented the Always-on-Display(AOD) function, always displaying the main contents on the screen using the 1.3-inch AMOLED Display. Battery life lasts at maximum for 3 to 4 days between charges since battery capacity has increased from 250mAh to 380mAh, improved by 27%. Moreover, it is made possible to be used for about 10 hours by setting watch-only mode when the battery remains 5%. The latest Gear S3 added useful functions such altimeter, barometer and speedometer for diverse leisure and sports activities embedding GPS coming with the IP68 level of waterproof/dustproof, and increased its benefits by installing SamsungPay. Particularly, it fixed outdoor visibility by enhancing its brightness by over 400nit comparing to the previous model and enables checking various information on the clear screen in bright sunlight, which used to be a problem for the previous models.

Samsung announced to hold a large-scale hands-on experience event in 15 spots in Korea, Famille Station, Gwanghwamun D tower, the nationwide main branches of CGV, including in Yeongdeungpo Times Square in Seoul to celebrate launching ‘Galaxy S7 Edge’ and ‘Gear S3.’ See at Samsung Galaxy S7 Campaign site(http://www.samsung.com/sec/galaxys7/experience) for further more details.

Meanwhile, it is expected, according to Ubiresearch, that the AMOLED panel market for smartwatch will have been grown by 14% per annum and comprised over 100 million ones market by 2020.

 

BY HYUNJUN JANG, HANA OH

Merck-Idemitsu Kosan made an agreement on OLED Materials

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Merck and Idemitsu Kosan announced on November 7 that they made an agreement to use a part of patent rights of both companies’ OLED materials.

The two companies are the representative manufacturers of OLED materials with a long history of development and many patents while providing many clients with OLED materials.

This agreement was signed to develop long-durable and high-efficient OLED materials.

With this agreement, Merck and Idemitsu Kosan are able to develop, manufacture and sell OLED materials using some of each other’s patent rights under the stated terms, while focusing on R&D in high-performance OLED materials.

Besides, both companies announced that they will continue to discuss the scope expansion of their shared patent rights in order to secure more OLED markets.

Meanwhile, according to the OLED Emitting Material Annual Report published by UBI RESEARCH, the OLED material market is expected to grow at 46% each year on average between 2016 and 2021 and record US$ 4,323 million due to the production of newcomers and the expansion of the TV OLED panel market.

<OLED materials market prospect>(Source: UBI RESEARCH)

LG Receives Fifth CES Innovation Award for OLED TV, Second Consecutive ‘Best of Innovations’ Award for LG SIGNATURE OLED TV

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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(TM) is recognizing LG Electronics (LG) for groundbreaking innovations in technology and design with 21 CES 2017 Innovation Awards – led by key awards for the ultra-premium LG SIGNATURE product portfolio.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that LG OLED TVs and flagship smartphones have received CES Innovation Awards, the official industry recognition for the most innovative products introduced at the annual consumer technology show known as CES®. LG SIGNATURE OLED TV earned top industry honors in video displays with the “CES Best of Innovations Award” for the second consecutive year.

LG earned CES 2017 Innovation Awards in 11 highly competitive categories: Home Appliances, Home Audio & Video Components, Wireless Handsets, Wireless Accessories, Video Displays, Smart Home, Headphones, Tech for a Better World, Eco-Design/ Sustainable Technologies, Portable Media Players and Computer Peripherals. The award-winning products will be exhibited at the 50th anniversary CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Jan. 5-8, 2017.

Leading the company’s CES 2017 Innovation Award winners are LG SIGNATURE brand products, with TVs, washing machines and dishwashers all receiving accolades. LG SIGNATURE combines the best of LG’s cutting-edge technology and world-class design with exquisite attention to detail for today’s most discerning consumers.

The next-generation LG SIGNATURE OLED TV receiving the Best of Innovations Award will be unveiled at CES 2017. Also receiving coveted CES 2017 Innovation Awards are the LG SIGNATURE TWINWash™ front-load washer and dryer pair– which includes the LG SideKick™ pedestal washer to wash two loads at the same time– and a sleek new LG SIGNATURE dishwasher to be introduced at CES 2017.

“These honors recognize LG’s commitment to Innovation for a Better Life, and we’re proud to continue LG’s tradition of excellence in the CES Innovation Awards program,” said William Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA. “In January, we will share much more about our 2017 plans – as LG breaks new ground with our revolutionary OLED TVs, rethinks efficiency and interaction with modern home appliances and raises the multimedia experience with our smartphones.”

In addition to the award-winning LG SIGNATURE innovations, other LG products earning CES 2017 Innovation Awards include the multimedia-pioneering LG V20™ smartphone and the revolutionary LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door® refrigerator in the popular new Black Stainless Steel finish.

The new LG InstaView Refrigerator propels LG’s award-winning Door-in-Door feature to the next level. The InstaView feature – a sleek glass panel that illuminates and turns the opaque Door-in-Door compartment transparent with two simple knocks – enables users to see inside without letting the cool air out. The ColdSaver™ Panel, a barrier between the interior compartment and the rest of the refrigerator, keeps food fresh by reducing cold air loss, while the versatile CustomChill® drawer offers four temperature settings, each best-suited to store a variety of food and beverage items. With LG’s Black Stainless Steel finish, which elevates the traditional stainless look with a sophisticated, warm and smudge-resistant finish, ENERGY STAR®-qualified model LMXS30796D marries innovation and distinctive design.

The new LG V20 smartphone, recognized with the 2017 CES Innovation Award in the wireless handsets category, is designed for storytellers, boasting best in class features including Steady Record 2.0, Hi-Fi Quad DAC, HD Audio Recorder, an improved Second Screen and front and rear wide-angle lens cameras to deliver incredible performance. The LG V20’s lifelike audio experience and premium, durable design help make it the best mobile choice for consumers seeking award-winning gifts this holiday.

Sponsored by CTA and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America, CES Innovation Awards highlight product advancements across technology design and engineering. The awards are selected annually by a panel of esteemed industry designers, engineers and journalists who judge submissions on a variety of criteria, which span user value, aesthetics, innovative design, quality and contributions to quality of life.

The full list of LG’s 2017 CES Innovation Awards will be announced in conjunction with LG’s CES press conference at 8 a.m. PST on Jan. 4, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Since the LG brand’s official U.S. launch in 2004, LG has been honored with 190 CES Innovation Awards.

Who Will Get The First Full-Screen Display Smartphone Title, Samsung Or Apple?

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Full-screen display smartphone is expected to be launched soon. According to the recent report ‘Key Issue and The Market Analysis for Foldable OLED – Flexible OLED Annual Report’ by UBI RESEARCH, a market survey company, left-right bezel-less flexible OLED dominate the smartphone market, and later full-screen display with minimized or without both left-right and up-down bezel will appear in 2017, thereby leading the future market.

<Smartphone Display Development Trend Outlook>(Source: UBI RESEARCH)

The more specific circumstances were caught. Apple Insider announced that Apple recently applied for a design patent(US20150303244A1) of electronic devices with display-integrated light sensors, quoting the USPTO’s announcement on October 11(Local Time).

<Design Drawing 1 of Apple’s Patent-Pending Electronic Devices with Display-Integrated Light Sensors>

Apple used the examples of the placement of Ambient Light Sensor or Proximity Sensor around the side of display, and of the protection of display and sensor circuit by glass or plastic transparent encapsulation layer. Apple Insider expects that this design will be able to reduce unnecessary space and make full-screen display possible.

<Design Drawing 2 of Apple’s Patent-Pending Electronic Devices with Display-Integrated Light Sensors>

At the 2016 IMID Business Forum at COEX in Samseong-dong on October 26, Samsung Display chief expert, Park Won-sang announced display trend about screen size, which boosted confidence. Chief expert, Park Won-sang said that “Display size compared to set size is very important due to the characteristic of mobile phones with a size limit. The display area(hereinafter “D.A”) of edge display was 80%, full-screen mobile phone D.A was larger than 90%, and this is one of the major trends that will lead the market”. The techniques including an all-in-one glass fingerprint recognition module and an ultrasonic fingerprint recognition module have not been mentioned yet, but an entirely innovative full-screen smartphone will be introduced by removing left-right bezel as well going beyond the left-right bezel-less type of Note 7.

<Samsung Display’s Presentation, 2016 IMID Business Forum>

LG also applied a patent of full-screen display. According to Patently Mobile’s report on June 2015, not physical but virtual button and App icon were applied. But, design itself cannot exactly show materials and interior parts except appearance, and it is now uncertain whether it will be developed or not as there is no further news after the patent application.

<LG Electronics Granted Home-Buttonless Smartphone using Flexible Display>>(Source : Patently Apple)

Likewise, many smartphone companies are actively reviewing the introduction of full-screen display because it might allow customers to experience the biggest change in addition to the product’s immersive nature. Besides, there are recently some opinions that with the expanding VR market, OLED display without a latency issue and wider display area are necessary to be applied to HMD(Head Mounted Display) attached with a mobile phone.
Meanwhile, ‘Key issue and Market Analysis for Foldable OLED’ Report by UBI RESEARCH forecasted that full screen AMOLED panel will be firstly launched in 2017, accounting for 60% of the total flexible AMOLED panel market and going beyond the bezel-less type of flexible AMOLED panel market.

Meanwhile, ‘Key issue and Market Analysis for Foldable OLED’ Report by UBI RESEARCH forecasted that full screen AMOLED panel will be firstly launched in 2017, accounting for 60% of the total flexible AMOLED panel market and going beyond the bezel-less type of flexible AMOLED panel market.

<Definition by Flexible OLED Type and Market Share Outlook >(Source: UBI RESEARCH)

Sunic System’s Successful Demonstration of 1.1um Shadow Distance, High resolution up to 1500 ppi

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Sunic System announced at 2016 IMID Business Forum that it succeeded in implementing 1.1um shadow distance by using plane source evaporation and 100um shadow mask. 1.1um shadow distance is able to manufacture 1000ppi~1500ppi high resolution.

Plane source evaporation is a technology to evaporate OLED light-emitting material on metal plate, invert it, apply heat to the metal plate, and vertically evaporate OLED light-emitting material. When the shadow angle(Ф) of OLED light-emitting material evaporation is 90 degrees, the value of SD(Shadow distance, step height / tanФ) is zero (0) theoretically. So, it is possible to design thick and high resolution FMM, which means high-resolution AMOLED panel can be manufactured. This principle was announced for the first time at IMID 2016 Business Forum, attracting big attention.

Sunic System Dr. Hwang Chang-hoon said “If we lower step height up to 3um by reducing the thickness of shadow mask based on this result, 0.37um shadow distance would be possible, which means we can manufacture maximum 2250ppi(11K) high resolution AMOLED panel. Accordingly, we will put spurs to development of 0.37 shadow distance”.

Also, he announced that co-evaporation of host and dopant that had been thought to be impossible in plane source has been resolved using flashing evaporation. He also proved that if donor film goes through flashing evaporation after co-evaporation of host and dopant, host and dopant can co-evaporate, and color control becomes easier by controlling dopant ratio to manufacture donor film.

<Result of Color Control after applying Flashing Evaporation>

<Result of 1.1um Shadow Distance>

BOE’s Decision to Invest 46.5 Billion Yuan in Flexible OLED Line

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According to a radio and TV source of Mianyang in Sìchuan Province, BOE has decided to invest 46.5 billion yuan(about 7.8 trillion KRW) in Gen6 flexible AMOLED production line.

BOE plans to begin construction in December 2016 and produce the items from 2019, and its capacity is 48K per month. It is expected to be used for producing high-end smartphones. BOE is carrying out 45K investment in Gen6 flexible AMOLED in Chengdu, and as part of this extension it is scheduled to put additional investment.

The investment in OLED has accelerated recently. Chinese panel companies including Visonox and EDO as well as BOE have decided to put investment in the production line of Gen6 flexible AMOLED panel and establish more lines.

BOE’s Gen6 flexible AMOLED panel production line where the investment has been decided or is still ongoing accounts for 75% of 120k that is total capacity of A3 Line, Gen6 flexible AMOLED production line of Samsung Display. If other Chinese panel companies’ investment that has been already decided or is ongoing is combined together, the investment exceeds Korea’s flexible AMOLED panel production capacity, even allowing for Samsung Display and LG Display’s additional investment.

With China’s active investment in flexible AMOLED panel production line, Chinese AMOLED panel market is expected to grow rapidly.

LG OLED TV Dominates the North American Premium Market, Overtaking LCD

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At the 2016 IMID Business Forum held at COEX in Samseong-dong on October 26, 2016 LG Display managing director Kim Gwang-jin announced that the share of OLED TV overtook that of LCD in the North American premium market, and they will put more focus on the premium market.

LG Display managing director Kim Gwang-jin added “Larger than 65inch US$ 3,000 had a 53% market share and larger than 55inch US$ 2,000 had a 80% market share in the North American premium TV market in the first quarter of the year. And, the result indicates that consumers spend their money to buy premium TVs, so OLED TV is now successful in the premium TV market and they will continue to concentrate its energy on OLED TV of the premium market”.

He also said that the lifespan that has been pointed as one of the OLED TV’s problems guarantees more than 10 years of lifespan if it is used for 8 hours a day, compared to American TVs with 8 years of replacement period and Chinese TVs with 6 years of replacement period. With regard to image sticking, OLED TV has been upgraded by compensating circuit, sensing, and algorithm with no problem.

In addition, he expects to produce 900,000 this year and more than 1.5 million large-size OLED TV panels next year according to the next year’s market forecast, and create such various areas of markets as monitors and signage besides TV.

Meanwhile, this year LG Display made the third investment in large-size OLED panel production line, aiming to run it in the first half of 2017.

Samsung Display, the market will move to Full Screen next to Edge

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At 2016 IMID Business Forum having been held in Samsung-dong KOEX on October 26th, Senior Park Won-sang of Samsung Display expected that full screen market would lead next to Smart phone of edge designs.

Senior Park analyzes that mobile market will be core market of Display industry by saying “Super high-speed growth of Mobile market is being continues, and mobile market is expected to exceed TV market after 2016, following IT and TV.”

Specially, Senior Park Won-sang states that DA (Display size vs. set size, Display size/set size value) becomes important because Smartphone is portable and has limitations in sizes, and full screen Smartphone having DA of over 90% will lead the market after being released.

In addition, he emphasizes low electricity, sensor embedded, high solution, eye friendly etc. as core technology of mobile display, and stresses that AMOLED belongs to the display for most suitable mobile appliances.

On the other hand, the report “Key issue and Market Analysis for Foldable OLED’ having been published in August by UBi RESEARCH predicts that full screen AMOLED panel will be released first in 2017, and it overpasses flexible AMOLED panel market of Bezel Less type while occupying 60% of total flexible AMOLED panel market in 2020.

<Samsung Display announcement date, 2016 IMID Business Forum>

<Definition and Market share prospect by flexible OLED type (Source: UBi RESEARCH)>

Samsung Electronics, Record operating profit of 1 trillion 20 billion won in Display business

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Samsung Electronics lighted up that they recorded 7 trillion 60 billion won in sales and 1 trillion 20 billion won of operating profit in display business through 3rd quarter performance call having been progressed on 27th. Display business having recorded operating loss of 270 billion won in the first quarter contributed to enterprise-wide performances by recording large surplus of over 1 trillion won in the third quarter after having been converted to surplus of 140 billion won in the second quarter. Breakthrough 1 trillion won of quarter operating profit in display business could be made in 13 quarters after the second quarter of 2013 (1 trillion 120 billion won).

In case of OLED, the performance was improved by expanded portion of high value-added products including Flexible etc., in midst of total increased sales quantity. LCD was converted to surplus because profitability was enhanced by increased sales of high value-added products such as UHD/large size together with strengthened improvement on yield and cost under stable sale prices due to improvement of supply and demand. In case of TV panel sales, about 10% was increased vs. previous quarter in area basis, and 20% in quantity basis.

They forecasts that application of OLED panel will be increased continuously by main clients that pursue product differentiation in peak season entry of Smart phone in the fourth quarter. Samsung Electronics discloses that they will respond to the need on flagship model scent positively, and propel robust growth performance by improving effective product mixture.
Regarding LCD panel, they lights up that growth of UHD TV market and size enlargement will be continued in the midst of sale price’s stabilization in the fourth quarter. And they mention that sales expansion and enhancement of profitability will be propelled by expanding sales of high value-added products such as super large size, high solution, curved etc while strengthening yield and activities for cost improvement.
Also, Samsung Electronics is planning to do additional investment of 10.9 trillion won to OLED line increase until end of this year. This is the numerical value of increasing two times compared to last year.

In 2017, they are going to propel significant growth vs. previous year by regulating supplies of flexible products in order to positively respond to demand increase of main Smart phone enterprises in OLED panel section. Though difficult business environment is expected owing to constant capability expansion of Chinese enterprises and fierce competitions between enterprises in LCD panel section, they reveals that enlargement of TV sizes and trends of high solution will be persisted. Samsung Electronics has a plan of raising profitability by enforcing competitiveness through differentiated products and high value-added products such as UHD TV and large size ones etc.

Sales of Samsung Electronics in the 3rd quarter recorded 89 million cellular phones, and 6.5 million tablets. They forecasts that sales of cellular phones will sustain the level of previous quarter, and that of tablet will be increased. Samsung Electronics discloses that sales of 11 million LCD TVs will be recorded, and thus growth of 50% levels is expected.

LG Electronics, OLED TV volume of sales 2 times in the 3rd quarter

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LG Electronics revealed that OLED TV volume of sales was enlarged two times than last year through the conference on the third quarter performance having been progressed on the 27th, and currently OLED TV occupied over 10% among total TV sales. Also they expect that volume of the fourth quarter will be increased two times vs. the third quarter.

Regarding countermeasures on quantum dot TV of Samsung Electronics, they have no notion of competing prices with OLED TV, and emphasizes that they will strengthen recognition such like best TV is OLED TV by thoroughly sustaining premium strategies. They explains that market position of OLED in the market of over USD 200, or USD 300 has been actually increasing rapidly

HE Business Division achieved operating incomes (381.5 billion won) and sales profits of top levels (9.2%) in the third quarter. Sales amount was 4 trillion and 141.5 billion won, and there was not large change with previous quarter (4 trillion and 157.2 billion won).
LG Electronics forecasts that TV demands will be increased due to entering high-demand season in the fourth quarter, and needs on premium products such as OLED TV and UHD TV will be expanded further vs. previous quarter centering on the advanced market especially. Though profitability is expected to be decreased vs. previous quarter owing to effects from increases of panel price and expanded marketing expenses, they reveals their willingness such like responding to seasonal demands on large-size premium products including OLED TV and UHD TV etc. will be made successfully.

Meanwhile, according to UBi RESEARCH, they forecasts that OLED TV in premium TV market will achieve high-speed growth while forming the market of 69.1% in 2012 from 16.7% in 2016.

LG Display, OLED Investment Ratio 50% this year → Next year 70%

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During the 3Q performance conference call on 26th, LG Display mentioned that their investment ratio in OLED was 50% this year, and plans to increase its ratio to at least 70% next year.

Small and medium sized mobile display market will quickly change from LCD to POLED, and plans to strengthen business cooperation in 1Q of next year, such as mass production of 6th generation E5 line and technological competitiveness, in order to make the basis of OLED extension. It means they started to concentrate on small and medium sized OLED business starting next year.

They also revealed their production plan and future strategies of POLED production line. Gumi E5-1 line and E5-2 line are productions lines with monthly production capacity of 7500 sheets each, where they are proceeding POLED investments after converting existing LTPS facility, and also Paju E6 line is in process of investment to increase the monthly capacity of 15,000 sheets. It seems they will be capable for mass production by 2H 2018.

OLED TV market indicated that they will continue to put effort in cost reduction from improvements in rate, process, and production. They mentioned to establish OLED market more firmly in 1H of next year after successfully increasing the mass production capacity to 25,000 sheets. Among the entire TV panel, OLED sales took up 10%, and among OLED TV panel, 55-inch screen took up 70%, and they forecasted 65-inch market ratio will increase.

They noted they have high expectations of market growth in large screen HD field in large LCD. China is catching up in the market very fast but, they emphasized they will be able to easily acquire profitability by concentrating in high-end LCD such as OLED.

The biggest reason that they choice OLED as their next generation business is because there are possibilities in extension in automobile and commercial other than existing TV•monitor IT devices, and in case of automobiles, they said they are currently in cooperation with many other companies, and also informed many companies are interested in currently ongoing topic, VR, where they plan to adopt plastic OLED products.

In case of commercial products, they are proceeding developments with their customers in various fields such as medical and broadcasting other than public signage. They also mentioned that they are planning to proceed OLED light business after collecting many applications in one place.

From price increase of large LCD panel and extension of large-scale trend of all products, LG Display continued their profit relay for 18 consecutive quarters by resulting 3rd quarter sales of 6,723,800 million KRW and profit of 323,200 million KRW. Sales increased by 15% (5,855,100 million) compared to past quarter, operating profit increased by 634% compared to past quarter (44,400 million KRW) due to improvements in high-valued products such as ASP, UHD, and IPS.
On the other hand, according to Yubi industry research, LG Display forecasted to ship out 900 thousand large OLED panel in 2016, and 1,500 thousand in next year.

OLED enabling various styling and designs is perfect to lighting for automobiles

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Applications of various lighting such as LED and OLED etc. have been expanded so as to implement unique designs and diversified functions of own brand by each automotive company as well as developments of automotive industry including smart-car and connected-car etc. are being made at the same time. In this regard, Center Head Ju Jae-young of Korea Photonics Technology Institute stated current situation by saying “Lighting for vehicles belongs to the business which expects profitability, but it is not easy for late starters to break in because entry barrier is high from characteristics of automotive industry. Ultimately, whether to stimulate purchase desires is important.” Also, he counted ‘styling possibilities’ as one of successful LED lighting by saying “The reason of getting more popularity of LED than existing halogen and HID is derived from the fact that LED has strong points in designs.”

And then, the Head forecasted like “The exterior deco of lamp market for automobiles overtook the interior deco market from the start of 2013, and 3.1B USB market will be made in 2019 by achieving annual 11.6% growth in average to 2019 from 2014,” and said “The exterior deco market will grow up over 15% annually, and DRL (Daytime Running Lamp) and Head lamp are leading market due to their high growth rates.”

Besides, Center Head Ju Jae-young stated “In order to enter market by OLED, it has to stimulate purchase desires with new designs which do not substitute LED simply,” and added “There are possibilities if designs are unique, and stimulate sensitivity like Fun- VII concept car of Toyota or lighting of Chrysler having been disclosed to the public in 2013.”

<Fun Vii Concept Car of Toyota Source: Toyota official homepage>

<Floating island bezel unveiled from Chrysler, Source: www.metrododgedeals.com>

Like this, OLED is thin, light and can be bended characteristically, and has strong points such like free designs are available, so it is getting a lot of interests as next-generation illuminants including indoor lighting etc. as well as lighting for vehicles. According to 2016 OLED lighting annual report having been published in August 2016 by UBi RESEARCH, it explains that OLED lighting is known to display same performance with LED in R&D levels regarding characteristics of brightness and lifetime etc. as eco-friendly lighting and having high energy-efficiency, thus OLED seems to have sufficient competitiveness only if requested brightness is satisfied along with each automotive company.

Display for automobiles, newly expected revenue sources of OLED

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Display market for global automobiles has continued stable growth of approximately 10% yearly recently, and LG Display and Samsung Display do not save investments by paying attention to it as new application. In this regard, Senior Researcher Yang Seong-jin of LG Economic Research Institute lighted up the entry reason of display for automobiles such like creating effects of new revenue are anticipated.

Senior Researcher Yang said “Display market for automobiles has 10% volume of the whole display market and belongs to 2% levels of total cost, but automotive industry has been developed steadily through smart-car and connected-car etc. In contrast, display market has been withered gradually, and panel prices are being lowered continuously, and thus it is directly connecting to survival matters actually.” While stating display market for automobiles as an alternative for this problem, he revealed the reason by saying “The number of participating companies is a few, and average price of display panels for automobiles to which thorough commercialization is required is higher than mobile phone or tablet pc two or three times.”

In display market for automobiles, Innolux and AUO, CPT, Japan display, Sharp occupied about 70% of total market based on 2015 sales of Taiwan, and LG Display recorded 10% share uniquely in domestic, but Samsung Display, second mover, failed in entering ranks. However, LG Display announced a plan that they were planning to enter the market with POLED to which flexible function was available after having designated display for automobiles as a promotion business, and Samsung Display was known to set up a policy of progressing differentiation strategies on display for automobiles based on small& medium OLED technology, so market share is expected to be increased little by little.

<LG Display/Flexible Automotive Display, SID 2015>

In the display market having been stagnated currently, concentration on display market for automobiles would be resultantly necessary for high profits, and OLED panel could get opportunities of creating new revenue sources by overpassing mobile and tablet pc market, if OLED panel solves demanding requirements of display for automobiles.

Aggressive investment on QLED, Shortcut of OLED commercialization

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At ‘an analytical seminar on market entry potential of OLED and Solution Process OLED’ having been held in Seoul Small& Medium Business Center on last October 14th, Professor Lee Chang-hee of Seoul National University and Senior Researcher Bang Ji-won of Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology shared opinions about current situations of QLED, development trends, and issues.

<Professor Lee Chang-hee of Seoul National University>

<Senior Researcher Bang Ji-won of Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology>

Professor Lee Chang-hee said that QLED had excellent color purity because half-width of QLED was narrower than OLED by approximately 20~30nm, and disclosed a fact that QLED was favorable in color reproduction due to high levels of accuracy when manufacturing it, and efficiency of luminescence material reached to regular levels to the degree of catching up OLED. However, he stated technical difficulties of Cd-free QLED which did not use cadmium, a heavy metal, together with securing life stability of QD (Quantum Dot) luminescence materials, and emphasized that investment on QLED is the shortcut of commercialization by saying “The time of commercialization could be moved forward to 5 years or 3 years according to capital and manpower investing scales from the industry.”

Senior Researcher Bang Ji-won pronounced luminescence efficiency of light-emitting materials, stability, non-toxic QD, and approaches by various directions such as QD-LCD which applied QD CCL (Color Change Layer) to blue-LED BLU (Black Light Unit) by using QD, OLED which applied OD-CCL and C/F (Color Filter) to WOLED, OLED that applied QD CCL without C/F to blue-OLED were being progressed.

QLED-related academia discussed about the potential of OLED positively in this way, but CEO Lee Chung-hoon of UBi RESEARCH said “Development of WOLED will be strived too because QLED has already been developed, and if brightness is more enhanced after being evolved to top emission method from current bottom emission one, QLED entry to premium market will become difficult further, and then pronounced “When new technology can enter the market, considerations whether new technology will be good from certain aspects including performance, efficiency, cost etc. shall be made in case of comparing them with the technologies having been commercialized ”

When 55inch OLED TV below US$ 1,000 will be realized?

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At an analytical seminar on market entry potential of OLED and Solution Process OLED having been held in Small& Medium Business Center on October 14th, Manager Jeong Seong-jin of DuPont had time of introducing tendency regarding soluble OLED material and contents of the latest development.
Manager Jeong said that soluble OLED material and processing technology were on the verge of completion, but problems about how to complete Solution Process by combining it was still remained as issues, and also stated that Material performance (T95>9k hr, CE>25 cd/A) and Uniform printing (SRU>0.95), Contain (performance 90% of flood print), Conformal Drying (luminance aperture>95%) would be key elements.

<4 key elements to make commercialization of Solution Process>

Dupont progressed R&D on Solution Process previously by utilizing Nozzle Printing method that used Surface Energy Modification. This method had merits such like controlling quantity was easy and the nozzle was not clogged up due to constant supply of solution, there were limitations according to panel material together with a lot of raw material consumption.
Dupont lighted up a fact that R&D has been progressed to the direction of deposing organic materials after forming Bank with Ink Jet Printing method owing to such problems and Ink Jet market having been enlarged recently, and then opened Ink Jet Material performance.
When comparing with datum pronounced in 2016 2nd OLED Korea Conference by Dupont, the life seems to be developed for Red and Green in priority, and efficiency for Blue. Approximately 6% of Red life and two times of Green were improved, and about 10% of Blue efficiency was turned out to be increased.
Manager Jeong Seong-jin put emphasis by saying “In order to expand market to OLED from display market having been enlarged gradually, adoption of Solution Process is essential, and concentration for developing soluble OLED luminescence material will be made so that 55inch OLED TV below US$ 1,000 could be produced massively until 2020 by using Solution Process in set makers.”

<Performance comparison with existing Ink Jet material of DuPont>

WOLED will lead premium TV market after 2020

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UBi RESEARCH held ‘An Analytical Seminar on OLED Market Entry Feasibility of QLED and Solution Process’ on the 14th at Seoul Small& Medium Business Center.

CEO Lee Chung-hoon of UBi REARCH said “OLEd TV will show 16.7% market share in 2016 at the world premium TV market, and lead premium TV market with 68.1% share in 2020.” and analyzed such like “LCD TV could not follow OLED TV performance excluding low price and high solution.”

China is threating domestic LCD market in current wide TV market while displaying material superiority to LCD industry, and cost-effective rate of the wide TV is losing ground to Chinese products too. Thus, LG Display and LG Electronics did successful market entry after having equipped with competiveness in the premium market through OLED TV, and they are expediting mass-production investment and technical development aiming at dominating and popularizing premium TV market.

The most important factor in popularizing OLED TV is price. ASP (average sales price) of UHD OLED panel based on second quarter of 2016 is USD 720, and FHD OLED panel is approximately USD 450. It was expected that UHD OLED panel could lead TV market if it secured about USD 500.

Development to adopt solution process methods has been progressed in order to lower price of wide OLED panel in the industry, and QLED technology as an alternative of OLED TV is becoming an issue nowadays.

In relation with this, CEO Lee Chung-hoon forecasted like “As much as being closed to commercialization due to development of solution process OLED or QLED technology, WOLED technology becomes to be developed one step more, so market entry of solution process OLED and QLED will not be achieved easily. Specially, there are many technical issues in QLED which is considered as next OLED by Samsung Electronics, and 10 years of research will be required further.”

Also, he emphasized that the technology of being able to reduce cost vs. WOLED such as lessening layer numbers dramatically etc. should be developed in order to enter solution process OLED and market successfully, and the entry shall be made by targeting low-end market. In particular, he analyzed that WOLED would lead premium TV, and solution process QLED and QLED occupy the low-end market after 2020.

<TV Market Scenario after 2025 (Source: UBi RESEARCH)>

[CEATEC JAPAN 2016] NHK, 130inch 8K OLED Display Showcase

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The 130inch 8K OLED Display went public through NHK, a Japan’s public broadcasting from 4th to 7th October at the CREATEC JAPAN 2016 held in Tokyo, Japan as part of a research on the future TV’s form factor.

The 130inch 8K OLED Display which went public this time has been jointly developed with the Japan’s Astro Design and manufactured using a total of 4 panels, 2 horizontal and 2 vertical LG Display’s 65inch 4K OLED panels.
The thickness of the panel is only 1mm and even after attaching the back panel in order to fix the display, the thickness is only 2mm, implementing an ultra slim display.

NHK has been developing an 8K broadcasting technology for over 10 years, and has introduced its first developed product in 2002. In addition, it has broadcasted an experimental broadcast using a satellite at the Rio Olympics, and is expecting to begin a regular 8K broadcasting from 2018, and is aiming to supply a real time broadcasting service at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

The contents market continues to focus on the development of the 8K following through from UHD. In order to respond to this, the LCD camp is also focused on developing the 8K and is expected to be at the center stage of the next generation’s premium TV market.

In order to compete with the LCD within the premium TV market, it is analyzed that it is also time to actively develop the 8K for large area OLED display.

[KVRF2016] Even KVRF 2016, OLED leads VR industry

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Korea VR festival 2016 (below “KVRF2016”) which can confirm present and future of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industry was opened from October 6 to October 9 at Nuridream Square of Sangam DMC.
In this event, 79 companies including global enterprises such as Samsung Electronics, Sangwha Planning, Oculus, Sony Co., etc. participated in, and new technology of each company was able to be checked on because approximately 157 booths were prepared in common production center, outdoor center, and business center.

<VR Simulator using a huge robot arm of Sangwha Planning>

While interests in VR and AR are enlarged due to recent Poke’mon GO, many spectators visited this place with keen attention, each company shows off various interactive-typed contents such as roller coaster, paragliding, Sokkuram experiencing etc as well as game contents including FPS, sky jump etc accordingly. .Besides, this event did not simply limited to games such like Eye-tracking linked with cognitive concentration training system was displayed by BIOTECH, and VR goggles for military simulation by P&C Solution, and also demonstrated a fact that VR industry could be multiply applied to whole fields such as education, health, army etc.

<VR 4D Simulator for Roller Coaster experiencing by MGAME Corp.>

One of interesting thing during observation was that AMOLED panel was used to majority expensive HMD (Head Mounted Display) devices. From Sony Playstation VR whose release is scheduled on 13th to Samsung Gear VR and Nibiru, a Chinese enterprise among Chinese companies, applied Samsung AMOLED. According to common opinions of company officials, they clarified AMOLED application due to issues relevant to response speed called Latency, even though there were BLU (Back Light Unit) and contrast problems which belonged to fundamental matters of LCD.. Latency indicates delaying time owing to inter-computer connections in on-line games frequently, but the reason is derived from limitations of implementing occurred delaying speed with LCD whenever moving user’s eyes, even though visual reality should quickly invoke new images too according to movement of user’s head in VR. No matter how the product has excellent computing power, AMOLED application is essential to make the delaying time shown in the screen to ‘0.’

<VR product series of Playstation whose release are planned soon>

Interests in VR have been heightened such like a lot of enterprises and business start-ups in the exhibition hall were boasting their VR technology and VR café was opened in Gangnam, Korea first etc., but there was a realistic saying that even profit model could not be set up properly because related regulations on VR were vague yet and standardization in domestic was not clear as well. Business models and VR industry participation by enterprises become to be different according to legal regulations, so government should provide suitable assistance and methods to make systematic profit platform so that VR industry could strengthen global competitiveness.

Next to Bezel-less is full-screen, Prospect of 60% market share of full-screen OLED panel in 2020.

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Smartphone displays have been diversifying as the hard wares and soft wares in smartphone have been improving. Samsung edge series have successfully entered the flexible OLED smartphone market and other smartphone companies now are manufacturing flexible OLED based products. Furthermore we are expecting a big change in the display market as Apple may release its new iPhone models with OLED in 2017.

According to a recent study “Key Issue and The Market Analysis for Foldable OLED” from UBI research, it is expected that bezel-less type of flexible OLED, which is an upgraded model of dual edge display, will lead the market until 2017 and then there will be new smartphones with various forms of displays as new types of flexible OLED like full-screen, foldable, rollable displays will be launched after.

Also, they expected that full screen displays will be invented by reducing the size of the top and bottom bezels as well as sides bezels and they will be leading the market afterwards.

Moreover, according to the report, they analyzed that the full-screen OLED panels will be at around 17% market share of total flexible AMOLED panel market in 2017 and it will reach around 60% while it will surpass the market share of bezel-less typed panels.

Definition of each Flexible OLED type and the prospect of a market share (UBI Industrial Research)

Researchers also expected that there will be a strong chance that they will release new smartphones with foldable display in 2017 to see how the market reacts and they will get seriously start to manufacture mass production from 2019, taking consumers needs into consideration and anticipating the direction of technology and pace of change. In addition, the size of foldable smartphone’s market is expected to take up to 2% market share by 2020 as around 1.5 million foldable smartphones will be expected to be manufactured.

History of each Smartphone display types. (UBI Industrial Research)

CYNORA Achieves a New Milestone in Efficiency and Stability of Blue TADF Emitters for OLEDs

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CYNORA, a leader in TADF (thermally activated delayed fluorescence) materials, has developed new material classes that combine both, high efficiency and long lifetime, for blue emission. With these new achievements, the company is on track to reach the performance requested by the OLED industry. The commercialization of CYNORA´s TADF materials is therefore still planned for the end of 2017.

Earlier this year, in May 2016, CYNORA had established two blue emitter systems where one of them showed a high efficiency while the other showed a long lifetime. During the last 6 months CYNORA has made further, significant progress by combining high efficiency and long lifetime in a single blue emitter system. In an OLED device, the new blue material reaches 14% EQE (external quantum efficiency) together with a lifetime of 420h (LT80, at 500 cd/m2, λ < 480 nm). With this performance, CYNORA has now shown that blue TADF emitters can reach OLED display specifications soon.

“Our constant progress on blue TADF emitters was made possible by our growing team of TADF experts and by the close collaboration with CYNORA’s customers” says Thomas Baumann, CSO at CYNORA, “We have developed several classes of high performance TADF materials which we are currently optimizing for market readiness at the end of next year.”

CYNORA’s dopants are fully organic and designed for existing vacuum deposition. The company will adapt the blue TADF emitters for solution processing in a second step. With its blue TADF technology CYNORA will enable device makers to provide OLED displays with significantly increased energy efficiency and higher display resolution.

OLED is the trend in Korea from now on!

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7th Display Day ceremony was held in the evening of October 4 at JW MARRIOTT Seoul. In the congratulatory message, Vice Chairman of LG Display Han Sang-beom, President of Display Association, stressed like “LCD industry of Korea surpassed Japan in 2004, and there is not much time left in being chased from China within approximately 10 years,’ and expressed his opinion that concentrating on OLED will be the best way so that display industry could do sustainable growth afterwards.

These atmospheres were revealed clearly to achievements of awardees. Responsible persons belonged to companies that have significant achievements on OLED were awarded including Bronze tower industrial order, Industrial service merit, Presidential citation, and Prime Minister citation.

<From Left, Managing Director Lee Jong-hyeok of Samsung Display, Representivative Shin Dong-chan of INVENIA, Head of Research Center Yoon Soo-yeong of LG Display>

Representative Shin Dong-chan of INVENIA who won bronze tower industrial order was awarded for developing 8th generation WOLED deposition equipment, and Managing Director Yoon Soo-yeong, Head of Research Center in LG Display who developed 55inch transparent OLED together with Managing Director Lee Jong-hyeok of Samsung Display having developed OLED key technology were recognized as making Samsung Display occupy 97% of OLED market.

LG Display OLED TV, ‘Top in all fields’ according to an expert evaluation on picture quality

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OLED TV of LG Display Co., Ltd won praise of the highest quality from DisplayMate, US display expert group.

On 4th (US Eastern time bases), DisplayMate opened an evaluation result which compared picture quality of 65inch OLED TV having UHD with that of the latest LCD TVs through posting titled ‘2016 LG OLED TV Display Technology Shoot-Out.’ in its homepage.

The comparative evaluation of DisplayMate was made over whole picture quality parts such as ‘Black expression,’ ‘HDR realization,’ ‘Viewing angle,’ ‘Color/Brightness accuracy,’ ‘Response speed,’ and ‘Reflectivity’ by objecting 65inch OLED TV (Model name: 65E6) that has UHD resolution and is currently on the market and the latest LCD TVs.

In ‘Black expression’ evaluation first, DisplayMate analyzed that OLED TV expressed perfect black color without leak of light phenomena by controlling each pixel differently from LCD TVs.

Specially, in the item ‘High Dynamic Range realization,’ DisplayMate praised OLED TV highly in that it realized HDR of infinite levels by exceeding high ones, while the latest LCD TVs have limitations of not being able to satisfy black and white color simultaneously owing to the light emitted from close backlight in spite of applying its local dimming technology.

In the viewing angle evaluation, DisplayMate analyzed that contrast changes did not occur even when watching OLED TV from the side, but phenomena of lowered color reproduction rate, reduced color shift and contrast were made in case of LCD TVs.

From the accuracy aspect on color and brightness, OLED TV had little color equation shown from input data and output images when doing analyses with HDTV standard (BT.709) having been decided by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Digital Cinema Initiatives, so it was analyzed as having a clear relative predominance vs. the latest LCD TVs.

In case of response speed, ghost image appeared in the latest LCD TVs after have shot dynamic video (2,544 pixel shift per second) with 1/320 second, but OLED TV showed perfect images that had not blurs at all.

In addition, Displaymate analyzed that OLED TV realized vivid picture quality having not light reflection in home background where effects of lamination and sunlight were large because reflectivity on exterior lighting was only 1.1%. This was derived from excellent results of about 2 times compared to LCD TVs whose reflectivity was 2.2%.

From evaluated results by DisplayMate, a fact that OLED TV of LG Display have a different technology in dimensions by exceeding LCD is proved again such like ① OLED TV realizes perfect black color by spontaneous emission, ② Belongs to an optimistic TV in realizing HDR, ③ Expresses same color without its fading from any angle, ④ Boasts of perfect picture quality without distortion by expressing correct color, ⑤ Gives vivid screens without afterimages through quick response speed, ⑥ Has an aspect of being optimistic to home TV environment due to low reflectivity.

Doctor Raymond M. Soneira of DisplayMate said “In terms of picture quality, the 65inch OLED TV of UHD resolution having adopted OLED panel of LG Display is visually indistinguishable from prefect,” and paid OLED TV the highest compliment by adding “It is unquestionably the best performing TV that we have ever tested or watched.”

Meanwhile, DisplayMate is a display specialty media which operates US display expert group, and its influences are enormous to the degree that citation numbers of tech-related articles are a lot as ranking 61 following USA Today among media around the world, and Doctor Soneira who progressed this evaluation majored in Theoretical Physics in US Princeton University, and also is undertaking Representative of DisplayMate now as a display specialist who passed through AT&T Bell laboratory and CBS broadcasting station etc.

Flexible AMOLED panel market growing to approx one billion USD in 2020

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According to the UBI industrial research report on ‘’key issues and market analysis of fordable implementation’’ issued on DATE, in 2020 flexible AMOLED panel (including smart watch panel) will grow to approx one billion USD.

The report says that Samsung Electronics has successfully advanced in the flexible AMOLED smartphone market with distinctive Edge band design, and so have other competitors. Edge-type flexible AMOLED smartphone market size is expected to increase remarkably in 2017. Particularly Samsung electronics’ soon-to-be-released high-end model is equipped with flexible AMOLED panel, and Apple’s iPhone in flexible AMOLED panel application will be launched in 2017. The flexible AMOLED panel market is showing 70% annual market growth, and forecasts approx US$ 40,000 million in 2020.

In 2017 a foldable smartphone and dual edge transformed model in the flexible AMOLED panel application will be introduced in the market.

A UB industrial researcher says “In 2017 along with a new-fixed type flexible smartphone, a foldable smartphone is likely to be released to observe the market response.”

On the other hand, to implement the foldable application the report deals with key issues and current situation of each compartment (substrate ~ cover window), and main development trend to forecast a direction of truly flexible AMOLED panel development.

Possibility for market entry of Solution process OLED and QLED with new technology of large surface.

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Currently in the market of premium TV, OLED TV and QD- LCD industries are highly competitive.

QD vision with Nanosis and SID 2016 and IFA 2016 also emphasized quality of TV with QD material included comparing quality of OLED TV. Against this, LG Display joined the completion by emphasizing quality of OLED TV as an ideal display for HDR with comparison between QD-LCD and OLED in IFA 2016 with from SID 2016,

In current large surfaced TV market, LCD TV is taking overwhelmingly large share in distributed market while OLED TV gradually is growing large share in premium market.

In looking into strategies of each industry, large surfaced OLED is developing solution process OLED in order to achieve broader market share with from premium model to distributed model. To overcome weakness compared to OLED, LCD TV industry progressively use QD material with the final goal of development of QLED technology

As a competition in premium TV market gradually extends to entire area of TV market, present condition and possibility of market entry with solution process OLED and QLED is one of major interest.

For this matter, there is seminar host by Ubi Industrial Research with the theme of “analysis in possibility of market entry with QLED and Solution process OLED” in Medium sized business center, Yeouido, October 14th and will be discussing present market industry of large surfaced TV and panel and also will be dealing with present condition and issue of QLED and Solution process OLED, and future possibility of market entry.

Choong-Hoon Lee, president of Ubi Industrial Research, will suggest future direction of OLED industry with analysis of present condition and possibility of market entry in OLED and QLED.

Sung-Jin Jung, head of department of Du Pont, will be discussing the timing of market entry of solution process OLED with the demonstration of soluble OLED material, the essential part of solution process OLED, including present trend and up to date developmental technique

Professor Chang-Hee Lee and senior researcher Ji-won Bang from Korean Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology(KICET) will be discussing about advantage and developmental issue of Quantum dot material and direction of future development.

The seminar attracts attention in terms of providing an opportunity to share and discuss regarding issue through media and exhibition with technological and market perspectives of Ubi Industrial Research and share opinions and future possibility.

For registration and any inquiry, please contact to Hana Oh (hanaoh@ubiresearch.co.kr, 02 577 4940) from Ubi Industrial Research.

[OLED summit 2016] HDR contents- OLED TV, most suitable

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Movie companies in Hollywood has begun to produce HDR contents since 2015, and recently so have media contents companies. Consequently HDR-supporting 4K TV becomes a center of attention in the market.

HDR is being applied to Samsung SUHD TV and LG OLED TV, as well as most 4KTV companies.

HDR applicability will be a daunting challenge for a premium TV.
At OLED summit 2016 LG Display proudly announced that OLED TV is the best to express HDR contents among existing TV sets in the market.

<Senior researcher Yu, SahngJin at LG Display>

Yu, SahngJin, the senior researcher at LG Display screen quality development team said, “the most critical component to express HDR is peak highlight and the most frequent peak highlight size in the HDR screen is less than 1% window size. In case of more than 1% window size, the peak brightness of QD-LCD is over 1,200nit, higher than OLED TV, however if it is reduced to 1% or less the peak brightness of QD-LCD is drastically reduced and for the 0.01% window size, approximately 100nit merely. OLED TV can express consistent peak brightness over 500nit on average in a less than 10% window size. Say HDR contents expression range is 100. QD-LCD TV is equivalent to 40 while OLED TV, 60, 20% better quality than QD-LCD to express HDR contents.” Certainly OLED TV is most suitable for HDR.

At the demonstration of OLED TV and QD-LCDTV, OLED TV stressed on the best screen quality ever in the existing market with the crystal clear presentation of black and other colors plus wide visual angle-.

QD-LCDTV is also being developed to express various and rich colors on TV screen but there is a limit of non-emissive display in BLU, which therefore presumably cannot exceed LG OLED TV screen quality.

[OLED summit 2016]AMOLED panel Application, will it succeed in extension to PC?

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On the first day of OLED Summit 2016, presentations on Intel and OTI Lumionics for PC AMOLED panel were held. Both of these two companies presented on topics of current situation analysis for PC AMOLED panel and upcoming opportunities, and noted that there is a long way to go for AMOLED panel for PC.

On January 2016, Lenovo presented the introduction of world’s first OLED laptop ‘X1 Yoga’ with 14-inch 2550×1440 resolution AMOLED panel, and HP also presented the introduction of 13,3-inch 2560×1600 resolution OLED laptop ‘Specter X360 hybrid laptop/tablet’. Also in CES2016 held early this year, Samsung introduced ‘Galaxy Tab Pro S’ where they seem to prove the possibility of AMOLED panel for PC.

However, both Intel and OTI Lumionics explained AMOLED panel lacks in power consumption, brightness, lifespan, and price compared to LCD. OTI Lumionics showed the results of three products, Galaxy Tab Pro S, X1 yoga, and Mac book, emphasizing the need for improvements in AMOLED panel for PC.

Especially, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael G. Helander said, “as a result of burn-in test of AMOLED product for PC, it decreased to under LT97 in 80 hours, and it is an especially important factor for office PC which runs daily average of 7 hours. Considering that products with AMOLED panel are at premium level, it must be improved 10 times better compared to now”, emphasizing the reduction of burn-in phenomenon after the lifespan of PC AMOLED panel being improved.

Intel John F. Jacobs said “although OLED has big issues in lifespan and power consumption in white environment, the recent trend of PC tend to utilize contents with various color compared to existing office or internet-based white environment where the white background tend to decrease. It can be a new opportunity for OLED”, emphasizing the opportunity of OLED.
In order for white realization, AMOLED panel must drive all sub pixel of RGB. So in regular PC environment where white background is normally used such as office program or internet browser, AMOLED panel is mainly applied in special monitors such as medical and broadcasting due to issues of increasing power consumption and comparatively decreasing lifespan.

However, as Intel presented, considering that the PC environment is gradually changing and the lifespan of OLED is continuously improving, it is expected that AMOLED panel will have a bright future with PC as well.

While emphasizing high contrast range, fast response speed, wide viewing angle which are the strength of OLED, it is analyzed that the development of OLED luminescent material must be the main point in extending the OLED industry.

<Intel’s John F. Jacobs>

<OTI Lumionics’s Michael G. Helander>

[OLED summit 2016]OLED TV vs. QLED TV, OLED TV black expression overpower

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In OLED Summit 2016 being held in San Diego, USA, LG Display compared similar level of highest model 65-inch LG UHD OLED TV and 65-inch Curved QD-LCD TV, which it attracted many participants’ attention.

The specification of comparing models are as follow.

It presented in a way to compare various picture qualities of OLED TV and QD-LCD TV through various films and patterns such as normal TV program and movies.

LG Display personnel said, “OLED TV absolutely expresses black better than QD-LCD TV if OLED TV and QD-LCD TV set the mode that expresses white color 6500K which is the standard of UHD Alliance. Basically, the brightness of QD LCD TV is higher than OLED TV, but because the basis is LCD, it feels more distortion because of more white tone compared to the color of OLED TV. Also, OLED TV can almost express without distortion even in viewing angle, but the color is distorted in QD-LCD”, emphasizing better quality of OLED TV than QD-LCD TV.

< Comparisons of 65inch OLED TV(Left) and 65inch curved QD-LCD TV’s Black Expressiveness >

Comparing the two pictures similar to images of space show below at the exhibition, OLED TV shows individual stars accurately while QD-LCD TV presents the stars vaguely just to indicate them. In the aspects of viewing angle, OLED TV nearly didn’t have any left-right color changes but its changes were found in QD-LCD TV.

Previous SID2016’s Nanosis and QD vision, Samsung and Hisense emphasized that QD-LCD is better than OLED TV in IFA 2016, but in this OLED Summit 2016, LG Display showed that OLED TV is much more outstanding compared to QD-LCD TV.

Like this, the position between QD-LCD TV and OLED TV is becoming more competitive, and the industry has the interest in which type of TV will gain more of customer’s trust.

[OLED summit 2016]LG Display, presentation of must-be developed pOLED’s core technology

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In OLED summit 2016 held in San Diego, USA on 21st(local time), general manager of LG Display Joosu Im gave presentation on “Going forward with pOLED & future challenges” which is about 5 core technology that must-be developed in pOLED and the next pOLED.

As 5 types of core technology of pOLED, dream picture quality, design freedom, process simplication, cost innovation, a diversity of pOLED products were selected.

The presentation focused on topics such as, in dream picture quality, HDR and BT-2020 are applied in high resolution, and in design freedom, new TSP sensor development such as low stress TFT and metal mesh, and durability improvement of flexible window cover.

Also, he emphasized the process development for reducing the panel layer such as low temperature process and touch integration for process simplification, and the need for cost innovation through it. Lastly, he suggested material development (such as phosphorescence, TADF blue) in low power for diversity of pOLED products such as monitor for VR and PC, and automobile diversity of pOLED products, and also suggested changes of pixel design for enhancing the open ratio.

As a new opportunity for pOLED, he pointed out applications on foldable, automotive, and VR devices, and mentioned transparent display as the next pOLED.

This LG Display presentation is very much similar to Samsung’s previous presentation about Samsung Display in IMID 2016, and it looks like the development process and roadmap of the two companies are identical in pOLED (flexible OLED).

Especially, seeing that BT2020 application in AMOLED panel for mobile is previously mentioned by Samsung Display early this year, and now also mentioned by LG Display, it is expected that BT2020 application will become another main issue.

< LG Display general manager Joosu Im >

< Samsung Display presentation contents, IMID 2016 >

OLED Technology, extend the field from automobiles to airline industry.

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It is expected that we may be able to meet flights with OLED technology soon.

In existing OLED market, display is applied in mobile field and lighting is applied in indoor lighting field, and it was known several companies seem to be proceeding projects to apply it at either rear lamp or dash board area of the automobile.

However, in IFA 2016 held in Berlin Germany, LG vice president of HE Bongseok Kwon had reporter meeting where he said “we are currently in negotiation with two global airlines to install OLED display at front monitor and window, and the period of application must be discussed for not only seats but also including all parts such as windows.

Especially, several companies including Lumiotech, OSRAM, and LG Inotech already introduced technologies for applying OLED in indoor purposes as well as other fields, and third panel companies are known to be developing technologies for engrafting airline industry, so there is much attention of the outcome of new application.

OLED is designed with thin and light characteristics as well as flexibility where it is good at utilizing space without taking up large volume. Due to its characteristics, the installation is easy without location or space restrictions. So if OLED is applied in window then the flight crew can control the light penetration without having to check the window, and also people will be able to check the flight information they desire through display, and diversify the size and shape of the main display and dashboard.

Aside from these visual effect, it is expected to lower the fuel usage by decreasing the total weight of the flight. According to the contents presented in UK governmental emerging institution CPI (Centre for Process Innovation) in 2014, the fixed fuel usage is expected to decrease by applying OLED due to decreased weight of the flight fuselage and fuel, and the fuel consumed by air-conditioning can also be reduced due to low power consumption and heat, as well as the exhaustion of greenhouse gas is expected to be minimized.

<Concept picture of flight’s interior with CPI’s OLED display applied>

Along with this, OLED related application and its industry is expected to develop continuously. According to 2016 OLED Display Annual Report published by the market research company Ubi industry research, AMOLED market is expected to be worth 14,800 million USD in 2016, and approximately 71,705 million USD in 2020 where the average yearly growth of about 49%. Also, starting from 2019 where companies’ investments actually begin, the profit for OLED lighting will also largely increase which it is expected to reach above 7,500 million USD by 2025. Therefore, it is expected to see various types of applications with OLED display or lighting in the near future.

Full-Scale War Between Samsung Gear S3 And Apple Watch Series 2

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The Apple Watch Series 2 has been officially unveil with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 so it is expected that the battle between Samsung Gear S3 and the Apple Watch Series 2 can not be avoided even if the official release day of Samsung Gear S3 is undecided.

Apple Watch Series 2 has an improved water resistance rating of 50 meters and includes GPS unit for utilizing location information and tracking movements. Especially, the watch works with Pocketmon Go from Niantic INC which has been very sensational game all over the world. It was announced that the product has four models including Stainless steel, Hermès which Apple produced teaming up with Hermès, and Nike+ which Apple produced teaming up with Nike.

Samsung Gear S3 also includes GPS so it can make various useful functions altitude available for leisure activities and exercising with the sensors for altitude, atmospheric pressure and speed. Samsung Pay function also increases a variety of useful functions. In addition, with saving battery power ability improved, ADO (Always On Display) which is packed so that major alarms are always shown can make the watch is faithful to the original watch function. And the rotating bezel of Samsung Gear S3 attracts public gaze with its sophisticated design presenting the sensitivity traditional watch gave and its intuitive UI built up much better than before.

Both of the smart watches are packing an OLED display which can boast 1,000 Nits peak brightness so it is expected that a great deal of information can be shown on the clear display in bright sunlight. In particular, Apple enhanced the brightness of the display more than doubled than that of the prior product of 450 Nits and Samsung also enhanced the brightness 400 Nits more than that of the prior product.

It has been known that the AMOLED panel for Samsung smart watch is provided by SAMSUNG DISPLAY while Flexible AMOLED panel for Apple Watch Series 2 is supplied by SAMSUNG DISPLAY and LG DISPLAY.

According to UBI research, the market of Smart Watch AMOLED panel is expected to be worth close to one hundred million in 2020 with average annual growth rate of 14%.

A fabrication of large area OLED TV gets possible by FMM process. DAWONSIS, develops downward deposition method by joule heating.

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It is expected that large area OLED panel pixel formation technology, which is possible only using solution based and SMS(Small mask scanning) so far, gets possible using FMM process.

DAWONSIS developed the technology downward deposition method by joule heating, to make mass production of large area display panel possible and to enhance efficiency of material usage more than two times.

Joule heating deposition is the technology that if one induces voltage in conductive film, due to resistance, it can increase surface temperature rapidly only with low energy, so evaporate organic materials films formed on conductive film rapidly only with low energy.

DAWONSIS evaporation technology key concept is followed by:

One forms organic material films on source substrates, and deposits the organic material films on panel positioned at down side whole at a time by using Joule heating.

According to DAWONSIS, it is said that

“Compared to point source or linear source, used in conventional deposition process, Joule heating deposition process is very fast deposition rate, more than 100 A/s, due to the use of area source. The efficiency of material usage is about 70~80%, more than two times efficient than conventional method, also downward deposition is applicable to large area FMM process, verification experiment results show that shadow effect dimension is 4um, which enables high resolution process. Therefore JIES evaporation equipment can be an innovative solution to fabricate large area OLED panel. ”

In conventional OLED TV, due to FMM’s deflection, it has had a problem to fabricate it as RGB method. So OLED TV panel on production line, adopts white OLED + color filter method using open mask

In order to make OLED TV by using RGB method, solution process can be also strong candidate.

But lack of efficiency of soluble luminous material and its life time, it cannot be applicable to mass production.

If one adopts the deposition technology that DAWONSIS developed, real RGB structure can be realized in OLED TV panel by using FMM process, since it uses conventional deposition materials as it is, efficiency and life time can be guaranteed. We expect that DAWONSIS’s new deposition technology can make an impact on large area OLED panel fabrication technology.

[IFA 2016] What is the future of TV imagined by Philips?

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Below is the interview of Philips when displaying large scale OLED TV in IFA 2016.

The future of TV viewed by Philips is OLED TV.
“We really see OLED as the future of TV”

[IFA2016] What is the exhibition concept of Samsung Electronics TV?

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Samsung Electronics TV Booth displayed in IFA2016 is very different from before. There are two types of LCD TVs in the market currently: the existing TV using LED BLU, and SUHD TV that uses quantum dot sheet. However, the product that was introduced and occupied a lot of booth exhibition space was the inorganic TV that uses quantum dot display, a product with unclear release date.

The conceptual inorganic TV that Samsung Electronics introduced instead of actual TV product is a product that displays far superior performance to OLED TV. As time goes by, the “organic” that represents OLED TV loses its function as a TV due to its rapidly decreasing brightness, whereas “inorganic” does not undergo such changes. If this is true, it is an excellent product that may well be used forever.

In another concept exhibition, Samsung Electronics introduced the superior color purity of Inorganic TV.

The light coming from the Organic TV light source has very vague RGB. In contrast, inorganic TV originates from clear RGB. Inorganic creates independent wavelength and intensity even before this light arrives at the color filter, whereas organic still displays a vague light with separated color.
The structure of inorganic TV seen from this is assumed to be a form in which a quantum dot substance is inserted between the screen and the color filter.

Finally, the light of organic, which goes through the color filter, lacks color purity of the three primary colors because it converts two-wavelength light with blue and green-red to three-wavelength.
However, even before arriving at the color filter, the light with superior color purity is emitted outside in inorganic.
If these two exhibitions are true, Samsung Electronics is preparing an incredible next-generation TV.
The problem pointed out by the participants is that this technology has not been born yet, and it is merely a concept. Samsung Electronics has described the unknown world with confidence, which is ironically viewed as if they are utterly unprepared for the future TV.

Moreover, by comparing OLED TV with a TV technology of the future instead of the SUHD TV currently in the market, they have indirectly admitted that OLED TV is better than the SUHD TV that uses quantum dot.

In IFA2016, Samsung Electronics wanted to show that SUHD TV will continue to grow and that OLED TV will disappear eventually. However, they have admitted that they are in an urgent situation in which, due to the superiority of OLED TV to the current SUHD TV, it cannot avoid being compared to the inorganic TV of the future.

Finally, whatever is done to LCD TV, black should be avoided, because it is LCD.

Mass production of AMOLED panel for AUO and VR begins in earnest

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It is expected that AUO will begin mass-producing AMOLED panel for VR.

AUO displayed AMOLED panels for 1.2-1.6 inch smart watch, 12.3 inch vehicles, and 3.8 inch VR in Touch Taiwan 2016.

In particular, the AMOLED panel for VR is composed of 2 sets of 3.8 inch, and each AMOLED panel’s resolution is 423 ppi of 1080×1200. Using 2 AMOLED panels, 2K (2160×1200) resolution has been realized.

According to a staff from AUO, “there are plans to intensively mass-produce AMOLED panels for wearables and VRs; and in particular AMOLED panel for VR are being produced and supplied to Razer and OSV. From Q4 2016, mass-production will be initiated in earnest to ship over 100,000 units.”

AUO’s AMOLED panels for VR are being sold as modules to a company called Vitrolight technology. According to Vitrolight technology’s website AUO’s AMOLED panel module for VR is US$240-350 for 1 piece and 2,000 pieces can be supplied per month.

<AMOLED panel of AUO for VR, Vitrolight technology>

[IFA2016]Samsung Electronics states to completely leave OLED TV!

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After two and a half years have passed since the CES 2014, where Samsung Electronics expressed that it would need about three more years to develop OLED TV due to its insufficient technology at the time, in IFA 2016t it has strongly emphasized that it will not be engaging in OLED TV business.

Recently, in an interview with a local press, Samsung Electronics stated that there were still problems with the definition of the OLED TV and that it will continue engaging in the TV business with QLED TV within the near future.

In IFA2016, it revealed Samsung Electronics’ thoughts on the past, present, and future of TVs.

Based on the materials provided at Samsung’s booth, LCT TVs of the past have extended their legacies into LED TVs, and in the future they will evolve into quantum dot TVs that use inorganic materials. Moreover, in the same manner as PDP TVs which have disappeared from the TV market OLED TVs will disappear after having reached the level of curved FHD TV.

Looking at this material, it seems like Samsung Electronics is not paying attention to other LCD TV sets but only LG Electronics’ OLED TVs.

As a matter of fact, it is natural for Samsung Electronics’, the no.1 market leader of TV market, to be disturbed by LG Electronics’ OLED TV which is expanding its market share in the premium TV market. However, at this point where 55-inch and 65-inch UHD OLED TVs are selling well, whether Samsung Electronics’ display contents were legitimate is questionable.

Presenting negative views regarding competitors is acceptable in terms of marketing, but at this display it seemed to be excessive. Also, Samsung Electronics even provided durability comparisons between inorganic TVs (Quantum dot TV) and OLED when inorganic TVs do not even exist.

The main point of the comparison was that the colors of OLED TVs change severely according to the passing of time whereas inorganic TVs do not.

Contents from a U.S. consumer report website were still being displayed as follows. In the “best TV 5” of 2015, there are three LG Electronics’ OLED TVs, and no.1 was the 65-inch UHD OLED TV.

The end of OLED TVs is not likely to come as fast as what Samsung Electronics predict. It is just the beginning for OLED TVs.

[IFA2016] OLED TVs’ position doubles compared to last year

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In IFA2016, there were 11 companies that displayed OLED TVs, including LG Electronics. These companies were Vestel, Skyworth, Loewe, Philips, Grundig, Seiki, Metz, Changhong, Panasonic, and Condor, in the order of display scale.

In IFA2016 there were 6 companies, but this time 5 more companies joined the league. This is almost a double growth rate. At this exhibition, 1 company, Haier, did not return to participate and the new participants are Loewe, Philips, Seiki, Metz, and Condor.

Among these participants, Loewe stands out in particular.

Furthermore, in the Loewe OLED TV PR panel it is written as follows. “OLED display thinner than a smartphone” and “The most beautiful OLED TV in the world”.

Philips used the entire space for displaying TVs to present OLED TVs aside from the walls. On the walls there were LCD TVs, but OLED TVs were presented at the center so that participants can view the space three-dimensionally.

Hence, this was a display that showed that LCD TVs will be replaced by OLED TVs.

The most dynamic display of LG Electronics is the Skyworth indeed. It is a car racing game video that informs the high-speed response speed of OLED TV that has been presented since IFA2015. The difference with the previous display was that the products’ OLED panels have all been applied with HDR. They became brighter than last year.

Hisense was company that showed displays, although not selling OLED TVs. So, including Hisense, there were 12 companies in total. In a bid to promote the ULED TV’s superiority, which it is currently selling, Hisense presented a display that compared ULED TV with the OLED TV. The product that has been used in this exhibition was an OLED product from last year. When actually observed, it was darker than the ULED TV. However, at Skyworth, of which the booth was right next to it, the super high-definition OLED TVs are displayed. The booth location was badly selected for Hisense.

[IFA2016] Where Does the Confidence of LG Electronics Come From?

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LG Electronics has displayed OLED TV on about half of the entire IFA2016 exhibition’s space, overwhelming the whole area.

There is no need for words. You just have to enjoy the exhibition with your eyes.

Apart from the image quality, LG promoted its slim product design by the expression “Picture on glass.”
There is no need for words. Exhibition is enough to show why OLED TV is better than LCD TV.

In the previous CES2016, LG Electronics booth was as dark as a movie theater. Presumably, it wanted to show the strength of OLED TV, “black”, well but it could rather be seen as a product that functions properly only in the dark.

CES2016 LG Electronics Booth: The light was as dark as a movie theater

However, the difference becomes definite when we compare the ceiling light of CES2016 and the light of IFA2016. It became brighter indeed. LG Electronics has changed.

It became confident enough to highlight merits of OLED TV even in a bright area. OLED panel structure of TV produced by LG Display has changed from bicolor structure laminated with three layers of B (blue) and YG (yellow-green) to a three-layers structure that uses B, R, and G to realize three colors. The efficiency and brightness of the colors have become overwhelmingly outstanding.

LG is not the son of darkness anymore. Through the exhibition, it expressed its confidence to have secured the quality to contend with LCD TV.

Of course, it also indicated to continue LCD TV business. It displayed LCD TV, which applied QD technology, in one side so that it’s not compared with numerous OLED TVs. The exhibition of LCD TV, positioned in the corner after losing power, shows that the time is getting closer for competitors to wake up from the illusion that LCD TV will last forever.

[IFA2016]The Leading Power of TV in Europe and the Middle East, Interested in OLED TV

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OLED TV is rising to be sensational in IFA2016, the largest consumer electronics show in Europe. In the development of the initial OLED TV market, LG Electronics is in the lead followed by Chinese companies. LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics, the two major companies in TV market, simultaneously launched OLED TV in 2013 and led OLED TV market until IFA2014. However, Samsung lost confidence to produce quality OLED TV and completely withdrew from CES in 2015. Since then, it has been focusing only on penetrating LCD TV market grafted on to QD technology.

Recently, Samsung Electronics stated that its OLED TV technology is still unsatisfactory due to the burning problem and thus, it is going to launch QLED TV, which uses QD technology, as the next product after LCD TV as soon as possible. Hence, there were many concerns over contraction of OLED TV market.

However, the on-going exhibition in IFA2016 is dispelling such negative concerns over Samsung OLED TV by the title, to be specific, “LCD TV, not anymore!”

Philips, the leader of consumer electronics in Europe, penetrated IFA2016 exhibition center with its newly developed OLED TV.

Philips planned the exhibition concept very delicately to highlight its OLED TV. First of all, it arranged lots of LCD TVs in three different sides to show that its main product is still LCD TV. It also placed OLED TV vertically in the middle of a space large enough to exhibit dozens of TV and made it to rotate to be displayed and seen well by visitors from any angle. Put differently, it designed the room for people to observe OLED TV in three dimensions. Through space arrangement rather than display of words, Philips declared its intention to change portfolio to OLED TV.

Moreover, the exhibition is designed so that visitors can easily compare superior OLED TV with LCD TV.

At the back of OLED TV, which displays vivid colors and clear contrast range, there is LCD TV where colors run as a result of ghost effect which blur and demolish the boundary of objects in the image. Such problem does not surface when one only sees LCD TV screen. However, it becomes clear when watched together with OLED TV.

Philips exhibited OLED TV in the middle of LCD TV to maximize the superiority of OLED TV.

Vestel, the leading power of TV in the Middle East, has also used the same strategy. It displayed LCD TV on the wall and arranged 12 OLED TVs in the middle, facing one another. By doing so, visitors can watch LCD TV through the back of OLED TV, too.

Futuremore, Vestel displayed the largest OLED TV in the world, made of 9 OLED TVs, at the end of exhibition, and showed that “this is OLED TV!

Although Samsung Electronics will continuously bring up negative concerns over OLED TV, more and more worldwide TV companies are still entering OLED TV market. Now the time is getting nearer for LCD TV to disappear and OLED TV to dominate the premium TV market.

[IFA 2016]Galaxy Gear: Talk about 3 event: How far the smart watch could be evolved

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In Berlin where IFA2016 is held, Samsung Electronics hosted the showcase of Gear3, which is a follow-up model of Galaxy Gear on Aug. 31.
Smart watch is equipped with differentiated characteristics including a sporty sense, communication and simple healthcare function of checking the heart rate and the amount of exercise. Since Galaxy Gear2 and Apple Watch also had no difference with those characteristics, the prospect of smart watch market did not seem bright.
However, Galaxy Gear3 showed how smart watch could be used in human life in an appearance different from previous ones. It has evolved into a product that could absorb the existing watch market instead of seeking differentiation from the existing watches.

First of all, the appearance has been changed. The case is changed to steel, and it uses Gorilla Glass SR+ in order to prevent impact. Gear is carved in bezel, which was plain and inconvenient in manipulating the display.

It absorbed the appearance of the best sports watch models.
With its expanded width of 1.5 inch, the exterior has been expressly changed compared to the previous model, Galaxy Gear2.

In addition to the exterior change, Galaxy Gear3 has tremendously evolved in its internal software. Firstly, Always on Display function, which is applied to Galaxy S7, is applied. Always on Display is a function that enables you to always check time, and the function is realized by installation of the best flexible OLED only available by Samsung Display. In order to materialize it, it is required to have a display with very low power consumption, the operation technology and a long-life battery.

With a built-in GPS function, it is capable of navigation. You can use the smart watch separately since it is designed to be equipped with Alti/Barometer, Speedometer, LTE and built-in Speaker.
In addition to these, it secured safety by installing Knox, the software security system of Samsung. It also contains Connected Car System, which could be linked with an automobile.
In a comprehensive sense, Galaxy Gear3 to be launched soon is the first product that could be independently used without any smart phone. It has evolved to be a “Digital Convergence” product, which absorbed smart phone, rather than being an accessory product of smart phone.
In this event, Galaxy Note7 appeared in assisting the Galaxy Gear3. I have a very strong and good feeling that Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note might pioneer a new market which divides up the existing smart phone market.

Sunic System Suggests High Resolution 11K AMOLED Panel Solution through Plane Source

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Sunic System’s solution for 11K (2,250 ppi) AMOLED production revealed in IMID 2016 held in Jeju ICC, South Korea is receiving much attention.

In the 2nd OLED Korea Conference held earlier this year, Samsung Display’s principal engineer Insun Hwang told the attendees that high resolution is the key in VR, and approximately 2,000 ppi is required for suitable realism. He explained that the resolution of VR falls as the distance between the user and display is short and this is an issue that needs to be solved.

The highest resolution of the current AMOLED panel for mobile device is 806 ppi, revealed by Samsung Display in SID 2016. The technology being applied to AMOLED panel mass production is evaporating OLED emitting materials through heat from linear source, and depositing the OLED emitting materials onto substrate through fine metal mask (FMM).

However, during the deposition stage of the OLED emitting materials, due to the distance between the evaporation source and FMM, thickness of FMM, and distance between FMM and substrate, incidence angle (θ) is produced. Due to the incidence angle, shadow distance (SD) is generated. Because of the SD issues, mask thickness and step height that minimize SD have to be decided, and these are the main reasons for the FMM production difficulty.

Plane Source Process, Sunic System IMID 2016

Plane Source Process, Sunic System IMID 2016

To solve these issues, Sunic System suggested plane source, instead of linear source, and reported that this will become a key technology for high resolution AMOLED panel. Plane source technology deposits OLED emitting materials on metal plate and vertically evaporates the materials through heat after reversing that metal plate. If OLED emitting material shadow angle (Ф) becomes 90, the SD (shadow distance, step height / tanФ) theoretically becomes 0. This means FMM can be designed to be thin and high resolution, allowing for high resolution AMOLED panel production.

Sunic System’s Dr. Chang Hun Hwang explained that plane source can reduce SD figure up to approximately 8 times compared to existing technology, and 11K (2250 ppi) AMOLED panel for VR use becomes possible. Through this 8K (200 ppi) RGB OLED TV panel production becomes possible in large area SMS evaporation technology.

Particularly, if plane source using SMS evaporation technology can be applied to large area, it is also expected to have significant impact on large area OLED panel production technology.

So far, inkjet printing technology applied solution process method has been mainly developed for RGB large area OLED panel production, but soluble OLED emitting materials’ performance fall short of existing evaporation OLED emitting materials. However, if plane source technology is successfully developed and applied, evaporation OLED emitting materials can be used. Accordingly, this could become large size OLED panel production technology that replaces solution process OLED.

Sunic System supplied Gen6 evaporator to LG Display, a first for a Korean manufacturing equipment company, and active mass production is expected to be possible from 2018.

Galaxy Note 7 records high peak brightness of 1,048 nits

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Galaxy Note 7 Records High Peak Brightness of 1,048 nit

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

DisplayMate Technologies, the leading evaluator of video screens, announced the results of a new series of comprehensive lab tests on the Galaxy Note 7 ’s display.

As the first smartphone to incorporate High Dynamic Range(HDR) technology for mobile video streaming, the Galaxy Note7 provides a cinema-like viewing experience. HDR, the newest performance enhancement feature developed for the latest 4K Ultra HDTVs, expands the color, contrast and brightness of video content through special image processing.

To display the latest high-end video content, the Galaxy Note7 was equipped with the newest standard Wide Color Gamut called DCI-P3 for Digital Cinema Initiative. The measured color gamut of the AMOLED Cinema screen mode is a very accurate 97 percent of the standard DCI-P3 color gamut. It also received a very accurate Absolute Color Accuracy measurement of 2.8 JNCD.

The Galaxy Note7 boasts a record high peak brightness (automatic brightness) of 1,048 nits in high ambient light conditions and a screen reflectance level of 4.6 percent. This means that the screen of the Galaxy Note7 can easily be viewed or read, even under relatively high ambient lighting, such as bright sunlight, which washes out the image color saturation and contrast, decreasing picture quality.

In line with its automatic brightness improvements, the Galaxy Note7 received praise from DisplayMate for being the first of its kind to incorporate a second, rear ambient light sensor. This sensor measures surrounding ambient light and then uses the measured value, along with that of the front ambient light sensor, to alter the display brightness accordingly. The additional sensor helps the device to obtain an accurate reading of the true ambient light level, even when the phone is held in the user’s shadow.

DisplayMate also made note of the Galaxy Note7’s new Blue Light Filter that allows the user to adjust and reduce the amount of blue light from the display for better night viewing, “which some recent research indicates can affect how well users sleep afterwards.”

Featuring curved screen OLED display, the Galaxy Note7 will be available for purchase starting August 19.

H1 2016 OLED Wearable, Disappeared Smartwatch and Rising VR ∙ Smartband

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bungee jump with Gear VR (Source = Samsung)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Unlike the same period last year, H1 2016 showed quiet smartwatch sector while VR (virtual reality) device and smartband became popular.

According to UBI Research, of OLED wearable device revealed in H1 2016, 6 are VR devices (OLED display is either directly equipped to the device or OLED smartphone can be connected) and 4 are smartbands. In H1 2015, there were 5 OLED smartwatches and 3 OLED smartbands. The difference between almost no smartwatches in H1 2016 is evident.

In VR sector, Oculus began the announcements with Samsung Display’s OLED equipped Oculus Rift in January. Following this, other companies such as Sony, HTC, and DeePoon revealed new products in international exhibitions. Samsung Electronics recently showed Gear VR that can be paired with Galaxy Note 7 in New York, and VR is expected to maintain its popularity in Q3.

In H1 2016, smartband stimulated the market with Samsung Electronics’ Gear Fit 2, Xiaomi’s Mi Band 2, and Fitbit’s Alta.

However, the only new OLED smartwatch product announced in H1 2016 was China’s GEAK’s GEAK Watch 3, and it was not even released in the market. The reason for the slump in the smartwatch market has been noted to be short battery life, and lack of useful applications. However, as Samsung Electronics and Apple are expected to announce new smartwatch products in Q3, renewed enthusiasm is anticipated.

Samsung’s Gear 3 is expected to be revealed in IFA 2016 in Berlin in September. Apple is also rumored to be announcing Apple Watch in September. Apple has already revealed smartwatch operating system Watch OS3 with improved speed and function in June.

Dramatic Growth of Automotive OLED Lighting Panel …To Exceed Down Lighting in 2019

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OLED Lighting for Automotive (Picture Source = Novaled)

With the Forecast of Continued growth of OLED Lighting Panel Market, Automotive Lighting Market is Rapidly Growing ( Picture Source = Novaled )

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
With the forecast of continued rapid growth of OLED lighting panel market, automotive OLED lighting panel in particular is expected to lead the market.
According to 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research on 8 August, the global automotive OLED lighting panel market this year is only USD 3 million. However, the market is estimated to rapidly grow from 2017 and record USD 296 million in 2019, and exceed indoor OLED lighting panel market. The 2019 indoor OLED lighting ( down lighting ) panel market is expected to be USD 183 million.
Furthermore, in 2020, the automotive OLED lighting panel market is estimated to record USD 821 million and widen the gap with indoor OLED lighting market and its USD 494 million. From then on, the indoor OLED lighting market is estimated to show impressive growth and move past automotive sector sales from 2023. However, the automotive sector is expected to occupy major areas of OLED lighting market along with the indoor sector.
OLED is receiving much attention as automotive lighting panel due to advantages such as diverse designs and being less harmful to human eyes. The fact that curved design is possible with OLED is a particular merit for an automotive lighting. In fact, UBI Research estimates that flexible OLED within automotive OLED lighting market will maintain its 75% or higher market share in future.
UBI Research explained that as flexible is possible with OLED, there are many advantages in terms of design in automotive indoor lighting, and taillights. He added that with thinner and freer curved designs, the OLED lighting can be applied to anywhere in cars and this will become a new differentiation point for automotive companies.

Global Lighting OLED Market, USD 1,600 Million in 2020… Half by LG Display

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Global OLED lighting panel revenue market share(출처 = UBI Research 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report_

Global lighting OLED panel revenue market share (Source = UBI Research 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Global lighting OLED panel market is rapidly growing each year. In 2020, it is expected to record USD 1,600 million, and LG Display is estimated to occupy 53%.
According to 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research on 8 August, the global OLED lighting panel market is expected to record USD 114 million in 2016 and show CAGR of 66% in 2017-2025.
Advantages of OLED lighting includes high energy efficiency and diverse application areas. The fact that the restrictions on the use of incandescent light is being tightened is also one of the reasons that OLED lighting is receiving much attention. As such, the global OLED lighting panel market will continue to grow and record USD 1,600 million in 2020.
LG Display is the only company that carried out investment while possessing OLED lighting panel mass production technology. In early 2016, OLED lighting business was moved from LG Chem. to LG Display.
In March, LG Display decided on 15K monthly capa. of Gen5 OLED lighting panel mass production line investment, and is actively expanding this business. The company is expected to record 53% of 2020 global OLED lighting panel sales with USD 848 million.
In terms of application areas, general indoor downlight and automotive lighting are estimated to show rapid growth and occupy the largest proportion of the OLED lighting market. Furthermore, OLED lighting market is expanding in other areas such as outdoor, medical, and exhibition use.
UBI Research estimates that in 2025, the automotive OLED lighting panel market will grow to record USD 2,786 million, and indoor lighting panel market to USD 3,409 million.

UDC & Tianma Enter into Long-Term OLED Patent License and Supplemental Material Purchase Agreements

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Source = UDC

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Universal Display Corporation( UDC ), enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its  UniversalPHOLED technology and materials, today announced the signing of an OLED Technology License Agreement and Supplemental Material Purchase Agreement with Tianma Micro-electronics Co. Ltd., a leading Chinese small-and medium-size display panel manufacturer. The agreements run for five years.

Tianma is a leading player in AM-OLED technology and series production capacity in domestic China . In late May, Tianma demonstrated its latest OLED advances with a number of display prototypes at Display Week 2016 International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition. Tianma has a Gen 5.5 AM -OLED line in Shanghai , which started producing AM-OLED modules for intelligent mobile terminals to brand clients this year. Tianma is also increasing its OLED investments to ramp up capacity for commercial mass production.

“We are very pleased to enter into these license and supply agreements with Tianma Micro-electronics, an early OLED developer and key Chinese display maker,” said Steven V. Abramson , President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Display . “Tianma has been at the forefront of OLED R&D in China for a number of years, and we look forward to working with Tianma to advance their commercial OLED product pipeline with our proprietary OLED technologies and materials. Around the world, we believe that OLED research, development and investment activities are gaining tremendous ground, as consumer demand for cutting-edge, fast-response, thin, energy-efficient displays continues to rise, in products such as smartphones, wearables, tablets and automotive.”

Under the license agreement, Universal Display , through its wholly-owned subsidiary UDC Ireland Limited , has granted Tianma Micro-electronics non-exclusive license rights under various patents owned or controlled by Universal Display to manufacture and sell OLED display products. Additionally, Universal Display will supply phosphorescent OLED materials to Tianma Micro-electronics for use in its licensed products.

UDC Announces Q2 2016 Financial Results

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Source = UDC

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Universal Display Corporation( UDC ), enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its Universal PHOLED technology and materials, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

For the second quarter of 2016, the Company reported net income of $21.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, on revenues of $64.4 million. This includes $1.8 million of currency exchange loss related to the BASF OLED patent acquisition. For the second quarter of 2015, the Company reported a net loss of $11.8 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, on revenues of $58.1 million. The 2015 net loss reflected a $33.0 million write-down of inventory, primarily of an existing host material and associated work-in-process. Excluding this item and its associated $1.9 million reduction of income tax expense, adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2015 was $19.4 million, or $0.41 per diluted share (see “reconciliation of non-GAAP Measures” below for further discussion of the non-GAAP measures included in this release).

“Our second quarter 2016 revenues and net income increased year-over-year, and we maintained our strong margin profile. We are confident that the underlying growth fundamentals of our long-term outlook remain robust, but near-term, we expect our revenue growth will be delayed by about six months,” said Sidney D. Rosenblatt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Display.

Rosenblatt continued, “We expect strong revenue growth in 2017. At that time, new OLED production from the multi-year capital expenditure cycle is slated to start contributing to our revenues. Ahead of this wave of high-volume capacity, we have been working to expand and broaden our team and core competencies to advance our strategic initiatives and increase our competitive edge. We expect these initiatives, along with new OLED capacity, coupled with our pipeline of new materials, new technologies and new agreements, to bolster our long-term growth plan.”

Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2016

The Company reported revenues of $64.4 million, compared to revenues of $58.1 million for the same quarter of 2015, an increase of 10.8%. Material sales were $22.3 million, down 8.3% compared to the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to a $2.0 million decline in host material sales. Royalty and license fees were $42.0 million, up from $33.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The Company recognized $37.5 million in Samsung Display Co., Ltd. (SDC) licensing revenue in the second quarter of 2016, up from $30.0 million in the same quarter of 2015.

The Company reported operating income of $34.0 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared to an operating loss of $4.8 million for the second quarter of 2015. Excluding the inventory write-down of $33.0 million, adjusted operating income was $28.2 million for the second quarter of 2015. Operating expenses were $30.4 million, compared to $62.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 and cost of materials was $5.7 million, compared to $39.1 million in the second quarter of 2015, both of which included the inventory write-down of $33.0 million in the second quarter of 2015.

The Company’s balance sheet remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents and investments of $332.0 million as of June 30, 2016. During the second quarter, the Company added $96.0 million in intangible assets in the form of intellectual property purchases and certain other assets from BASF, increasing the portfolio to more than 4,100 issued and pending patents worldwide. During the second quarter, the Company generated $36.2 million in operating cash flow.

Financial Highlights for the First Six Months of 2016

The Company reported revenues of $94.1 million, compared to revenues of $89.3 million for the first half of 2015, or an increase of 5.4%. Material sales were $46.6 million, down 8.8% compared to $51.1 million in the first half of 2015, primarily due to a $7.0 million decline in host sales. Royalty and license fees were $47.4 million, up from $38.1 million in the first half of 2015.

The Company reported operating income of $36.7 million in the first half of 2016, compared to an operating loss of $3.1 million for the first half of 2015. Excluding the inventory write-down of $33.0 million, adjusted operating income was $30.0 million for 2015. For the first half of 2016, we reported net income of $23.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $10.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the same period of 2015. Excluding the inventory write-down and the associated $1.9 million reduction of income tax expense, adjusted net income was $20.7 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the first half of 2015.

Operating cash flow for the first half of 2016 was $36.2 million, a decrease of 51.8% compared to $75.2 million for the first half of 2015 which included an upfront $42.0 million license and royalty payment.

2016 Guidance

While the OLED industry is still at a stage where many variables can have a material impact on its growth, based upon the most recent and best information on hand, the Company believes it is prudent to revise its 2016 revenues guidance. The Company now expects 2016 revenues to be in the range of $190 million to $200 million.

LG’s 77 inch OLED TV at KRW 40 Million, Is the Price OK? Comparison with Competitors…

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출처=LG전자

LG`s 77 inch OLED TV Picture Source = LG Elec.

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
LG Electronics recently announced 77 inch OLED TV, and its factory price at KRW 41 million received much attention. With the diverse public opinions regarding this, OLEDNET looked into price trend of TV of similar size.
According to UBI Research, Samsung Electronics’ 78 inch SUHD TV product is being sold at USD 7997.99 ~ 9997.99 (lowest price at Amazon). Released in April, these products utilize quantum dot film attached LCD panel.
For Sony which uses LCD, 75 inch product released in January costs approximately KRW 6.7 million as of July, and 85 inch product costs approximately KRW 9 million. Sony products are less costly than Samsung and LG products.
The actual market price of LG Electronics’ 77 inch OLED TV is not yet exactly known. However, the comparison with its factory price of KRW 41 million shows it is about 4 times more expensive than Samsung Electronics’ 78 inch product and Sony’s 85 inch product.
Compared to LCD TV, existing large OLED TV of same size is about twice as expensive. Although the gap has been recently reduced, this is due to LG Electronics’ OLED TV price reduction. While it is true that OLED TV is pricier, that does not mean it is not marketable. In fact, LG Electronics announced that Q2 2016 OLED TV sales increased by 4 times compared to previous quarter through conference call.
However, some believe that the fact the difference is approximately 4 times, rather than twice, will bring down the competitiveness. Regarding this issue, Choong Hoon Yi of UBI Research explained that considering that the yield drops rapidly as the size increases, the price of LG’s 77 inch new product is not totally out of order. He added that the price will drop with yield improvement, and looking at TV market trend so far, the market price could eventually be half of the factory price.
LG Electronics’ 77 inch OLED TV could fall to about KRW 20 million from KRW 41 million, reducing the price gap against LCD TV of similar size to approximately 2 times. Yi further added that despite being twice as expensive as LCD TV, OLED TV has been solidifying its position in the market.

Samsung Unveils the New Galaxy Note 7

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Samsung Elec. unveils Galaxy Note 7 

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics continues to drive the smartphone market with the Galaxy Note7 by building on the company’s category-defining leadership with innovative features that set a new standard for large-screen devices. With refined craftsmanship, premium materials and a unique, symmetrical edge design, the Galaxy Note7 features:

  • A water resistant body and S Pen (IP68)
  • Top-of-the-line security that combines Samsung Knox with biometric authentication including a new iris scanning feature
  • Immersive entertainment capabilities with HDR video streaming capabilities.

The Galaxy Note7 strikes a balance between work and play, enabling people to achieve more than what they thought possible on a smartphone.

“The Galaxy Note7 combines productivity and entertainment, and strong security features. Powering a robust ecosystem, it is the ideal device for those who want to achieve more in life,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Life moves faster than ever now so we created the Galaxy Note7 to move with users – helping them get things done more easily wherever, whenever.”

LG Electronics Q2 Business Profit 140%↑…Improved Profitability from OLED TV Sales Expansion

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출처=LG전자

Source = LG Elec.

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Boosted by OLED TV sales increase, LG Electronics’ Q2 business profit increased by approximately 140%.
LG Electronics Inc. (LG) announced second-quarter 2016 operating income of KRW 584.6 billion (USD 503.10 million), nearly 140 percent higher than the previous year, from strong performance by the Home Appliance & Air Solution and Home Entertainment companies, both reporting the highest quarterly operating profit in LG’s history. Global consolidated revenues of KRW 14 trillion (USD 12.05 billion) increased both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.
LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company accounted for the largest share of the second quarter’s operating profit with KRW 433.7 billion (USD 373.24 million). Revenues of KRW 4.70 trillion (USD 4.04 billion), an increase of 4.8 percent from the second quarter last year, were driven by growth in B2B sales of air conditioning systems and strong overall performance in Korea, Europe and Asia. With an improved product portfolio and cost structure, the business unit was able to achieve an operating margin of more than 9 percent. Going forward, premium products such as the LG SIGNATURE collection, TWINWash and LG Styler are expected to contribute positively to the performance of the company.
LG Mobile Communications Company saw revenues of KRW 3.33 trillion (USD 2.86 billion) increase 12 percent from the first quarter, while declining from the same period the year before. An operating loss of KRW 153.5 billion (USD 132.10 million) reflected increased marketing expenditures and somewhat slow initial sales of G5 smartphone. Overall smartphone shipments increased 3 percent from the previous quarter with a total of 13.9 million smartphones shipped in the second quarter. The launch of the new V series and expanding sales of mass-tier K and X series models are expected to improve the business unit’s performance next quarter.
LG Home Entertainment Company reported a record KRW 356.7 billion (USD 306.97 million) in operating profit on revenues of KRW 4.16 trillion (USD 3.58 billion), a 5.7 percent increase from the 2015 second quarter, in large part thanks to the growing market for premium TVs. An increase in sales of higher-end ULTRA HD and OLED TVs and improved cost structure management contributed to an operating margin of 8.6 percent, the highest in the history of LG’s home entertainment division. The business unit will continue to benefit from the growing UHD and OLED TV markets and cost competitiveness, although cost increases for flat-panel components may affect profitability.
LG Vehicle Components Company reported sales of KRW 639.6 billion (USD 550.4 million), an increase of 42 percent from the same period the previous year, thanks to high growth in the automotive infotainment sector. Increased R&D investments in infotainment and electric vehicle technologies, however, contributed to an operating loss of KRW 16.8 billion (USD 14.46 million) in the quarter. The outlook for LG’s automotive component business is positive with production of components for the Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle commencing in the third quarter.

Samsung Elec. Q2 Business Profit KRW 8.14 Trillion…Display Turns Deficit into Surplus with Business Profit KRW 0.14 Trillion

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Source = Samsung

Source = Samsung

Samsung Electronics today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016. Samsung’s revenue for the quarter was KRW 50.94 trillion, an increase of KRW 2.40 trillion YOY, while operating profit for the quarter was KRW 8.14 trillion, an increase of KRW 1.24 trillion YOY.

The second quarter saw significant earnings growth led by strong performance both in the set and component businesses. Overall earnings of the set business improved YOY as well as QOQ due to the continuous sales increase of premium products.

The IT & Mobile Communications (IM) Division saw substantial earnings improvement led by expanded sales of flagship products such as the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. A streamlined mid-to low-end smartphone lineup also contributed to improved profitability. Operating profit for the IM Division was KRW 4.32 trillion.

The Consumer Electronics (CE) Division achieved significant earnings growth YOY led by strong sales of its premium lineup such as SUHD TVs, Chef Collection Refrigerator, AddWash washer and newly launched air conditioner.

The component business achieved solid performance although overall earnings decreased YOY due to ASP declines in the industry. Earnings for the Display Panel segment improved QOQ led by increased OLED capacity utilization and stabilized LCD panel yields. Demand for semiconductors for mobile and SSD increased and the company achieved solid growth with a competitive edge in differentiated products, including 20-nanometer DRAM, V-NAND and 14-nanometer mobile AP.

The company estimated that the stronger Korean won against major currencies in the second quarter negatively impacted operating profit by approximately KRW 0.3 trillion, reflected mainly in the component business earnings.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2016, the company expects its solid performance to continue compared to the first half, mainly driven by earnings increase in the component business due to sales growth in high value-added products and stable demand and supply conditions. The set business is expected to continue its stable earnings while the IM Division expects marketing expenditure to increase.

In the third quarter, the company expects the component business to maintain its solid performance due to improved demand and supply conditions for memory chips and LCD panels and stable earnings for OLED and System LSI. For the set business, the company forecasts marketing expenditure for the IM business to increase mainly due to a new flagship product launch and fierce competition in the industry. Meanwhile, weak seasonality is likely to impact the CE business.

Capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the second quarter was KRW 4.2 trillion, which includes KRW 2 trillion for the Semiconductor business and KRW 1.6 trillion for the Display Panel business. The accumulated total CAPEX for the first half was KRW 8.8 trillion.

The annual plan for CAPEX has not yet been confirmed but is projected to increase slightly compared to last year. This year’s CAPEX will be concentrated on OLED and V-NAND capacity as the company sees strong market demand for OLED panels for smartphones and V-NAND SSD.

Demand for High-Density, High-Valued Products Drives Higher Earnings

The Semiconductor business posted KRW 12 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 2.64 trillion in operating profit for the quarter.

The memory business enjoyed solid growth in demand in the second quarter. Orders for high-density NAND and DRAM products contributed to solid earnings QOQ. This was coupled by a reduction in cost from continuous process migration.

In NAND, shipments of SSD remained strong in the quarter, as enterprise companies increasingly made the transition from HDD to SSD so as to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Orders for high-density mobile storage products over 32GB also helped drive sales, mainly due to the expanded adoption by Chinese companies. Samsung actively responded to orders for high-density mobile products over 64GB and enterprise SSD over 4TB and increased supply of the industry’s first 48-layer V-NAND.

In DRAM, demand climbed QOQ as smartphone manufacturers bought more high-density mobile DRAM and demand for high-density products increased following the launch of a new server platform.

A supply imbalance of some applications led to greater demand for Samsung’s 20-nanometer high-density, high value-added mobile and server products.

Looking ahead, for NAND, increased adoption of high-density products and strong seasonality will further drive demand growth in the second half. Growth in high-density, premium SSD products will continue, and the launch of new products by smartphone manufacturers is expected to raise demand for mobile storage. However, supply and demand will be tighter in the second half, due to soft industry supply growth.

For DRAM, the launch of new smartphones and the increasing adoption of 6GB memory chips in high-end smartphones will spur shipments of mobile DRAM in the second half. Shipments of high-density server products will be strong, as more data centers make the transition to a new server platform.

The System LSI business saw gains QOQ, thanks to stronger demand for 14-nanometer mobile AP in premium smartphones and increased sales of high megapixel image sensors. In the second half, increased sales of mid- to low-end mobile AP and LSI products are expected to provide a stable revenue stream.

Improved Display Performance on Strong OLED Sales and LCD Recovery

The Display Panel segment posted KRW 6.42 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.14 trillion in operating profit for the quarter driven by increased shipments of OLED panels and enhanced yields for new LCD TV panel production technology.

For the OLED business, second quarter earnings improved QOQ due to healthy sales of flagship smartphones and increased demand for flexible panels. High fab utilization rates with the help of an expanded mid to low-end product portfolio also contributed to improved earnings.

For the LCD business, the second quarter saw a continuation of QOQ growth under a gradual recovery in the supply-demand balance. The company was able to achieve growth thanks to improved yields for new TV panel production technology as well as expanded TV sales particularly for large-sized UHD panels.

Looking ahead to the second half, the OLED business, Samsung expects demand for OLED panels to rise despite a likely slowdown in the smartphone market. To remain competitive, the company plans to actively address customer demand and reinforce profitability by expanding the proportion of high value-added products such as flexible and high-resolution displays. Samsung will also seek to secure supply capacity according to market demand while expanding its customer base and new applications.

As for the second-half outlook for the LCD industry, Samsung expects supply and demand to improve thanks to increased demand under strong seasonality as well as continuous UHD TV market growth and size migration towards larger screens. In response, the company will focus on enhancing profitability by improving cost competitiveness and expanding its portfolio to high value-added products including ultra-large size, high-resolution and curved panels.

Mobile Unit Strengthens Competitiveness Amid Slow Global Market

The IM Division posted KRW 26.56 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 4.32 trillion in operating profit for the quarter.

Samsung’s earnings improved QOQ thanks to strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones. Additionally the company achieved growth in the second quarter by maintaining the profitability of mid- to low-end models, such as the Galaxy A and J series, and improving the product mix by raising the sales proportion of the Galaxy S7 edge to over 50 percent.

Demand for smartphones and tablets in the second half is forecast to increase, however, market competition is expected to strengthen as other companies release new mobile devices. Despite this outlook, Samsung will focus on YOY earnings increase by strengthening its high-end line-up and maintaining solid profitability of mid to low-end products.

Looking into the third quarter, the release of a new large-screen flagship smartphone will help to maintain solid sales of high-end smartphones led by the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Samsung will also focus on expanding smartphone sales including this year’s new Galaxy A and J series and the debut of the Galaxy C series exclusively for the China market.

Samsung will focus on increasing smartphone sales under strong seasonality with the launch of a new model, while expecting marketing expenses to increase QOQ due to seasonality.

As for the Networks business, earnings improved due to increased LTE investment of major carriers in the second quarter.

Solid Performance for Consumer Electronics Despite Sluggish Market

The Consumer Electronics Division – encompassing the Visual Display (VD), Digital Appliances (DA), Printing Solutions and Health & Medical Equipment (HME) businesses – posted KRW 11.55 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 1.03 trillion in operating profit for the quarter.

In the second quarter, global TV demand remained flat YOY due to sluggish economic conditions in major emerging markets that offset the growth experienced in developed markets. Amid these challenging conditions, Samsung achieved solid YOY earnings by successfully launching new products, including SUHD TVs, and increasing sales of premium products on the back of global sporting events.

For the appliances business in the second quarter, although growth momentum continued in North America, global demand declined YOY due to slower growth in China and the impact from the economic slowdown in emerging markets. Despite these circumstances, earnings improved from the same period of the previous year thanks to increased sales of premium products such as the Chef Collection refrigerator and the AddWash and activ dualwash™ washing machines.

Looking ahead to the second half, TV demand is expected to decline YOY due to weakened demand in Europe and a prolonged economic slowdown in emerging markets. In response, Samsung will focus on improving profitability and increasing sales through collaborations with local channel partners and through region-specific promotions. To reinforce its leadership in the premium TV segment, the company will also seek to grow sales of its premium SUHD TV line-up, particularly products featuring its Quantum Dot technology.

Concerning the outlook for appliances in the second half, market growth is expected to be limited due to the aforementioned concerns in Europe and emerging markets. Despite these conditions, Samsung will actively seek opportunities to counter the challenging market dynamics by launching innovative products that offer superior consumer experiences. The company also plans to achieve further growth by enhancing its B2B business in this sector, particularly for built-in kitchens and system air conditioners.

LGD announces operating profit at KRW 44 billion in Q2 2016

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Source = LGD

Source = LGD

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

LG Display ( LGD ) reported today unaudited earnings results based on consolidated K-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) for the three-month period ending June 30, 2016.

LGD announced its seventeenth straight quarterly operating profit at KRW 44 billion, which resulted from a thorough and profit-focused management based on differentiated technologies in response to difficult market conditions caused by continuing falls in panel prices and the aggressive expansion of LCD production capacity by Chinese panel makers.

To deal with the difficult market situation, LGD increased profitability by expanding the production share devoted to large-size panels of 60-inches and above as well as premium TV panels embedded with HDR(High Dynamic Range) technology, while continuously leading the Ultra HD TV panel market for 40-inches and above based on its differentiated M+ technology. The company also maximized production efficiency over all its business areas by improving the manufacturing process and producing profit-focused products.

Panels for TVs accounted for 39% of the revenue in the second quarter of 2016, tablets and notebook PCs for 18%, mobile devices for 27%, and desktop monitors for 16%.

With 83% in the liability-to-equity ratio, 145% in the current ratio, and 19.6% 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 make efforts to improve profitability by focusing on premium products including large-size Ultra HD TV displays based on its M+ technology and IPS In-Touch displays in the second half of the year, while driving expansion of the OLED market and its customer base.

As for large-size OLED TV panel, the company will increase cost competitiveness through further stabilizing production and improving the manufacturing process of Ultra HD products, while continuing promotion with customers to strengthen the premium positioning of OLED TV. It will also establish a competitive edge through timely investments in cutting-edge technologies for the future including flexible OLED displays.

Mr. Don Kim, CFO of LG Display, said “Display area shipments in the third quarter are expected to increase by a mid-single digit percentage compared to the second quarter due to seasonal factors and the growing trends towards large-size panels. Overall profitability in the second half of the year is expected to further improve due to stabilized panel prices.” He also added, “LG Display will put its best efforts to create differentiated value in terms of profitability, while preparing for future growth even under difficult market conditions.”

Chineses Gen8 LCD Line, Exceeding Korea…“Complementary Investment is Most Reliable”

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Chinese and Taiwanese panel companies’ Gen8 or higher LCD mass production line is 690K in total as of Q1 2016. This is higher than Korea’s Gen8 LCD capa. (Source = BOE)

Chinese and Taiwanese Gen8 line is higher than Korea’s Gen8 LCD capa. (Source = BOE)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

In order to respond to the outpouring Chinese large area LCD, it is analyzed that carrying out investment to turn large area LCD line into OLED is the most reliable method.

According to 2016 OLED Manufacturing Equipment Annual Report, recently published by UBI Research, Chinese and Taiwanese panel companies’ Gen8 or higher LCD mass production line is 690K in total as of Q1 2016. This is higher than Korea’s Gen8 LCD capa.

Even now, China is showing active movements in additional establishment of large area LCD mass production line. UBI Research forecasts that in 3 years, China and Taiwan’s new large area LCD mass production line will reach up to 80% of the Korea’s current mass production capa. The report emphasizes that to fight against this great supply volume from Great China region, Korean panel companies should change the large area LCD line to OLED.

In case of Gen8 line, unlike small-to-medium size line, the LCD line can be cost effectively transformed to OLED line. As such, it is considered to be the main object for the complementary investment.

Particularly, if oxide TFT, which has few photomask processes, and WRGB+CF technologies are applied, existing large area a-Si LCD line’s manufacturing equipment can continue to be used.

UBI Research explained that an advantage of complementary investment is the fact a-Si LCD line’s backplane equipment and color filter equipment can continue to be used. He further added that in order to maximize a-Si line’s capa., development of TFT process with few photomask processes is a necessity.

Next 5 Years Global Gen8 LCD → OLED Complementary Investment USD 6,674 million…Korea 81%

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2016-2020, global Gen8 complementary investment ( LCD → OLED ) is expected to be total USD 6,674 million.

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

For the next 5 years, 2016-2020, global Gen8 (8G) complementary investment ( LCD → OLED ) is expected to be total USD 6,674 million.

According to 2016 OLED Manufacturing Equipment Annual Report, recently published by UBI Research, Korea’s 8G complementary investment in 2016-2020 is estimated to be USD 5,400 million, 81% of the global USD 6,674 million. Particularly, complementary investment for large area LCD line to OLED is expected to be actively carried out centering around LG Display.

China is estimated to actively operate new large are LCD lines from 2016. To respond to this move, Korean panel companies are expected to transform 8G a-Si LCD lines located in Korea to OLED line from 2016.

To respond with LCD, China’s supply offensive and price competitiveness are too strong. As such, the situation calls for concentrated efforts in OLED.

Gen8 LCD line became the object of complementary investment as it can be easily converted to OLED compared to small-to-medium size LCD line. 8G LCD line’s a-Si TFT can be turned into oxide TFT used in Gen8 OLED line cost effectively.

Dr. Andreas Haldi joins CYNORA as Chief Marketing Officer

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Source = Cynora

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

CYNORA, a leader in blue TADF (thermally activated delayed fluorescence) materials, has appointed Dr. Andreas Haldi as its Chief Marketing Officer.

With his strong technical and business experience, Andreas Haldi will reinforce CYNORA in the forthcoming commercialization of its high performance blue OLED materials.

CYNORA is preparing the commercialization of its emitting materials for OLEDs. The company is hiring Andreas Haldi to further enhance its already good relationships with the major display makers and to now prepare with them the implementation of its materials in their products.

Andreas Haldi has close to 15 years of experience in the OLED materials field and profound knowledge of the Asian display market. Prior to joining CYNORA, Haldi held manager positions in R&D and sales at Novaled GmbH. For the last five years he was headquartered in Seoul, Korea, as Novaled’s representative in front of the major AMOLED display makers in Asia.

“I am very happy to get Andreas on board” says Gildas Sorin, CYNORA’s CEO. “We are preparing ourselves intensively for the commercialization of our blue emitters. Thanks to his proven skills on OLED and his experience in Asia, Andreas will help us to build up our success as a leading supplier for TADF materials.”

“I am looking forward to joining CYNORA” says Andreas Haldi, “CYNORA has shown its expertise and its impressive capability to progress rapidly during the last 8 months. CYNORA has a great potential to become key player in the OLED material industry.”

The appointment of the new CMO is a significant signal of CYNORA’s further development and its forthcoming market entry. Blue TADF-based emitters will enable a significant reduction of power consumption in OLED devices and will allow higher display resolution. CYNORA owns a broad IP portfolio with over 100 patent families and is aiming for over 600 patents.

Sharp Increase for Q2 LGD’s 65“ OLED Shipment… OLED TV Enlargement Gaining Momentum

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LGD`s 65“ OLED TV Panel

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
LG Display sharply increased their Q2 2016 65 inch OLED panel shipment. It is analyzed that OLED TV is entering active market growth and enlargement stages.
According to UBI Research, LG Display recorded approximately 140,000 units of OLED panels for TV in Q2 2016. Of this, 65 inch panel for large size TV is approximately 28,000 units, double the Q1 volume.
That LG Display greatly increased 65-inch OLED panel shipment is analyzed to show increased OLED TV companies in global TV market, and as a response to rising demand for 60 inch mark panels exceeding 50 inch. Recently, many TV companies, including Germany’s Loewe and Metz are known to have joined OLED sector. According to UBI Research, China’s TV company Skyworth received about 30,000 units of OLED panel from LG Display this year.
Additionally, the fact that as the panel increases in size, the price competitiveness difference with LCD decreases is analyzed to contribute to LG Display’s focus on panel larger than 60 inch.
LG Electronics has been reducing OLED equipped TV price as the low price competitiveness compared to LCD TV presented difficulty in convincing consumers. However, experts believe that as the size increases the price difference between OLED and LCD decreases.
On 19 July, LG Electronics revealed 77 inch OLED TV, demonstrating focus on pioneering ultra-large OLED TV market.

Intel, LG Display, Dolby Laboratories, Audi and more slated to preset at the OLEDs World Summit 2016

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Intel, LG Display, Dolby Laboratories, Audi and more slated to preset at the OLEDs World Summit 2016

 

 

Join top OLED display, lighting and material developers at the 18th annual OLEDs World Summit, taking place September 20-22 at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA. For nearly two-decades, the OLEDs World Summit has served as a homecoming for the display and lighting industries and provided a platform for them to highlight successes, address challenges and network. This year you can expect a complete overview of the industry.

The OLEDs World Summit 2016 will kick off by examining flexible display applications including wearable devices, smart phone applications and more. Over the course of the event, attendees will also explore chemicals and tools for OLEDs, new applications, challenges for OLED materials in displays and much more.  As an attendee you can expect to hear discussions such as:

  • OLEDs Flexible Display Screens for Smart Phone Applications
  • AMOLEDs for Personal Computer/Notebook PC Opportunities
  • OLEDs in Aviation
  • InkJet Printing: Tackling the “Achilles’ heel” of OLED Displays
  • And Much More

>>>View the 2016 Agenda

In addition to the presentations and dynamic discussions, there are four keynote presentations by some of the biggest names in the industry. You’ll hear from:

  • Joo Soo Lim, Director of OLED Technology Strategy, LG Display
  • Timo Kunkel, PhD, Staff Researcher, Color Science & Video Processing, Advanced Technology Group, Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
  • Juergen Kreis, Director of Business Development, Aixtron SE
  • John Hamer, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, OLEDWorks, LLC

 

 

Register today!

Your colleagues from Eastman Kodak, Acuity Brands Lighting, Universal Display, LG Display and more have already reserved their delegate tickets. Book your ticket today for the low price of $1199. Hurry, the price goes up after July 13th!

 

 

Questions?

Contact the Graphene World Summit Team:

Agenda Questions-DeAna Morgan at dmorgan@smithers.com

Media Questions-Katie Oster at koster@smithers.com

Sponsorship Questions-Emily Murray at emurray@smithers.com

[Analyst Column] If You Can’t Do OLED, Don’t Even Dream About QLED

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QLED is Becoming an issue (Picture Source = Samsung Elec.)

UBI Research Chief Analyst Choong Hoon Yi

As the next generation TV technology, QLED is becoming an issue in media. This is because Samsung Electronics selected QLED TV as the next product after the currently selling SUHD TV. However, if QLED TV display is the product that uses electroluminescence quantum dot, this shows they do not know display at all.

Quantum dot technology display can be divided into 2 types depending on the light-emitting technology. Photoluminescence quantum dot technology uses mechanism where the materials stimulated by external light emits light again, and this QD technology is currently applied to LCD TV. The TV has quantum dot sheet attached to the backlight’s blue light to be used as the backlight unit, and Samsung Electronics’ SUHD TV is such a product.

As photoluminescence quantum dot has wide color gamut, this can actualize over 110% of NTSC standards and there is no doubt that this is the best LCD TV product. Furthermore, another photoluminescence quantum dot technology, where colors are actualized by dispersing quantum dot materials on color filter, is in development.

In comparison, electroluminescence quantum dot technology is self-emitting when electricity is applied, and similar to OLED. Only the light emitting materials are inorganic and the structure is comparable to OLED. For OLED, hole is introduced from electrode through HIL layer, and this hole reaches emitting materials through HTL layer to produce light.

When the electron reaches emitting materials through EIL and ETL layers, the emitting materials with rapidly increased energy level due to electron and hole, produces light to release the energy. HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL layers are needed in OLED to control the energy levels needed for electron and hole to reach emitting materials.

Therefore, for electroluminescence quantum dot to emitting light, HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL layers are required same as OLED. Scientists developing electroluminescence quantum dot technology are using OLED HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL materials. As the exclusive materials have not been developed, the technology is still in early stages.

This still belongs in science category rather than technology. Furthermore, electroluminescence quantum dot is dispersed to solution to print, and as such ink-jet or similar equipment development is necessary. HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL also have to be dispersed using solution.

What is curious is whether Samsung Electronics’ QLED TV is existing QD technology that uses photoluminescence quantum dot or technology that uses electroluminescence quantum dot. Generally, QLED signifies electroluminescence quantum dot.

Therefore, if Samsung Electronics can really sell electroluminescence quantum dot using QLED within a few years, this will place Samsung Electronics as the world’s most innovative company establishing new scientific records.

However, OLED emitting materials developing companies are dismissing this claim as ridiculous. Solution process produced OLED emitting materials, HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL materials have not yet been suitably developed, and require 5 more years before commercialization. As such, companies believe that actualizing QLED in a few years is impossible.

The fact is QLED exclusive HIL, HTL, EIL, and ETL materials are not being developed yet. Printing equipment also have not yet been commercialized. Electroluminescence quantum dot developing academia also points out that only the potential has been glimpsed so far.

Several stages have to be passed through for QLED to be realized. For solution process using QLED to be commercialized, it could only happen after solution process OLED appears first. Looking at the history of OLED commercialization, this is minimum 10 years.

For Samsung Electronics that cannot produce OLED TV to have mentioned that they will produce QLED TV within 3 years makes the writer wonder whether to exclaim, “only Samsung” in awe or ask “what is Samsung doing?”

LG Elec. Estimates That Consolidated Operating Profit Came to KRW 584.6 billion for Q2

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Source = LG

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the second quarter of 2016.
Tentative consolidated revenues for the second of 2016 is 14 trillion KRW and operating profit is 584.6 billion KRW. Revenues are expected to be 0.5 percent higher than the same period the year prior while operating profit will be 139.5 percent higher year-over-year.

(Unit: KRW bn)

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.

Samsung Elec. Estimate That Consolidated Operating Profit Came to KRW 8.1 trillion for Q2 2016

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Elec. announced its earnings guidance for the second quarter of 2016.

Samsung Elec. estimates that consolidated sales came to approximately KRW 50 trillion, and consolidated operating profit of approximately KRW 8.1 trillion.

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.

  • Sales: KRW 49 ~ 51 trillion
  • Operating Profit: KRW 8.0 ~ 8.2 trillion
※  2016 1Q and 2015 2Q consolidated figures based on K-IFRS are as follows

 

Kateeva Promotes Two Key Executives

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
Kateeva today announced two executive promotions: Conor Madigan, Ph.D. adds Chief Operating Officer (COO) to his current role of President, and Eli Vronsky becomes Chief Product Officer.
Kateeva Chairman and CEO Alain Harrus called Madigan and Vronsky highly accomplished technology experts with strong leadership authority. “Their independent skillsets are extraordinary; together, they’re a powerhouse,” he said. “Nurturing Kateeva from its earliest days, they relentlessly executed on a vision to enable unimaginable display technology innovation. Yet while they disrupted the display industry with a breakthrough production equipment solution, they applied practical business skills along the way, building solid teams, creating best practices, and fostering a corporate culture that guided Kateeva from startup to today’s strong technology company. The Board and I are thrilled to expand their roles.”
Madigan adds global customer satisfaction to his new responsibilities as President and COO. This includes field operations in Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan. He will continue to manage global marketing and manufacturing, as well as Kateeva’s research and development organization, which incorporates new product development and technology innovations. Also, he’ll lead Kateeva’s expanding Intellectual Property (IP) department – a role he’s held since the company’s inception. This core unit safeguards the ongoing innovations that are empowering Kateeva’s YIELDjet™ products for highest performance in flexible OLED mass-production fabs, and contributing to the development of next-generation products. Madigan co-founded Kateeva in 2008. He reports to Harrus.
As Chief Product Officer, Vronsky owns Kateeva’s product development organization, and leads the company’s high-powered engineering team. An expert in printer technology, Vronsky is chief architect of the fundamental YIELDjet printing system architecture, including the revolutionary process monitoring systems and printing algorithms that helped make Kateeva’s YIELDjet platform the world’s first mass-production-worthy inkjet printer for flexible OLEDs. When it debuted in 2013, the technology provided the breakthrough that liberated display manufacturers from the rigid constraints of glass substrates, to spark the flexible OLED revolution. Much of Kateeva’s highest-value customer-enabling IP surrounds Vronsky’s inventions. Today, he’s applying the same innovation to Kateeva’s new product initiatives. He joined Kateeva in 2008. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Product Development. He reports to Madigan.

[Manufacturing World Japan 2016] VR Rapidly Expands to Manufacturing Industry

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Artcraft booth visitor is experiencing virtual reality using VR device and joystick

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
VR(virtual reality) technology is rapidly expanding to manufacturing industry as well the contents sector such as films and games. In particular, technologies including 3D rendering and motion technology, fused with VR, are anticipated to create synergy in diverse areas such as product design, architecture, facility management, etc.
The participants in 3D & Virtual Reality Expo of Manufacturing World Japan 2016 (22-25 June) greatly increased compared to last year. According to the organizer REED, the IVR participating companies increased by approximately 20 with around 80 companies, particularly virtual reality related companies.
In this exhibition, many virtual reality related technologies that can be utilized in building housing, interior design, automotive design, maintenance, etc. were presented.
Informatix, Zenkei, Artcraft, etc. exhibited contents production and viewer software that allow hypothetical/actual indoor and outdoor spaces to be observed in 360° 3D using VR. Through VR, the users can look around housing, interior, construction sites, etc. Several companies including Artcraft included joysticks. The users can observe the space in detail using the joystick, open/close doors, and vividly experience the area.
Crescent, Digital Garden, etc. showed automotive applied technology that fused virtual reality and motion tracking. The users can maintain the internal automotive parts of the virtual reality with the VR device, and also climb on. These movements can be shown in graphics through motion tracking camera and virtual reality experienced by the user.

Manufacturing World Show Director Takeshi Fujiwara

At the exhibition, Takeshi Fujiwara, the event’s show director, told OLEDNET that they have been expecting VR’s vitalization in manufacturing industry, hosting IVR for 24 years, and the proportion of it increased by a groundbreaking number. Until now, it has been mostly handled in academia such as research labs, but as VR is nearing the general public through construction, game, amusement, etc., Fujiwara explained that he sees this year to be VR’s year of vitalization.

 Fujiwara estimated that VR will particularly affect the design part of manufacturing industry and play an important role in product planning. He added that as the manufacturing industry is a field with long history and key players are over certain age; in passing on technology to the younger generation, VR will strengthen delivery.

UDC Announces Strategic Acquisition of Adesis

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

UDC announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Adesis, Inc. Adesis is a privately held contract research organization (CRO) with 43 employees specializing in organic and organometallic synthetic research, development, and commercialization. Adesis is a critical technology vendor to companies in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, biomaterials, and catalyst industries, and has worked with Universal Display over the last few years to help advance and accelerate a number of Universal Display’s product offerings.

“This acquisition is part of our strategic growth plan. We believe that it will provide additional highly-skilled resources to further advance our initiatives for the development and delivery of next-generation proprietary emissive material systems in the rapidly evolving OLED industry,” said Steven V. Abramson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Display. “Moreover, we expect it to enable us to leverage our twenty-plus years of experience in developing and commercializing cutting-edge chemistry technologies to help expand Adesis’ businesses across its end-markets including pharma, biotech and catalysis. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Cottone, President of Adesis, Dr. Ving Lee, Chief Scientific Officer, and the vastly experienced Adesis team to UDC.”

“We are very excited to become part of UDC and build additional synergies between both companies, and further enhance the growth of UDC’s OLED leadership,” said Andrew Cottone, President of Adesis, Inc. “In addition, we anticipate that Adesis will benefit from UDC’s financial and business acumen to better support our clients with world-class technology and expertise, and reinforce our positioning for continued growth as a specialty chemical CRO.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Universal Display will acquire all outstanding shares of Adesis, Inc. in a merger for approximately $36 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the closing, Adesis will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Display Corporation. Andrew Cottone will continue as the President of Adesis, and Steve Abramson will become the Chairman of the Board of Adesis.

[ Manufacturing World Japan 2016] Plenty of VR Contents·SW…360° Comic Books ect.

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Informatix’s GyroEye, VR Software at Manufacturing World Japan 2016

Tokyo = Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Plenty of VR related contents and software products were exhibited in Manufacturing World Japan 2016 (22-25 June).

Transmedia presented Drop in VR which is a platform which allows users to create, manage and publish VR contents. The user-created 3D modelled contents can be uploaded to the Drop in VR server, and edited by adding music, clips, and other functions.

The produced contents can be downloaded and enjoyed through a VR device. At the exhibition, Transmedia demonstrated VR contents that allows comic books to be viewed in 360°, edited by Drop in VR. The company explained to the OLEDNET that they will begin testing in September and begin Drop in VR service by the end of the year.

Informatix revealed a 3D viewer software GyroEye that can be used in housing or office design. Using GyroEye, hypothetical space can be compared before construction and after construction in 360° through VR. Informatix explained that in August, GyroEye and Germany’s Zeiss’ VR device VR one+ will be released together.

ZENKEI began VR platform Stereo 6 for viewing scenery in 22 June. Stereo 6 is a comprehensive system that allows clips from 6 cameras to be transformed into 360° contents and experienced through VR.

Dynamo Amusement, showed their VR contents Megalodon, and used Samsung Electronics’ Gear VR and Galaxy S6 for demonstration. The company explained that Megalodon, a 5-minute CG produced contents showing deep sea underwater world, will be released in the summer.

[Manufacturing World Japan 2016] Gear VR + Galaxy S6 4D Movie Experience

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Dynamo Amusement demonstrated 4D VR contents using Gear VR

 Tokyo = Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

At Manufacturing World Japan (22-25 June, Tokyo Big Sight), 4D movie was demonstrated through Gear VR.

Dynamo Amusement, a contents company, showed their VR contents Megalodon, and used Samsung Electronics’ Gear VR and Galaxy S6 for demonstration. The company explained that they used these devices as they were popular although the content is not exclusive to these products.

For the demonstration, visitors could sit in chairs installed in the Dynamo Amusement booth wearing Galaxy S6 equipped Gear VR. The focus could be controlled using the wheel on Gear VR.

Megalodon is a clip that shows the deep sea underwater world using CG technology. The moving chairs and air jets are not different from existing 4D contents, but the VR screen provided realistic experience, much more vivid, including the scene where the viewer is swallowed by a giant shark.

However, the picture quality remains an issue. Despite using the wheel to focus, the clear picture was not produced. This is dependent on the resolution of the smartphone connected to the VR device, the Galaxy S6 used in the demonstration has AMOLED panel of 577 ppi, 2560 x 1440. Nonetheless, with Samsung’s recent reveal of 806 ppi AMOLED for VR at 5 inch mark, future picture quality improvement is anticipated.

Additionally, despite the vividness directly ahead, concentration was difficult due to the not insignificant weight of the device. A total weight of 518 g, Gear VR’s 380 g and Galaxy S6’s 138 g, can be heavy to be placed on the head for a long period of time. For longer uses, the weight has to be reduced.

Dynamo Amusement’s Megalodon has the running time of 5 minutes, to be released this summer.

Manufacturing World Japan 2016 Biggest Opening Yet…Automotive, VR, Medical Device, etc.

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Manufacturing World Japan(Source=REED)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd., the largest trade show organiser in Japan, announced that Manufacturing World Japan 2016, Japan’s leading trade show for the manufacturing industry, is coming back at Tokyo Big Sight from June 22 – 24, 2016 with the largest scale in its history.

According to the huge supports from manufacturing industry of Japan and Asia, the number of exhibitors in 2016 is expected to reach 2,350 exhibitors from all around the world. This figure is the largest ever in the history of Manufacturing World Japan and 5% increasing from last year.

The number of visitors is expected to be 83,500 and they will pack the show floor during 3 days show period. From the survey of visitor pre-registration, motivation of visitors for purchasing from exhibitors is extremely high.

The number of international exhibitors of 2016 show is expected to be 365 and this figure is 14% increasing from last year. This is the largest number in Manufacturing World’s history. “This fact means that this event is evolved to be the global trade show and there is a huge demand from international exhibitors to develop the new business with Japanese manufacturers,” said Takeshi Fujiwara, Show Director of Manufacturing World. “We hope there will be great number of good meetings between international exhibitors and Japanese visitors at Manufacturing World Japan 2016 and it leads to the innovations which can make the greater cars, consumer electronics, trains, airplanes etc.”

Requirements for quality from Japanese manufacturers being well known as extremely high, all exhibitors will exhibit their latest products/technologies/solution with all their skills. Though this show has been recognized as the place where the world’s highest quality products/technologies/solution are gathered for these years, Show Management is sure that the 2016 show should be the most exciting show in its history gathering 2,350 exhibitors. If you would like to see the finest skills of metal processing/micro fabrication by the craftsman’s effort and history, you should come and visit Manufacturing World Japan 2016. If you have a trouble on your product which you have been struggled for a long term, you should not miss Manufacturing World Japan 2016.

For free entry to Manufacturing World Japan 2016, visitors need to apply for the visitor registration through the official website. Now visitor registration is open at the official website. Access to the following URL and complete the registration form for Exhibition Ticket.

VIP Exhibition Ticket Registration (Only visitors above manager level): http://www.japan-mfg.jp/en/vip/

Exhibition Ticket Registration: http://www.japan-mfg.jp/en/inv/

Group Visit Application (The group with more than 6 people): http://www.japan-mfg.jp/en/To-Visit_Tokyo/Group-Visit/

Shows held inside Manufacturing World Japan 2016

· 20th Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo [M-Tech]

· 27th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo [DMS]

· 7th Medical Device Development Expo [MEDIX]

· 24th 3D & Virtual Reality Expo [IVR]

Manufacturing World Japan 2016: http://www.japan-mfg.jp/en/

Samsung Display, Spurs on OLED for Notebook and Tablet

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삼성디스플레이의 OLED HP Labtop

Samsung OLED Equipped HP Spectre 360 (Source = HP)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

With diverse merits, OLED application is increasing to include notebook, tablet, monitor, etc. Accordingly, Samsung Display’s OLED panel is being actively expanding to this market.

HP recently began shipping Spectre 360, a notebook equipped with Samsung Display’s 13.3 inch OLED with resolution of 2560 x 1600. Previously, in CES 2016 (6-9 Jan) Samsung Electronics revealed Samsung Display’s 12 inch OLED equipped Galaxy Tab Pro S, and HP and Dell also presented Samsung Display’s 13 inch mark OLED equipped labtop.

In SID 2016 (22-27 May), Samsung Display presented 2560 x 1440 resolution 13.3 inch and 14 inch OLED for notebook and actively targeted the notebook market. Following this, a Korean press reported that Samsung Display will stop production of TN panel, low resolution LCD panel for notebook and monitor. That Samsung Display is actively targeting the notebook market is analyzed to be a strategy to create premium market advocating diverse advantages of OLED.

Due to superior contrast ratio, OLED’s picture quality is clearer in comparison to LCD, and easy to create premium market as the weight can be lighter than LCD. Burn in effect, considered one of OLED’s drawbacks, is also known to have been much improved.

As the price of OLED is higher than LCD at present, specialist market, such as medical, should be targeted first. However, when the price competitiveness improves in future, popularization of OLED is anticipated. Accordingly, Samsung Display is actively taking action in notebook and tablet OLED market expansion. UBI Research reported that 2016 Q1 OLED panel shipment for tablet increased by more than 10 times compared to the same period in 2015.

According to UBI Research’s 2016 OLED Display Annual Report, the 11 inch – 13 inch, notebook and monitor use, OLED panel shipment is expected to record 100,000 units this year, and this is expected to increase by 10 times in 2020.

Samsung’s 806 ppi AMOLED, to Synergize both VR and Smartphone

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

SDC`s 806 ppi OLED Panel for VR

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Display’s recently revealed 5.5 inch 806 ppi AMOLED is expected to contribute to the expansion of the global VR (virtual reality) market as well as providing synergy for both Samsung Electronics’ future VR and smartphone business.

In SID 2016 (22-27 May), Samsung Display revealed 5.5 inch AMOLED with resolution of 806 ppi. This 4K UHD display has the highest resolution for 5 inch mark AMOLED in industry.

The response speed of AMOLED is approximately 1,000 times faster than LCD and can actualize much superior picture quality due to exceptional contrast ratio. The reduced amount of harmful blue light is also another merit of AMOLED, and it is becoming the general trend for display for VR display.

Even at the same resolution, the visual effects for smartphone and VR device are different. For example, 577 ppi QHD resolution applied to Galaxy S7 can actualize quite clear picture quality for smartphone. However, when the display is directly in front of the eyes, in cases of VR, aliasing effects, when what is on the screen looks jagged, occurs. In order to produce clear picture quality with almost no aliasing effects in VR, expert believe that 1,500 ppi is required at minimum. However, the current VR AMOLED only can actualize up to high 500 mark ppi.

That Samsung Display displayed AMOLED with resolution of over 800 ppi for the first time should be noted. With this resolution, aliasing in VR can be significantly improved even if not perfectly. Furthermore, this AMOLED has the same brightness as the Samsung’s Galaxy S7. Considering the production yield improvement, this display could be used for Galaxy S8 (TBA) that is expected to be released in 2017. For VR device connected to smartphone, smartphone’s resolution is directly related to the VR’s picture quality. This means that the Samsung’s 806 ppi 5.5 inch AMOLED allows for UHD smartphone production as well as the introduction of VR with upgraded picture quality.

UBI Research explained that while some believe that ultra-high resolution is not necessary in small screen such as smartphone, the 4K UHD 5.5 inch AMOLED is significant in that smartphone is linked with VR which market is being opened. He added that the 806 ppi AMOLED recently revealed in SID 2016 by Samsung will contribute to the expansion of the global VR market as well as providing synergy for both Samsung Electronics’ future VR and smartphone business.

Samsung Brings Tizen OS to Smart Signage Portfolio

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Samsung Electronics, will showcase the latest additions to its industry-leading digital signage and visual display solutions portfolio at the InfoComm 2016 tradeshow. Scheduled to take place June 4-10, 2016, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, InfoComm is the largest annual global conference for the professional AV industry and is expected to welcome more than 40,000 attendees from nearly 110 countries.

Under the theme “Collaborate. Attract. Engage.”, Samsung’s booth (#C-6319) will include a variety of next-generation technologies designed to promote more efficient content delivery and display management in corporate, hospitality, public, retail and at-home environments (among others). Highlighted by the integration of the Tizen operating system into many of its newest digital signage technologies, Samsung’s diverse line-up will demonstrate how booth visitors can drive greater engagement, and related sales, through clear, cost-effective message presentation.

“As the world’s leading total digital signage solutions provider, we strive to discover new avenues that help our partners deliver captivating content and a differentiated experience at every stage of the customer journey,” said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to introduce the latest expansion of our cutting-edge visual display lineup at InfoComm 2016, and showcase how these new technologies solve prominent challenges and drive growth in today’s fast-paced business environments.”

Beginning in 2016, Samsung’s new P Series digital signage technologies will feature the enhanced fourth generation Samsung SMART Signage Platform (SSSP 4.0) powered by the Tizen operating system. With Tizen, SSSP will deliver more powerful graphic performance and seamless content playback to expand users’ visual display possibilities while creating a more vivid and memorable experience for their audiences.

The Tizen-powered, fourth-generation SSSP features an upgraded graphics engine to drive faster response time, interactions and loading speeds. The platform additionally enables users to manage display content more rapidly through an optional PC-less all-in-one screen.

The refined SSSP 4.0 platform allows users to build and launch web-based applications by offering HTML5 support and a comprehensive toolset, including Web Simulator and Tizen Emulator. The new platform’s versatility expands users’ content development capabilities while reducing activation time.

A key component of the improved SSSP 4.0 platform, Samsung’s MagicInfo Server 4.0 program enables users to manage their entire display network from any location through a centralized server. Reliable and easy to use, MagicInfo Server 4.0 integrates a dedicated Backup Player and DataLink content streaming functionalities to reduce the manual work required to share essential information.

The enhanced MagicInfo Server 4.0 program additionally offers enterprise users a more capable set of content creation, scheduling and deployment tools. Content managers can leverage an intuitive interface, including drag-and-drop content scheduling, to rapidly identify and implement updates. MagicInfo Server 4.0 further makes content programming easy through a design that does not require JavaScript or additional plug-ins to operate, reducing steps to save valuable time.

Samsung’s new standalone displays (PHF and PMF Series) provide a slim, strong and simple signage solution for environments facing tight or irregular space limitations. Featuring a slim-depth design (29.9mm) and narrow bezel (6.9mm), the PHF and PMF displays are among the thinnest on the market and can accommodate a range of business settings. The Tizen-supported standalone displays are designed for uninterrupted 24/7 content delivery, and an integrated centralized infrared receiver (IR) further ensures continued performance in any environment.

A host of additional design features further enable the PHF and PMF Series displays to deliver clear, brilliant content regardless of location. A non-glare frontal panel reduces natural and ambient light reflection to ensure continuous readability.

InfoComm attendees also will get the first look at Samsung’s new large-format OHF Series outdoor displays. Billed as industry’s leading large-sized outdoor signage, the OHF Series is available in a variety of sizes (46-, 55-, 75- and 85-inch models), with each boasting a slim-depth design for more impactful content delivery.

The OHF Series displays are equipped with SSSP 4.0 and powered by the Tizen operating system, ensuring faster and more reliable content development and delivery. An embedded power box condenses operational components to a single system, conserving space while streamlining management. Engineered for any outdoor environment, the OHF Series displays can withstand temperatures ranging from -30-50oC without impeding content delivery. OHF Series viewers additionally benefit from external magic glass, 2,500nit brightness and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio that ensure messages can be seen clearly at any time and place.

Optimized for a range of indoor retail, corporate and public-viewing applications, Samsung’s narrow bezel (1.7mm bezel-to-bezel) UHF-E video walls combine advanced color management capabilities with the visual enhancements of large-format signage to deliver clear and consistent content. The ultra-slim design eliminates distractions and keeps viewers focused on the display’s content rather than the display itself. Equipped with the same durability and color presentation components as its predecessors, the UHF-E video walls represent a sleek, stylish alternative capable of delivering uninterrupted content in any indoor setting.

Designed for corporate, control room and customer-facing environments, Samsung’s indoor SMART LED displays deliver compelling content and inspire collaboration at a lower total cost of ownership. These displays feature top-tier diodes and customizable pixel pitch compositions ranging from 1.5-2.5mm, providing seamless visibility while simultaneously accommodating users’ specific operational and branding needs. Combined with design elements that produce the same deep contrast, realistic picture quality and color consistency viewers expect from Samsung’s latest televisions, the LED signage portfolio offers users an extra edge to stand out within often-crowded indoor environments.

 

Panel Shortage for Chinese Smartphone Industry…Supply Discussion with Taiwanese Panel Companies

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ZTE`s Smartphone (출처=GSMARENA)

ZTE`s Smartphone (출처=GSMARENA)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Recently, DigiTimes reported that Chinese smartphone companies are discussing supply with Taiwanese panel companies due to panel shortage. According to the report, executives of Chinese smartphone companies such as ZTE, Vivo, GiONEE, etc. and Chinese panel companies including Truly recently met with Taiwanese panel companies, AUO, Innolux, Chunghwa Pictures Tubes, etc.

The reason that Chinese smartphone companies are experiencing the panel shortage is known to be because their panel suppliers reduced smartphone panel production due to too low prices. However, DigiTimes reported that Huawei is receiving relatively sufficient amount of panels from BOE, Tianma, etc.

Meanwhile, Skyworth, one of key Chinese OLED TV selling companies, showed lower than anticipated OLED TV sales in financial year of 2015 which ended in March. Chinese media reported that this is due to insufficient supply of OLED panel from LG Display.

LG Elec. Launched ‘ Stylus 2 Plus ‘ in Taiwan

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Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

The LG Stylus 2 Plus, the latest edition of its large-format, begins its global rollout with its launch today in Taiwan. This product will make its way to customers in other key markets in Asia, South America, Europe and North America in the weeks to come.

While the design remains consistent with the original LG Stylus 2, the smartphone features significantly better performance than its original cousin. At its heart is a faster 1.4GHz Octa-Core processor, a sharper 5.7-inch Full HD IPS display and higher resolution 16MP rear camera, with a flash on both sides for clearer photos and videos in low light. Other improvements include more RAM and the choice of colors: Titan, Gold and Brown.

This model carries over the nano-coated stylus which provides the tactile feedback of a quality fountain pen when writing on the screen. Using the stylus is made even more useful with UX features such as Quick Memo and Off Memo and Pen Keeper, which displays a warning when the stylus strays too far from the phone, or vice versa.

“This product offers users a spacious screen, powerful multimedia functionality and a writing experience at a competitive price,” said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics and Mobile Communications Company. “It’s just another example of the constant refinements we’re making to our mobile products to give LG customers a wide variety of features and designs to choose from.”

AMOLED Growing in Chinese Wearable Market

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GEAK Watch 3rd at SID 2016

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
 While most of wearable products including VR (virtual reality) device and smartwatch within Chinese market are equipped with LCD display, AMOLED’s presence is growing. Although the quantity is still low, several Chinese companies are presenting AMOLED equipped new wearable products such as VR and smartwatch, fast joining the general trend.
 GEAK, a Chinese smartwatch company, is expected to release new GEAK Watch which is equipped with both AMOLED and e-ink. GEAK exhibited GEAK Watch in the CES Asia 2016 which was recently held in Shanghai, China. In CES Asia 2016, GEAK explained that the new GEAK Watch is the 3rd generation product that utilizes AMOLED in dark and e-ink display such as Kindle in bright conditions. According to the personnel the AMOLED used for the product is produced by Truly, and the release date has not yet been confirmed.
 An expert of Chinese key AMOLED panel company told OLEDNET that while there were PMOLED equipped smartwatch products in China, not many used AMOLED. It was explained that this is due to higher price of AMOLED compared to PMOLED.

DeePoon`s New VR Device ‘M2’

DeePoon, Chinese VR market leader, is expected to release new AMOLED based VR M2 soon. M2 was presented in CES Asia 2016. At the event, DeePoon explained that the company is the only one to release AMOLED VR and AMOLED can actualize higher Hz figure compared to LED installed LCD panel, and has better visual experience when playing games etc.
 Chinese key mobile AMOLED company EverDisplay (EDO) is also releasing AMOLED panel for VR from this year. This company is planning to increase ppi of VR panel each year, and produce flexible AMOLED panel for VR with over 800 ppi before 2020.
 An industry expert explained that although Korea is leading the wearable AMOLED sector, Chinese market is also recognizing that compared to LCD, AMOLED has many advantages such as faster response time and better for human eye due to lack of backlight and blue light.

Not Only Samsung and LG, but BOE and JDI Also Shows OLED Surge in SID

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a Flexible OLED Display at BOE Booth (San Francisco = OLEDNET)

During the SID 2016, not only Samsung Display and LG Display, but other companies including BOE, Japan Display (JDI), and Tianma also presented OLED. The extent of OLED by Korea, China, and Japan drew much attention.

In SID 2016 (22-27 May), these companies exhibited many new OLED panels for diverse devices such as smartphone, VR, and TV.

Samsung Display revealed rollable panel, diverse 5 inch level OLED panel products such as VR panel with 806 ppi, the highest value within the industry, and Bio Blue, a VR panel which minimized harmful blue light.

LG Display showed 77 inch UHD OLED panel for TV, 55 inch dual side panel for signage, 65 inch concave OLED, and demonstrated their strength as the leader in large size OLED panel.

a Flexible OLED Display at JDI Booth (San Francisco = OLEDNET)

At this exhibition, BOE revealed flexible OLED display for mobile device. Particularly, the 4.35 inch foldable panel is BOE’s first. The product’s bending radius of 5 mm and has the brightness of 350 nits.  

Tianma displayed 55 inch on-cell touch equipped TFT-HD AMOLED panel. The flexible display has 270 ppi and bending radius of 20 mm.

JDI exhibited flexible plastic OLED (POLED). The 5.2 inch product has 423 ppi with the resolution of 1080 x 1920.

an OLED Display for Mobile at Tianma Booth (San Francisco = OLEDNET)

Quantum dot sector also presented a strong front against OLED in SID 2016. Nanosys and QD Vision exhibited OLED TV and quantum dot TV next to each other and presented merits of quantum dot.

According to QD Vision, quantum dot could consume 50% less power compared to OLED. Nanosys explained that while white OLED panel TV shows brightness of only up to 500 nits, their own quantum dot TV can actualize 1,200 nits of brightness.

[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.

[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 ]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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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.

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).

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

Samsung Curved Monitor Surpasses One Million Sales Mark

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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.

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