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.

Taiwan’s Q2 2016 LCD Shipment, Small to Medium Size ↓, Large Size ↑…Business Profit of AUO, Innolux, etc. Reduced

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Taiwanese panel industry recorded decreased small to medium size LCD panel shipment and increased shipment of 9 inch or bigger large size LCD panel. (Picture Source = AUO)

Taiwanese panel industry in recorded decreased small to medium size LCD panel shipment and increased shipment of 9 inch or bigger large size LCD panel. (Picture Source = AUO)

 

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

In Q2 2016, Taiwanese panel industry recorded decreased small to medium size LCD panel shipment and increased shipment of 9 inch or bigger large size panel.

According to DigiTimes, Taiwanese TFT-LCD panel companies shipped 58.38 million units of ≥ 9 inch panels in Q2 2016, an increase of 18.1% QoQ, and 0.8% increase YoY. The small to medium size panel shipment was 269.249 million units, a decrease of 0.5% QoQ, and 6.3% decrease YoY.

In terms of small to medium size, ≤ 9 inch, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) led the shipment volume with 100.56 million units, and HannStar Display followed with 67.892 million units in Q2. For LCD panels ≥ 9 inch, AUO led the Taiwanese market with Q2 shipment of 27.11 million units. Of these 7.176 million units are for TV, and the rest are for notebook, monitor, and tablet. Following AUO, Innolux recorded 27.09 million units of shipment. Of these 10.72 million units are for TV, and the rest are for notebook, monitor, and tablet.

According to companies’ recent Q2 performance announcement, key Taiwanese LCD companies, including AUO and Innolux, reported decreased business profit. AUO reported TWD 80,000 million in Q2 sales, a 13% fall YoY, and TWD 116 million in business profit, approximately 98% decrease YoY. Innolux showed TWD 66,800 million in Q2 sales, decrease of approximately 29%, and business loss of TWD 3,039 million.

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

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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

LG G5 to Begin Shipping Worldwide

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter /jjoo@olednet.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

LG Electronics to Actively Induce OLED TV Demands in 2016

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

LG Electronics Earnings Announcement

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

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

 

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

 

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

Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation, Yamagata University

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

by Moojong Lim, reporter@olednet.com

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

[CES 2016] OLED TV Passes UHD Alliance Standards

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ces1

 

As a press event of CES 2016 (January 6-9), UHD Alliance, which was created by TV manufacturing companies, contents companies such as film studios, and picture and sound quality related companies to energize the declining TV market, gave a presentation on future UHD TV market and UHD Alliance activities.

 

The TV market recorded approximately 230 million units in 2015. However, this is 20 million units fewer than 2014’s 250 million, and CES reported that 2016 performance will be similar to 2015. 2016’s estimated UHD TV market, which is the premium market of 55 inch or larger, is 21% of the total TV market with approximately 48 million units.

 

The 4 key factors that UHD Alliance is pursuing in UHD TV are image resolution, color bit depth, color palate, and high dynamic range.

 

LCD TV and OLED TV that satisfy these factors are to be available from this year. In order to respond to OLED’s vivid color realization, LCD TV companies developed quantum technology. Also to draw near OLED’s contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 they are continuing technology development, but the LCD contrast ratio remains around 3,000:1.

 

It is worth noting that UHD Alliance provided 2 HDR specs: more than 1,000 nits peak brightness at less than 0.05 nits black level, or 540 nits brightness with 0.0005 black level.

 

LG Electronics already achieved UHD Alliance’s HDR spec of 540 nit peak brightness last year, and this is analyzed to provide foundation for more invigorated future OLED TV market. Based on this, OLED TV is expected to be the main force within the UHD TV market.

 

Additionally, UBI Research estimated that 2016 OLED TV market will record 1,200,000 units.

 

ces2

[CES 2016] What is This Year’s Trend?

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At the press event of CES 2016 (January 6-9), CEA revealed that this year’s CES trends are as follows:

  1. Ambient sensing
  2. Aggregated learning
  3. A maturing of nascent ecosystems.

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Ambient sensing includes products with motion/touch sensors, calorie analyzing sensor, and products that automatically adjust water volume after checking the weight of the laundry. Aggregated learning’s representative technology and products are driverless vehicles. Lastly, the maturing of nascent ecosystems includes VR (virtual reality), UHD, wearable device with health and fitness function, drone, 3D printer, and smart home.

 

Compared to last year’s trends, what has been most changed was the part where the automotive related technology was introduced as adaptive customization within permeation of logic in CES 2015.

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However, this year the aggregated learning was changed to autonomous vehicle (i.e. driverless car) and demonstrated CES’ high expectations for future automotive industry.

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NTHU is reshaping the lighting world via Candlelight OLED

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Numerous researches have been sounding alarm with increasing frequency on the health hazards of blue light. They report that blue light possesses potential hazard to the retina of human eyes, circadian rhythm, melatonin secretion, and cancer risk.

 

To devise a human-friendly light source and to also trigger a “Lighting Renaissance”, the Prof. Jou’s OLED research group from National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan, demonstrates a high light quality and blue-hazard free candlelight OLED, that serves as a good measure and a wisely choice for general lighting. Just before Christmas, the candlelight OLED has won the International Dark-Sky Association Lighting Design Award and Domestic golden lighting medal. Moreover, Taiwan’s government highlights and entirely promotes NTHU and WiseChip Semiconductor Inc. to further investigate candlelight OLED technology via the highest Ministry of Economic Affairs support in following two years. It’s surely confirmed that the health-friendly candlelight OLED can be commercialized, accessible and affordable for human mankind by the end of 2017.

 

Additionally, the IDA website announced that “Since 2006, Prof. Jou has worked with students on organic LED (OLED) lighting technologies in an effort to create lighting that minimizes negative impacts to human health. In this work, he and his research team has made numerous breakthroughs, such as the creation of very low color temperature OLED, sunlight-style OLED, pseudo-natural light OLED, and candlelight-style OLED devices. Their candlelight-style OLED has attracted a considerable attention from both academia and industries. Most importantly, the candle-like OLED has also been praised by medical experts and is considered one of the safest electricity-driven lighting sources. This lighting can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.”

 

Upcoming lighting industrial trends should be psychological- and physiological- friendly lighting sources. Currently, the gross production value of OLED up to 4,000 billion US dollars.

 

Candlelight OLED, Source: NTHU

Candlelight OLED, Source: NTHU

 

Professor Jou's Research Team, Source: NTHU

Professor Jou’s Research Team, Source: NTHU

 

IDA Received by Professor Jou's Research Team, Source : NTHU

IDA Received by Professor Jou’s Research Team, Source : NTHU

[Analyst Column] LCD Industry Administration to Worsen after 3 Years

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Choong Hoon Yi, Chief Analyst, UBI Research

 

 

BOE is intending to carry out a large amount of investment in order to operate Gen10.5 LCD line from 2018. Meanwhile, key set makers including Apple, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Panasonic are devising strategy to move from LCD to OLED for smartphone and premium TV displays. As such, it is becoming more likely for the LCD industry to be in slump from 2018.

 

At present, the area where LCD industry can create profit is LTPS-LCD for smartphone. The forecast smartphone market for this year is approximately 15 billion units. Of this, Samsung Electronics and Apple are occupying 20% and 15% of the market respectively. OLED equipped units are less than 2 billion.

 

However, from 2018 the conditions change greatly. Firstly, Apple, which has been using LCD panel only, is estimated to change approximately 40% of the display to OLED from 2017 earliest and 2018 latest. Apple is testing flexible OLED panels of JDI, LG Display, and Samsung Display, and recommending them to invest so flexible OLED can be applied to iPhone from 2017. The total capa. Is 60K at Gen6. As new investments for Gen6 line of Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to be carried out from 2016, supply is theoretically possible from 2017.

 

Source: UBI Research Database

Source: UBI Research Database

 

If 5inch flexible OLED is produced from Gen6 line, under the assumption of 50% yield at 60K capa. 65 million units can be produced annually, and approximately 1 billion units if the yield is 80%. If Apple’s iPhone shipment in 2017 is estimated to be around 2.7 billion units, within the 50-60% yield range approximately 25% of the display is changed to OLED from LCD, and if yield reaches 80% around 40% will change. The companies that are supplying Apple with LCD for smartphone, LG Display, JDI, and Sharp, are expected to show considerable fall in sales and business. These 3 companies could be reduced to deficit financial structure just from Apple’s display change

 

Furthermore, as Apple is not producing low-priced phones, under the assumption that future iPhone could all have OLED display, Apple could cause the mobile device LCD industry to stumble after 3 years.

 

Samsung Electronics also is gradually changing Galaxy series display to OLED from LCD. Of the forecast 2015 shipment of 3 billion units, 50%, 1.5 billion units, has OLED display, but Samsung Electronics is expected to increase flexible OLED and rigid OLED equipped products in future. Particularly, as Apple is pushing for flexible OLED application from 2017, Samsung Electronics, whose utilizing OLED as the main force, is estimated to increase flexible OLED usage more than Apple. It is estimated that all Galaxy series product displays will be changed to OLED from 2019.

 

 

Under these assumptions, of the estimated smartphone market in 2020 of approximately 20 billion units, Samsung Electronics and Apple’s forecast markets’ 7 billion could be considered to use OLED.

 

Samsung Display is strengthening supply chain of set companies using their OLED panels. Samsung Display is supplying OLED panels to diverse companies such as Motorola and Huawei as well as Samsung Electronics, and also expected to supply rapidly rising Xiaomi from 2016. If smartphone display is swiftly changed to OLED from LCD from 2017, Chinese display companies that are currently expanding TFT-LCD lines are to be adversely affected.

 

Additionally, in the premium TV market, LG Electronics mentioned that they will focus on OLED TV industry at this year’s IFA2015. As a part of this, LG Display is planning to expand the current Gen8 34K to 60K by the end of next year. Furthermore, in order to respond to the 65inch market, Gen9.5 line investment is in consideration. In the early 2015, Panasonic commented that they were to withdraw from TV business but changed strategy with new plans of placing OLED TV on the market in Japan and Europe from next year.

 

As Samsung can no longer be disconnected from the OLED TV business, there are reports of investment for Gen8 OLED for TV line in 2016. Although OLED TV market is estimated to be approximately 350 thousand units this year, in 2016, when Panasonic joins in, it is expected to expand to 1.2 million units. The OLED TV’s market share in ≥55inch TV market is estimated to be only 4% but in premium TV market it is estimated to be significant value of ≥10%.

 

 

 

 

If Samsung Display invests in Gen8 OLED for TV line in 2016, from H2 2017 supply to Samsung Electronics is possible. As OLED Gen8 line’s minimum investment has to be over 60K to break even, it can be estimated that Samsung Display will invest at least 60K continuously in future.

 

Under these conditions, LCD industry can only be in crisis. Firstly, it becomes difficult for Sharp to last. Sharp, which is supplying TFT-LCD for Apple’s iPhones and LCD for Samsung Electronics’ TV, will lose key customers. Secondly, BOE, AUO, and JDI, the companies selling LCD panels to these companies, are not ready to produce OLED and therefore damage is inevitable.

 

BOE is carrying out aggressive investment with plans to lead the display industry in future with operation of Gen10.5 LCD line. Therefore, from 2018, as the main cash cow items disappear, administration pressure could increase.

[Expert Talk] OLEDWorks’ Co-founder David DeJoy Talks New Lighting Experience

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Through an interview with OLEDNET and his presentation during the OLEDs World Summit (October 27-29), OLEDWorks’ co-founder, chairman and CEO David DeJoy discussed OLEDWorks’ vision and OLED lighting.

 

OLEDWorks hit the headlines in April this year when it was announced they would acquire key OLED assets and relevant intellectual property from Royal Philips whose main OLED product is Lumiblade. This acquisition was finalized earlier this month, taking this relatively small but already dynamic player within the OLED lighting industry to another level with plans that include continuing production in both Germany and the US, and expanding the product portfolio.

 

As the world’s first area light source, OLED lighting is naturally diffusive. As the light is uniform without flickers, the glare and eye fatigue is minimized. Although it is similar to LED in that it is a solid-state lighting, OLED produces little heat and color temperature can be easily adjusted. With its thinness of the panel and no need for extra installation space, OLED lighting can bring forth new design perspectives and applications. During his talk, DeJoy commented that OLED will bring the light closer to the user and will deliver a better light experience in diverse settings including patient rooms, recovery rooms in hospitals, retail, and museums.

 

Although customer response to OLED light quality is extremely positive, DeJoy acknowledged that it is facing many challenges in entering the lighting market and divided the strategy to overcome this into “the four ‘A’s”: awareness, adaptability, availability, and affordability.

 

The ‘awareness’ includes education about the technology and benefits, as well as confidence in the OLED lighting technology reliability. The effort to build the OLED lighting awareness includes government partnerships such as DOE Funded Gateway Projects, and NYSERDA Demonstration Projects. Designers and architects are also increasingly turning to OLED for inspiration and source material. OLED lighting’s previously mentioned advantages are closely linked to the second ‘A’, ‘adaptability’. Its thinness, lack of heat, and no need for additional installation space mean that OLED lighting can easily be integrated into fixtures and used as a building material by being directly mounted on surfaces. On the subject of ‘availability’, DeJoy emphasized that more luminaire and final products should become more available to specifiers. He added that there are many in product development but they need to get into the hands of the end user. Discussing the ‘affordability’ of OLED lighting, DeJoy used OLED panel cost scenario published by the US Department of Energy which estimates that the panel price will continue to fall to reach US$10/klm, which corresponds to approximately US$100/m2, in 2025. DeJoy added that when examining the affordability of OLED lighting, the total cost has to be considered. For example, OLED lighting does not require heat sink or extra installation cost. Also, many applications do not need very high lumen output with focused beams; “it is not all about $/klm”.

 

Source: US Department of Energy

Source: US Department of Energy

 

DeJoy explained that OLEDWorks long term goal is making OLED lighting adaptable and available, making it easier to change the lighting when it is broken, and be user friendly. He reported that OLEDWorks will continue to expand the product portfolio, which now includes Lumiblade, for “increased performance, additional form factors, and additional CCT options, while reducing product costs”. DeJoy also added that this is “akin to the LED evolution and consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy forecast”. With their proactive and enthusiastic approach to the OLED lighting market, the industry is watching OLEDWorks with great interest. OLEDWorks’ effect on OLED lighting market is expected to be significant.

LG OLED TV Records Highest Monthly Sales Volume

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LG Electronics’ strategy of OLED promotion and OLED TV price reduction appears to be working successfully.

 

On November 3, LG Electronics reported that the October sales exceeded 4,500 units, twice the volume of early 2015. Particularly, the sales volume of the first week of October exceeded 2,000 units and contributed to breaking the monthly sales volume record.

 

The OLED TV’s bigger price drops from the last week of September seem to have led the high sales volume in the first week of October. According to Amazon, 55inch FHD curved OLED TV fell to US$ 1,797 from October, approximately a 28% drop from August’s US$ 2,499. 55inch UHD curved OLED TV and UHD flat OLED TV also fell to the US$ 2,000 range, making the price difference with UHD LCD TV to be US$ 500. This price competitiveness is analyzed to contribute to the increased sales volume.

 

Aggressive marketing is also a factor for this sales volume growth. In September, LG Electronics installed OLED TV in 39 key airports in 23 countries including the US, Germany, and Russia, and revealed plan to install approximately 200 units of OLED TV until the end of October. Advertisement of OLED TV can also be easily seen in Korean subway stations. LG Electronics’ OLED promotion strategy, revealed during the Q2 performance announcement appears to be effective.

 

Recently, LG Electronics announced their aim to lead the OLED TV market through strengthening OLED=LG image and OLED TV and UHD TV product diversification.

LG 55inch OLED TV Price Changes

LG Electronics Strives to Establish OLED=LG Image

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On October 29, during the performance announcement, LG Electronics revealed their plan to carry out aggressive marketing through establishment of OLED=LG image.

 

LG Electronics Home Entertainment business reported that the TV shipment doubled in this quarter compared its previous quarter due to OLED TV and UHD TV product mix. LG Electronics reported that OLED TV market expansion from Korea and North America into Europe and Russia among others contributed to the sales increase.

 

LG Electronics is anticipating sales increase in Q4 from peak TV market and general market promotion brought premium TV sales expansion. Accordingly, LG Electronics forecast their Q4 sales to be similar to 2014 and that business profit to increase slightly due to improvement in TV’s profit stabilization.

 

Regarding aggressive marketing from Chinse TV companies including Hisense, and TCL, Jinho Ha of LG Electronics Home Entertainment planning department, admitted the threat. However, through premium TV technology such as smart TV, design, and OLED, Ha explained that they will secure product superiority. He also added that Chinse companies’ North American TV market share is around 3% in terms of volume and remains minimal in revenue.

 

New premium OLED TV release brought better than expected response from consumers. It is also receiving positive reviews; several media have selected the product as this year’s TV. The company reported that they will strive to expand the market through extension from the premium TV.

 

LG Electronics’ total revenue was announced to be 13,000 million USD* with business profit of 270 million USD. Home Entertainment department reported 4,000 million USD, a 9% increase from previous quarter, with business profit of 33 million USD.

 

* 1 USD = 1,100 KRW

ETRI’s Doo-Hee Cho Receives IEC 1906 Award

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On October 23, ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) Information & Communications Core Technology Research Laboratory’s Dr. Doo-Hee Cho received IEC 1906 Award at World Standards Day ceremony. The IEC 1906 Award recognizes exceptional current achievements and it is presented by the International Electrotechnical Commission, one of the top 3 international standards organizations.

 

Dr. Cho has been active in IEC since his involvement in 2009. The activities include serving as the president of IEC·TC34 (lighting)’s OLED working group and establishment of IEC 62866: Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panels for general lighting – Safety requirements.

 

Founded in 1906, IEC is one of the top 3 international standards organizations along with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union) with 83 member countries. IEC established IEC 1906 Award in 2004. Since then they have been selecting industry’s experts with outstanding contribution to electrotechnical standardization and IEC development and presenting the award annually. With this award for Dr. Cho, acceleration to OLED lighting’s international standardization and OLED lighting business growth are anticipated.


IEC 1906 Award Badge

IEC 1906 Award Certificate

Dr. Doo-Hee Cho

Absolute Requirements for the Automotive OLED Display’s Success

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On October 15, in IMID Exhibition Business Forum held in Korea International Exhibition Center (October 14-16), KATECH (Korea Automotive Technology Institute)’s head of Intelligent Control System R&D Center Dr. Inbeom Yang presented ‘Future of Automotive Technology and the Role of Smart Display’ and forecast the future of automotive display.

 

Dr. Yang revealed that “if existing vehicles focused on technological factors, future vehicles will evolve entirely centering on the driver, and the automotive display also will develop following this trend”. He also added that the driver’s safety and convenience have to be the priority.

 

Dr. Yang gave 4 examples of future automotive display. Firstly, he discussed ADAS and their flaws. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) help the driver to operate the vehicle safely. If ADAS can be actualized through displays such as HUD (head-up display), the driver’s safety can be maintained with ease.

 

The second item mentioned was a function that notifies the driver status reports linked with time and location. Dr. Yang reported that a device needs to be developed that can function in specific situations with sensors and sounds as well as on display.

 

Dr. Yang forecast that if display, touch technology, and haptic technology are combined and applied to vehicles, operation and feedback will be simpler for the driver. He announced that multi-functional & configuration display will also be introduced which will allow driver to recognize and control.

 

Audi’s concept vehicle that was presented in IAA 2015 Audi e-tron quattro has full OLED interface and all functions required for the vehicle operation can be controlled via touch display without physical buttons.

 

As futuristic displays such as these are developed that increases driver’s convenience, the proportion of display within a vehicle is expected to increase, and developed focusing on the driver centered UI (user interface). OLED Display can maximize the driver’s accuracy with fast response rate and high contrast ratio. Along with safety, and design freedom that comes with flexibility, it is suitable for automotive display. However, the linkage with the UI system optimized for the driver is essential rather than performance of the display panel itself; collaboration between display panel companies, and automotive system and peripheral companies is expected to be a major point in early market occupancy between automotive display panel companies.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro ,Geneva International Motor Show

Samsung to Increase External Transaction by More Than 30%

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Samsung Electronics reported a third-quarter earnings through a conference call on October 29 local time. Samsung Display’s Chang Hoon Lee revealed that OLED panel’s production cost can now compete against LCD and the company has plans to increase the external transaction ratio by more than 30% of yield.

The display business department was expected to have a difficult time in Q3 2015 due to the smartphone market’s slowdown of growth and latecomers’ competitiveness increase. However, with the key customer base’s release of new products and increase of new clientele, and secured operation ratio, the performance results improved.

Lee also revealed 2016 strategy of increasing the low-to-medium priced products, expanding the new market, diversifying products, and procuring transaction base. Lee also added that Samsung will prepare to secure new growth power through transparent, mirror, HUD, and automotive display development via technology leadership in areas such as flexible OLED.

It was also announced that the additional installation of OLED line will be decided after examining the market status. A3 line has been in operation since April. Supply competitiveness will be strengthened through complementary investment for existing line.

Samsung Electronics recorded a 6% increase compared to the previous quarter with revenue of USD 47 billion. With the help of currency exchange rate, business profit showed approximately USD455 million compared to the previous quarter with USD 6.7 billion.

Q2 AMOLED Market, the Largest So Far

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According to UBI Research’s Weekly OLED Analysis Report, Q2 AMOLED panels recorded the largest shipment and sales so far. With 56 million units, the Q2 shipment increased by 35% in comparison with Q1, and a 19% increase compared to the same period last year. US$ 2,800 million was recorded for sales, which is a 65% increase compared to its previous quarter.

 

Last quarter’s AMOLED market growth is due to Samsung Display’s AMOLED panel supply volume for Chinese set companies and increase in LG Display’s flexible OLED panel production for smartwatch.

 

LG Display Opens 2015 Tech Forum in Collaboration with Other Companies

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Source : LG Display

LG Display set out to discover new technology through open innovation in collaboration with other companies.

 

On September 15, LG Display invited top global display material and component companies to Paju factory and opened 2015 LG Display Tech Forum. The invited companies included Merck, Asahi Glass, and Sumitomo.

 

Under the heading of ‘OLED, New Opportunity and Challenge’, 13 key collaborating companies in material, process, glass, and circuitry sectors participated. They promised to share market trend, and LG Display’s OLED and LCD technology development direction and cooperate regarding future technology.

 

LG Display increased emphasis on OLED; LG Display revealed detailed business strategy for large and small size OLED, and discussed technology and products that should be developed together in collaboration with companies in each stage.

 

Additionally, LG Display newly established Technology Innovation Award for collaborating companies that contributed to LG Display’s product improvement with innovative technology. The award was presented to Asahi Glass for developing glass light guide panel used in thin panel actualization, and display material companies Merck and Nitto Denko.

 

LG Display’s CEO Han Sang-beom explained that LG Display could pave the way for OLED with world’s first technology due to much effort and enthusiastic corporation from R&D partners. He also entreated each company to continue to change and evolve through their own R&D competitiveness and creativity and lead the future display market.

Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer Develops Bluelight-less OLED Lighting

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Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer announced their success in developing the first bluelight-less OLED lighting module. The two companies produced this module through a wet coating process for the light-emitting layer and began shipping samples on August 1.

The new OLED lighting module does not use blue emitting materials in the OLED panel and the light from the panel contains a minimal portion of blue light. According to the companies, this is less than 1% of the amount in the 3000K-type OLED lighting module developed by Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer.

The panel is a candle-color type with a 1900K color temperature; this is suitable for storage lighting of light-sensitive items such as cultural heritage and paintings, as well as lighting for bedrooms and medical practices.

Blue light, which has a wavelength of between 380 and 495 nanometers, has the highest energy among visible light. This is enough to reach the retina at almost full strength. This can cause eye fatigue as well as reduction in quality sleep.

With the increase of smartphone and PC use, the amount of time exposed to blue light is also increasing. Therefore, as the interest in eye health rises, this bluelight-less OLED lighting module development is worthy of attention.

Source: MPOL

Source: MPOL

LG Electronics’ OLED TV, Increasingly Competitive in Price

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OLED TV price, which was considered the biggest issue compared to LCD TV, has fallen once again. LG Electronics’ 2015 new model 65inch 4K Ultra HD curved OLED TV (65EG9600) is now priced US$ 5,999 on Amazon (www.amazon.com). The price that used to be US$ 8,999 even in June fell to US$ 6,999 in July, and it is now down to US$ 5,999, showing rapid decrease. Furthermore, the price decrease is not limited to 65inch products as 55inch 4K Ultra HD curved OLED TV (55EG9600) also fell by US$ 1,000, from US$ 4,999 to US$ 3,999.

 

There is a difference of US$ 1,500 in price between LG Electronics’ 65inch 4K OLED TV and Samsung Electronics’ premium model 65inch 4K SUHD TV (US$ 4,499). Analysis shows that the monthly average price decrease for OLED TV between June and August is 18% while SUHD TV’s is 5%.

 

During the last earnings results announcement, LG Electronics reported that UHD OLED TV will achieve price competitiveness in 2016. If the price decrease continues at this rate, OLED TV will be able to aim for market expansion against LCD TV through price as well as its many advantages such as design freedom, thickness, and picture quality.

 

LG Electronics reduced the price of 55inch Full HD curved OLED TV (55EC9300), released last year, from US$ 2,499 to US$ 1,999.


[Analyst Column] Korean Display Industry Is On Descent

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Dr Choong Hoon Yi, UBI Research Chief Analyst, ubiyi@ubiresearch.co.kr

 

The analysis of 2015 2Q results of Samsung Display and LG Display shows clear indication that Korean display industry is on descent.

 

[2015 Q2 Korean Display Total Sales Analysis]

According to the results announcement of the 2 companies, the total of 2015 Q2 sales is approximately US$ 11,000,000,000. Compared to the total sales in 2013 Q2 which was US$ 13,000,000,000, Korean display industry trend is exhibiting clear downward tendency.

0812 graph1

 

2015 Q2 Korean display sales records -4% QoQ, and 8% YoY.

0812 graph2

 

 

The main reason for the decrease in sales is Samsung Display’s deterioration of earnings results. While LG Display’s sales of the past 3 years remain fairly consistent but Samsung Display’s sales is gradually decreasing.

0812 graph3

 

 

 

[2015 Q2 Korean Display Total Business Profit Analysis]

Connecting the high points of the total of 2 companies’ business profit reveal that the business value is worsening as the trend moves downward. This also is much contributed to Samsung Display’s business profit decrease.

0812 graph4

 

 

[Samsung Display and LG Display Sales Analysis]

According to the earnings announcement of both companies, Samsung Display and LG Display recorded sales of approximately US$ 5,500,000,000 and US$ 5,600,000,000 respectively. LG Display is maintaining higher sales results compared to Samsung Display for the past 5 quarters. Each company’s QoQ showed to be -4% (LGD) and -3% (SDC) and YoY to be 12% (LGD) and 5% (SDC). The simultaneous decrease of QoQ sales of both companies demonstrates that the Q3 sales could also fall.

 

0812 graph5

 

0812 graph6

 

 

[Samsung Display and LG Display’s Competitiveness Analysis]

Looking at the profit/sales graph of Samsung Display and LG Display, it is apparent that Samsung Display showed superior competitiveness until 2013 Q3, but since then LG Display averaged higher.

 

 

[Conclusion]

The reason for the downward trend of Korean display industry is analyzed to be the fall of display panel price due to the Chinse display companies’ mass production through aggressive investment. Particularly, in or after 2017 when China’s BOE is estimated to begin Gen10.5 LCD line, LCD panel price will fall even more rapidly. This is forecast to lead Korean LCD industry to suddenly lose competitiveness. For Korean display companies that have immense LCD sales to show positive growth, it is time to expand OLED business that can be differentiated from Chinse display companies.

 

The only solutions for Korean display industry are OLED investment in large scale and conversion of LCD line to OLED line. At the time of BOE’s Gen10.5 line operation, Korean display companies also should respond with Gen6 flexible OLED investment and early establishment of Gen8 OLED line.

[Analyst Column] LG Display Q2 Earnings Analysis and Signification of Flexible OLED Investment

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Dr Choong Hoon Yi, UBI Research Chief Analyst, ubiyi@ubiresearch.co.kr

 

On July 23, LG Display announced its earnings results at LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, South Korea. LG Display reported that their Q2 sales recorded approximately US$ 5,700,000,000 with business profit of approximately US$ 420,000,000.

 

Although sales fell by approximately US$ 260,000,000 (-5%) compared to the previous quarter, it was an increase of US$ 620,000,000 (12%) compared to the year before. Business profit showed approximately US$ 210,000,000 decrease (-34%) QoQ, and YoY US$ 280,000,000 increase (206%).

 

0805 graph1

 

LG Display’s sales and business profit of Y/Yo (green line) showed U shape of trend of growth in previous 5 quarters but this quarter recorded a fall. It is analyzed that the growth could slow down from 2H 2015.

 

The drop of the LG display’s Y/Yo growth in this 2Q is much attributed to smartphone market’s slow down and TV market reduction. It is also estimated the panel price reduction due to Chinese display companies’ aggressive investment is reflected.

 

0805 graph2

 

 

For LG Display to stop the degrowth, mass production of products that are differentiated from competition, is urgently needed, away from LCD panel that is LGD’s current major business.

 

On the day, LG Display’s management announced approx. US$ 900,000,000 investment for Gen6 flexible OLED line in order to lead flexible OLED market. The investment location is Gumi factory. Investment location is Gumi factory with the initial investment of 7.5K. It is expected world’s second flexible OLED exclusive line will established following Samsung Display. It is anticipated that up to 15K will be established for this line.

 

Considering last year’s LG Display’s business profit was approx. US$ 1,100,000,000, the US$ 900,000,000 flexible OLED investment is very large. The investment decision must have been very difficult. However, the reasons for LG Display’s drastic flexible OLED exclusive line investment are because companies that produce LTPS-TFT LCD (LGD’s existing main market) is increasing, and because Samsung Display is already monopolizing rigid OLED market and therefore difficult to secure market share.

 

LG Display’s CFO Kim Sang-don explained that flexible OLED Gen6 line investment was decided at the board of directors meeting on July 22, and was made official on the morning of July 23. Kim added that the decision was reached so that LG Display can lead the OLED business in terms of technology and to occupy initial market in foldable and rollable technologies. He also commented the monthly capa. of the flexible OLED line will be 7.5K.

 

Regarding large area OLED panel, it was emphasized that this year’s panel production target remains to be 600,000 units and 1,500,000 units next year, same as the ones announced during the Q1 earnings results presentation. It was also revealed that 34K, approximately 9K higher than current capa., will be in operation in 2016. Addressing the concern of oversupply of next year’s 1,500,000 units while the OLD TV market is still small, LG Display suggested the solution of increasing the demand by active promotion from the second half of this year.

 

 

 

Despite the fall of mid to large size panels’ sales price, from the enlargement of sets and AIT technology applied sales performance, the business profit of approximately US$ 4,000 million was recorded. This is a 34% decrease compared to the previous quarter but a 199% increase from the same period in 2014. LG Display estimates that the sales will increase in the third quarter due to seasonal factors and panel’s enlargement trend.

Korean Government, Will It Give Up Its Top Spot in Display Industry?

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Recent Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics’ TV and smartphone performance results are causing experts to be concerned over degrowth.

 

The axis that is centering Korean industry is dependent on these 2 companies and Hyundai Motor Company. In the 20th century when technology skills were lacking, Korean government and these 3 companies closely cooperated and coordinated product development and market cultivation. The low value of KRW invigorated the 3 companies’ export business. Strong government support allowed development of products that could compete against Japanese products occupying the international market. The potential that allowed the companies to overtake Japanese firms that were dominating electronics industry and increase the international market share was based on Korean government’s diverse interest and enthusiastic backing.

 

Japan’s display industry collapsed due to several reasons. Their pride that that latecomers including Korea will not be able to catch up to their technology, the discontinuation of investment by overlooking the need of the 21st century of information for display market, and the disregard of latecomers’ price competitiveness can be attributed to the collapse.

 

Korean display companies gave up on Gen10 investment in LCD business and began localization in China though establishing Gen8 LCD factory in China. However, Chinse display companies, with the backing of their government in large scale, continue to invest despite the deficit.

 

If BOE’s Gen10.5 LCD factory is complete, China will lead the global industry in terms of yield, and overtake Korea through China’s domestic market and price competitiveness. Now there are only 2 years left. It is only a question of time before Korea’s LCD industry falls apart.

 

The only thing that is left for Korean display industry is OLED. As Korean display industry plays an important role in Korean economy, the decline of display industry will have direct impact on employment, export, and domestic market.

 

However, Korean government is currently ignoring display industry. LCD and OLED have been excluded from WTO’s tariff elimination. China, which is rapidly becoming a new contender in display industry, has agreed with the U.S. to exclude LCD and OLED advocating protection of Chinese market and industry, and other countries followed. China is adding 5% tax for 32inch products or larger; Samsung Display and LG Display are operating LCD factories in China in order to be exempt. The labor force is moving away from Korea to China. Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is overlooking the importance of Korea’s display industry.

 

To make matters worse, Korean government has no tax regarding manufacturing equipment. When display companies import expensive manufacturing equipment, no tax is added. Recently, due to a low exchange rate of the yen, Japanese companies’ price competitiveness is 1.5 times higher than several years ago. At a time when Korean manufacturing equipment companies are losing heavily in the competition against Japanese, Korean market is actually giving up the market to Japanese companies.

 

For example, if Samsung Display and LG Display have saved 10,000,000 USD on the purchase of manufacturing equipment, the result is Korean companies’ loss of 100,000,000 USD. Although 10,000,000 USD is a large amount of money to Samsung Display and LG Display, the consequential loss of 100,000,000 USD for Korean manufacturing equipment market is even more immense.

 

The Korean display ecosystem that has been carefully established is being destroyed by its own government.

 

Although Korean government is paying lip service to build strong small and medium-sized businesses, in actuality, it is giving small amount of money to large companies and continuing to ignore smaller Korean manufacturing equipment companies. For the future of the smaller Korean manufacturing equipment companies struggling against the weak yen, a system of where they can at the very least survive in domestic market is needed.

 

Job creation for the young engineers requires more consideration for small and medium-sized businesses rather than large companies that can thrive without any help.

UHD OLED TV, Rapidly Catching Up to SUHD TV Price

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OLED TV price, once again, dropped down by a large margin. LG Electronics’ new 2015 model 65inch 4K Ultra HD curved OLED TV (65EG9600) on Amazon (www.amazon.com) fell to US$ 6,999 which is a drop of US$ 2,000 from previous US$ 8,999. The price for 55inch 4K Ultra HD curved OLED TV fell US$ 1,000 to US$ 4,499 from its release price of US$ 5,499. The 2015 new model EG9600 series has panel with improved brightness of 450nit from previous 400nit.

 

The price of Samsung Electronics’ SUHD TV, similar premium product to LG Electornics’, is US$ 4,997 for 65inch (UN65JS9500), and US$ 2,497.99 for 55inch; there is a difference of approximately US$ 2,000 between LG Electronics’’ UHD OLED TV of same size.

 

The comparison between 2015 65inch UHD OLED TV and SUHD TV shows that approx. 40% price difference was shown in April 2015. However in July 2015, the difference was approx. 30%, showing that UHD OLED TV price further fell by approx. 10%.

 

These show that the UHD OLED TV price reduction is occurring rapidly. It is analyzed that the biggest factor for LG Electronics’ UHD OLED TV price fall is production cost reduction due to UHD panel yield increase and competition with set companies that actively began OLED TV sales.

UHD TV Price Trend, Source : UBI Research

 

[Analyst Column] Korean TV Industry, Where to Go?

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Dr Choong Hoon Yi, UBI Research Chief Analyst, ubiyi@ubiresearch.co.kr

 

 

Korean TV industry, according to recent reports by media, is showing a red light not being able to escape the deficit structure.

 

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics possess high market share in costly premium TV market. However, in 30inch grade market, the two companies struggle against economically priced sets. In order to maintain sales, Samsung Elec. and LG Elec. are managing diverse product portfolio but business profit keep falling. Due to this, LCD panel stocks produced by Samsung Display and LG Display are steadily increasing.

 

LCD panel business is sinking into a pit.

 

What is the reason that Korea’s LCD TV and LCD business values can only become worse?

 

This can be forecast from looking at Japan’s TV and LCD business. Until the early 2000s, Japan was one of the leaders in electronics. However, Japan’s TV business is gradually dying out. Japan’s leading companies, Sony and Panasonic’s TV business began to be deteriorate because of Korean mid-low price products. In succession, Sony ended up spinning off the TV business, and Panasonic stopped TV business other than for domestic supply. Korean TV companies began to dominate the market. However, only a few years since then, Korean TV industry is losing commercial value, pushed aside by mid-low price products manufactured by China and others.

 

Second is display investment. As Japanese TV industry began to crumble, Japanese display companies had no choice but to stop the investment. The companies could not see a way to make profit through investment even if TV market grew as client companies’ panel purchasing power fell. Korea is the same. Samsung Elec. and LG Elec.’s TV business profitability deterioration led toward Samsung Display and LG Display’s halting the investment. On the other hand, Chinse display companies began Gen10.5 line investment. TV industry relies on assembly business and business network and therefore initial investment cost is low. In comparison, display industry is high risk as it requires large scale investment from early stages. If the business profit falls without investment cost return, companies face great loss and business closure is also not easy.

 

The third reason that Japanese TV companies are dying out is because they could not produce premium TV. Sony, which lost its competitiveness in LCD TV, tried to strengthen its market leadership through 4K TV. However, the brand value was already down and with the lack of marketing value, Sony easily gave up the market to companies in pursuit such as Samsung Elec. and LG Elec. LCD TV already had no difference in quality whether it was produced by a Korean or Japanese company, and brand value order had switched. LCD TV quality produced by Chinese companies is already reached the top. They are no longer companies who produce cheaper knockoffs. Furthermore, LCD panel production technology of Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China can now be deemed equal.

 

The final reason that stops Japanese TV business from securing market is that they failed to suggest differentiation point in premium TV. Fundamentally, differentiation is not possible for LCD TV. The biggest differentiation factors in the current TV market are picture quality and design. Any company can produce thin LCD TV and curved LCD TV. Panel size, resolution, and QD-LED using color gamut that LCD can actualize can no longer be differentiated technology. The difference of LCD panel and TV manufacturing technology between Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China is already within a year. No matter what kind of product is released, market control has one year of expiration period. Considering the promotion period required in the market is approximately 6 months, the period where profit can be made is shortened even further.

 

So what is the solution for the Korean TV industry to survive?

 

As I have mentioned dozens of times for several years, what is left is OLED TV. What LCD cannot do in terms of picture quality and design, with OLED it is possible. Therefore, only the non-LCD products can enjoy the key factors of differentiation in premium TV market.

 

Existing premium TV is IPTV, a market that Japanese TV companies have been pursuing since early 2000s. Internet connection is possible through TV and allows for exchange of information in both directions. The basic concept of IPTV is watching TV while searching the information on TV via internet. But how useful is this concept at present? The usefulness of IPTV is becoming increasingly low as smartphone is used to search information, use the internet, and even watch TV. With no reason to use the internet via TV, TV companies should seriously consider whether TV with high white brightness is really needed. Rather than white TV with high brightness, it is time to place more importance in the functions of the TV itself. TV screen only uses 20-30% of full white brightness. Films, with outdoor shooting, falls under 20%, and for contents shot at night, black is more important.

 

Considering ‘blackness’ and design, anyone can find where the solution lies. If the foolish notion of trying to make OLED as bright as LCD is abandoned, there is hope.

 

LG OLED UHD TV, SID 2015

LG OLED UHD TV, SID 2015

 

Samsung OLED UHD TV, IFA 2013

Samsung OLED UHD TV, IFA 2013

 

[Lighting Fair Japan 2015] LG Chem, 100lm/W OLED Lighting Panel Mass Production Possible in April 2015

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LG Chem estimates mass production of highly efficient 100lm/W OLED lighting panel in April this year. In Lighting Fair Japan 2015 (March 3 – 6) LG Chem announced that they have achieved 2014 target of 100lm/W development, and that mass production will be possible from April 2015. Additionally, they presented the 140ml/W roadmap until 2017, and LG Chem is forecast to keep on leading the OLED lighting market.

Until now OLED lighting had lower efficiency compared to the existing fluorescent light (approx. 100lm/W) and LED (approx. 100lm/W or higher), and was mostly used as luminaire rather than down light. However, if active mass production of 100lm/W products begins, utilization as down light will also be possible.

In this exhibition, LG Chem showcased solution concept of down light, and not a luminaire focused exhibition. They also demonstrated OLED lighting’s competitiveness as down light by securing lifetime of 40 thousand hours. This is approximately twice as long as fluorescent light and rivals LED. The biggest issue for OLED lighting is the cost. If the price becomes competitive through active investment, it is analyzed that the OLED lighting market will grow rapidly.

According to UBI Research’s OLED Lighting Annual Report 2014, OLED lighting market is forecast to grow by 100% of compound annual growth rate and form US$ 4,700 million market in 2020.

<LG Chem’s R&D Roadmap, Source : LG chem>

<Front View of LG Chem Booth, Lighting Fair Japan 2015>

By HyunJun Jang, reporter@olednet.co.kr