Tech Battles Loom in High‐End TVs

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, COMPETITION IN premium TV market has primarily been a two-horse race between OLED sets made with LG Display's “white OLED” panel technology and LCD that use quantum-dot enhancement film (QDEF) for improved color performance. The TVs, sold by set-makers such as Electronics Sony, have viewed most industry pundits offering superior performance, particularly in contrast ratio. QDEF deliver similar performance several key display metrics generally sell hundred dollars less, because of the lower manufacturing cost panels. That allowed number one set-maker Samsung Visual Display, which markets its under somewhat confusing acronym “QLED,” to compete very successfully against at retail. Now picture 65-to-85-inch MSRPs US$1,500 or more grown complicated advent two new technologies: miniLED backlighting LCDs, first commercialized TCL fall 2019 (see figure on Contrast control zones), (QD-OLED), from Display could make way into consumer year's end. Some biggest corporations also are shifting their near-term strategies, leader investing sets. “We really entering crossroad,” says Yole Développement senior analyst Eric Virey. “I don't think there's ever many technologies competing what is, terms volume, relatively small market.” MiniLED backlighting, uses tens thousands tiny LEDs create thousand local dimming zones, is aimed reducing “halo effect” caused conventional when lighting zone bigger than image element being illuminated screen. This effect, known “blooming,” causes milkiness background prevents delivering truly deep blacks like OLED. added calling these flagship models “Neo QLED,” now both 8K 4K retail 65-inch model listing US$2,599.99. TCL—which currently sells 8-Series set US$1,999.99—announced during Consumer Show (CES) 2021 line “OD Zero” zero optical distance backlights diffuser plate. 85-inch X12 Vidrian 96,000 LED chips 1,920 zones achieve peak luminance up 2,000 nits ratio 10 million:1 Image contrast). Also getting quantum dot arena “QNED” consisting models. (LG QNED name refers company's preexisting nanocell that's incorporated sets; analysts say misnomer, actually stands nano-emitting diodes, developing microLED.) 86-inch comprises almost 30,000 works nearly 2,500 produce million:1. Analysts newest largely solve halo effect problem, allowing QD sets' may give them an edge displaying entertainment sports content produced high dynamic range wide gamut, starting be delivered pay-TV streaming services. That's values 4,000 must tone-mapped 800 lower. In doing so, some content's differences lost translation, Bob O'Brien, president Supply Chain Consultants. tend value ability reproduce values, so I lean favorably toward miniLED,” O'Brien. “There other folks focused black blacks, majority people far, they still favor OLEDs. We'll see how develops, but it safe miniLED/quantum-dot combination LCD-based true competitor OLED.“ Quantum approximately 1,000 zones. improves minimizes unwanted artifacts, halos. Source: A simulated graphic MSI showing advantage through types. MSI. considers LCD, introduced high-end “Evo” product CES. These products developed sister company purported 20 percent efficient. LG's G1 Evo lists US$2,999.99. expect will represent tightest competition white (WOLED). panels expensive, UHD module 10.5-generation fabrication plant (Gen 10.5 fab) China costing US$560 this year, compared Gen 8.5 fab multimode glass (MMG) US$520, according DSSC. But miniLED's costs expected come down significantly 2025, DSCC predicts same US$410 US$420 same-sized WOLED panel. While making Korea today, merely postponed long-term plans stop production retool those plants face intense Chinese fabs. looking get profitable $11 billion develop own technology, QD-OLED, stacks blue OLEDs generate light. QD-OLED manages sidestep patents purchased Kodak exited business. Besides alternate means producing panels, do not any significant advantages over technology. And note corporate cousin initially did commit buying although changed mind recently should 2022. later year manufacturer, perhaps Panasonic. Ken Werner, principal Nutmeg Consultants, notes initial premise behind was would need filter turned out case, necessary keep ambient light exciting red green material. “It's structure,” Werner. “Are difference it? It's hard tell customer anything different.” answer question available until side-by-side comparison possible, CES Virey he isn't “super optimistic” about QD-OLED's prospects, heard early samples problems. Meanwhile, specter microLED continues loom. product—albeit expensive one—at US$150,000 110-inch set. big impact time reduced significantly, 20×, viable existing technologies, As looks volume microLEDs feasible, intriguing possibility QNEDs. rod-shaped, less micron diameter, just 2 microns long. able repurpose hardware QNEDs future, limited additional capital investment. “If works, reuse lot infrastructure they're putting QD-OLED,” TFT backplane, deposition, patterning [tools]. There similarities.”