The ETNews in Korea has reported that LG Display will start to supply 65″ and 75″ panels to Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display division – the first time that the companies have cross purchased in this way, according to the paper (Samsung Still Discussing Panel Supply with LG). Initially, the paper said, the plan was to start with 40″ sets, this has changed. The panels are expected to be made using MMG (multi mother glass) technology to improve the efficiency of production on LG’s lines.
The report quoted LG Display as saying that discussions are on-going on how to make the collaboration a longer term arrangement.
Analyst Comment
The paper speculates that the sets may be used in Samsung’s high end sets. It seems to me that this could be a problem, unless you have good direct backlighting. If you have really good direct backlighting, you could minimise the contrast difference between LG’s IPS technology and the VA panels from Samsung Display.
For new readers, we produced a white paper that explained the differences between IPS and VA LCDs (and OLEDs) last year, so it’s reasonably up to date.
As the high end of the TV market may increasingly move to OLED, and both companies look to reduce their large LCD production, there may be more need for the companies to work together to avoid simply conceding the LCD market to Chinese makers. (BR)
