This is the last Display Daily of 2020. I will try to make it horrible to match the year.
Two weeks ago, I mentioned that LG would be introducing 4K and 8K 70-inch miniLED TV sets in 2021. Two days ago, LG released a statement that provided additional information.
On first reading, the press release seems to say that the miniLED TVs will use QNEDs instead of planar LEDs. QNEDs — quantum nano-emitting diodes — are LEDs fabricated as gallium nitride nano-rods, which are deposited (probably) on an IGZO backplane. The QNEDs may be electrostatically aligned so they all have the same orientation. Why QNEDs over planar LEDs? QNEDs can be very small so resolution is limited only be the resolution of the backplane TFTs, and they are claimed to be more efficient than planar LEDs. If LG is really using QNEDs in these sets, it would be revolutionary because they would be the first sets to use them. (Are Quantum Nano Emitting Diodes (QNEDs) the Next Big Thing?)
But is it? In his subscriber-only “What Bob Saw” column yesterday, our publisher Bob Raikes said that on second reading he thought LG was hi-jacking the expression “QNED” to describe its combination of Quantum dots, Nanocell color filter, minilED backlight. As I re-read the release, I found myself inclined to agree with Bob. And here I thought it was only Samsung that wilfully mis-uses technical terms. I will tap my sources at LG to see if they are willing to clarify the matter.
Whether these miniLEDs are QNEDs or planar, they are gallium-arsenide blue and require color conversion. LG states they are using quantum dots (QDs) for the color conversion, but they do not say whether the QDs are in a conventional QD enhancement film or whether the QDs have been patterned to make a color-filter replacement. If LG is using a CF replacement it would also be revolutionary; the first comercial use of such an approach unless Samsung comes to market first with its QD-OLED display. So the better guess is that LG is using a QD enhancement film.
One thing that really will be a first is LG using QDs in a commercial TV set.
LG’s 8K, 86-inch miniLED TV, which will be introduced on January 11 at the 2021 on-line CES show. (Photo: LG Electronics)
LG “will introduce its first-ever QNED Mini LED TVs at the all virtual CES 2021 as its top-of-the-line offering among LG’s 2021 premium LCD TV lineup. The [entire] 2021 [LCD] lineup includes 10 new 4K and 8K models covering a wide range of large screen sizes up to 86 inches,” wrote LG in its press release.
“LG’s innovative Mini LED backlighting comprises up to almost 30,000 tiny LEDs that produce incredible peak brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 when paired with up to nearly 2,500 dimming zones and advanced local dimming technology [in the 8K, 86-inch model]. ” The “top-of-the-line 86-inch 8K QNED TV will be on display in LG’s virtual exhibition booth during CES 2021 starting January 11.”
With Samsung, TCL, and other vendors introducing miniLED-backlit LCD-TVs, 2021 appears to be shaping up as the year of the miniLED. See? We already have something to look forward to. (KW)
Ken Werner is Principal of Nutmeg Consultants, specializing in the display industry, manufacturing, technology, and applications, including mobile devices, automotive, and television. He consults for attorneys, investment analysts, and companies re-positioning themselves within the display industry or using displays in their products. He is the 2017 recipient of the Society for Information Display’s Lewis and Beatrice Winner Award. You can reach him at [email protected] or www.nutmegconsultants.com.
