4K LCD TV shipments are projected to exceed OLED TV
shipments through 2015, a research firm predicts.
With the annual Consumer Electronics Show just around
the corner, speculation about what TV technologies will
be highlighted by manufacturers has been growing. In
recent years, highlights have included 3D, Smart TV,
and OLED, as TV makers promoted technologies to excite
consumer interest. This year it's 4Kx2K.
According to the latest TV market forecast published in
the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Advanced Global TV
Shipment and Forecast Report, 4K LCD TV shipments are
projected to exceed OLED TV shipments through 2015.
This is a result both of the delay in commercialization
by OLED TV makers, as well as increased promotion of 4K
LCD TVs by several brands. In addition, many Chinese TV
brands are currently in the process of launching 4K LCD
TVs in the domestic China market. OLED TVs are still
expected to launch in 2013, but volumes are expected to
be low and prices expected to be very high. 4Kx2K
resolution is not exclusive to LCD TV and 4K OLED TVs
are also expected to be introduced at some point in
premium TV segments.
Consumers worldwide are grappling with tough economic
conditions, and TV prices are falling at only marginal
rates. The LCD TV forecast for 2012 was reduced
slightly to 205 million, slightly lower than in 2011.
In addition, plasma TV shipments are projected to fall
24% Y/Y to 13 million. Looking forward, the market is
expected to be flat in 2013 on persistent economic
uncertainty before entering a period of gradual growth
as conditions improve and as price declines in the TV
market accelerate.