The extensive promotion of 4K display resolutions from TV manufacturers, display makers and distribution channels has successfully increased consumer awareness and 4K LCD TV penetration in 2014, according to the latest report from IHS. While 4K resolution is best known as a feature in high-end LCD TVs, 2015 will see 4K displays emerge in all major display applications such as desktop monitors, notebooks, OLED TVs, digital signage, smartphones and tablets, stated the market research firm.

The report revealed that the 4K display market reached $9.2 billion last year. 4K LCD TV contributed $8.8 billion to overall revenue. However, in 2015, 4K displays are coming to all major applications and will boost 4K revenue 94 per cent YoY, reaching almost $18 billion in 2015. With the evolution of novel display process technologies, to enhance the 4K display yield rate and lower costs, IHS forecasted that the 4K display market will reach $52 billion in 2020.

"Since its market introduction in 2013, TV brands have recognised that 4K is a great way to enhance value, so they have strongly promoted 4K models," said David Hsieh, senior director of display research for IHS. "4K content and broadcasting availability are also on the rise, which is helping more TV buyers recognise the value of this feature. Meanwhile, LCD TV panel makers have continuously improved 4K panel yield, which has reduced costs and facilitated even more consumer adoption."

In 2015, LCD panel makers are targeting 40 million 4K LCD TV panel shipments, which represent 17 per cent of all LCD TV panel shipments. In addition to TVs, consumers are starting to enjoy the benefits of ultra-high-resolution content in their smartphones and other mobile devices. Meanwhile, the "TV everywhere" concept is increasing consumer desire for higher resolution screens in their mobile devices. The professional-monitor and public-display market are also increasingly adopting 4K displays.

4K LCD TVs continue to be the largest segment of the 4K display market, but smartphones and OLED TVs will experience the strongest growth this year. In order to compete with LCD TV in the high-end segment, OLED TV makers are including 4K resolutions. As display technology is improving fine-pitch pixel designs and brightness transmittance, 4K displays will become more affordable for mobile devices. In fact, panel makers such as Sharp and JDI have recently announced and exhibited 4K smartphone panels. 4K tablet displays, using oxide (IGZO) and low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) processes, are also in panel makers' plans.

On the other hand, sub-pixel rendering (SPR) technology will become an important way for panel makers to enhance 4K pixel design in their displays. For many years now, various versions of SPR have been used in the commercial production of AMOLED and LCDs. Essentially they use two sub-pixels per white pixel, to offer a similar perceived resolution as conventional three-colour red-green-blue (RGB) displays.

"The main benefits of SPR include fewer sub-pixels, higher transmission, and lower power consumption," Hsieh said. "SPR is an important element in the growth of the 4K display market."

By: DocMemory
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