Screens of tomorrow
LG to splurge on new LCD line to exploit mobile demand
By Kim Yoo-chul
LG Display is continuing to bet on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) while its rival Samsung shows signs of shifting toward alternative technology with a battle expected over Apple’s screen orders for the iPad3.
LG plans to build a cutting-edge production line for low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) LCDs in its Paju plant by 2013 to improve screen resolution.
The LTPS LCDs cannot match the resolution of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which Samsung Mobile Display hopes Apple will adopt for the iPad3 rumored to be released later this year, but the former has the edge in price ― about half that of the latter.
``It is unlikely that Apple will change its convention of using the same parts for product sequels. LG’s construction plan would mean that Apple will stick to the LCD for the iPad3 and the much-touted gadgets will come to town in 2013,’’ said an industry source who is familiar with the issue.
Both the iPad1 and iPad2 use LTPS LCDs for its screens, many of which were made by LG Display. But rumors suggest that Samsung is working hard to change Apple’s policy for the iPad3 in favor of OLEDs.
Apple’s policy of diversifying its display procurement aimed at cost cuts could mean that it will mostly resort to LTPS LCDs and LG down the road.
When contacted, LG officials remained tight-lipped with regard to the high-profile investment scheme. But the anonymous source contended that some LG suppliers have already got orders to provider components for the new LCD line.
``LG Display required some of its part suppliers to manufacturer components for LCDs with enhanced pixels-per-inch (PPI),’’ he said. PPI is the gauge for the resolution for flat-panel screens.
Since last year, LG Display has operated its first LTPS LCD line in the Paju complex to mainly produce small-sized flat-screens used for tablets, smartphones and navigation systems.