The Korea Times

Samsungs LCD biz finds support in rival Sony

By Kim Yoo-chul Amid a downturn in prices for liquid crystal display (LCD) Samsung Electronics and LG Display are diverging in the turn of fortune. A glut in their inventories, coming as the result of a mismatch in demand and supply, is hurting LCD prices. Although of the two Korean firms lead the industry, Samsung is expected to fare better in terms of the bottom line during the July-September period. The reason being, ironically, Sony. "We can say it is a 'client effect.' Samsung is more focused on the sale of high-priced televisions such as LED-backlit LCD ones, while Sony is shifting toward massive outsourcing, a move benefiting Samsung," said a top-ranking industry executive, Monday. "Thanks to Sony orders, plus shipments to Apple, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, the impact of reduced prices on Samsung's LCD business will be minimized," the executive said. As in the past, Samsung is the leader in the global flat-screen TV industry. It is aiming to be in the No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive year with a 25 percent share by selling more 3D and LED-bac

Sep 13, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Samsung tinkering with Tab PC plan

Cautious approach contrasts ambitious Berlin call By Kim Yoo-chul Samsung Electronics appears to be readjusting its strategy over how to fight Apple's two-pronged onslaught, based on the iPhone and i-Pad. Evidently, Samsung is no longer as focused on the Galaxy Tab as it was months ago. The Tab is Samsung's tablet computer that is scheduled to be released to secure its share in the emerging lucrative tablet computer market, going head to head with the iPad Some industry watchers cite as an example the reduction in the number of carriers worldwide, with which Samsung plans to launch the Tab. They say that this reflects Samsung's wait-and-see attitude, a change from its fanfare over the Tab. The Tab with a 7-inch LCD screen, powered by Google's Android operating system has been touted as Samsung's answer to the iPad, featuring an extra camera and cellular function at a more affordable price. "Samsung had originally planned to release the Galaxy Tab via over 110 carriers worldwide, including major ones in the United States," said an industry source. "Now, the n

Sep 12, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Companies

TNT backs zero-emission cars

By Kim Yoo-chul TNT Express, a Korean logistics firm, said it will begin using a zero-emission electric vehicle manufactured in China. The car, which TNT jointly developed with China’s Dongfeng Motor, is powered by lithium-ion batteries and represents the company's efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its business. The small-sized car needs just two and a half hours to be fully charged and can travel over 120 kilometers before a recharge is required, TNT officials said. The car is also equipped with advanced computer monitoring systems, and allows the driver to check the levels of power consumption at any time. The small-sized car needs just two and a half hours to be fully charged and can travel over 120 kilometers before a recharge is required, TNT officials said. The car is also equipped with advanced computer monitoring systems, and allows the driver to check the levels of power consumption at any time. "Following a three-month trial period, the cars, manufactured by Dongfeng, are now used by us in China. There is a lot of interest in China about b

Sep 10, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Let the battle commence

Debut of iPhone 4 sends smartphone wars into round 2 By Kim Yoo-chul KT, the country's second-largest mobile-phone carrier, finally has the weapon to start a new phase in the smartphone battle here, evidenced by hundreds of customers enduring a long wait and a downpour to get their hands on the iPhone 4. The carrier provided Apple's latest gadget to its first 10,000 customers on the first day of its release and says it has received nearly 300,000 orders, including 20,000 on Friday alone. KT has sold nearly 900,000 of Apple's previous handset, the iPhone 3GS, and hopes that the iPhone 4 will further boost its efforts to narrow the gap with rival SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile carrier. In response to KT’s iPhone-enabled offensive, SK Telecom has been pushing a slew of devices powered by the Google-backed Android operating system, which is considered the mobile industry’s best bet to challenge Apple’s supremacy in consumer smartphones. The debut of the iPhone 4 was delayed in Korea, with Apple chief executives Steve Jobs citing problems related to regulatory appr

Sep 10, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Doosan wins major Saudi plant deal

By Kim Yoo-chul Doosan Heavy and Construction said it has signed a 4 trillion won ($3.42 billion) agreement to build a power plant in Saudi Arabia, which it says represents its biggest plant deal ever. The Seoul-based company has landed 11 trillion won worth of orders so far this year, which is already an annual record, as it continues to exploit opportunities in the global energy market. Just days earlier, Doosan won a 1.7 trillion won deal to build a desalination plant in the Middle Eastern country. Doosan announced Thursday that it received the final letter of confirmation from the state-owned Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) for the power plant project. The construction of the coal-fired power station will begin by the end of this month and be completed by the end of 2014, according to Doosan spokesman Shin Dong-gyu. Doosan will handle the entire procedure, from engineering and procurement to building. ``We will use the project to build a stronger relationship with the best parts suppliers, as our top-tier partners will be getting 1 trillion won in orders fo

Sep 9, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Sony sees crucial biz partner in Samsung

By Kim Yoo-chul BERLIN, LONDON ― At the height of Walkman mania, Sony enjoyed a reputation as the planet's most exciting provider of consumer electronics products. Of course, that title now belongs to Apple, or even Samsung Electronics when the discussions are limited to flat-screen televisions, but Sony representatives at the recent IFA conference in Berlin were confident that the iconic Japanese company still has the ability to wow. Sony's edge will not come solely from its traditional strengths in hardware, company officials said, but increasingly from its ability to deliver a wealth of content seamlessly across a large number of devices in consumer electronics and mobile technology. It remains to be seen whether the shifting of strategies means that Sony will become less obsessed in the size competitions with Samsung and LG Electronics, Korea's other technology giant, over market share in flat-screen televisions. Sony has a complicated relationship with Samsung, which has a dual strength in finished products and parts, as it competes with its Korean rival in con

Sep 9, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

LG has high hopes for 3D TVs in Europe

Boosts ties with U.K's top satellite broadcaster By Kim Yoo-chul LEICESTER, England ― Amid the strong and steady push by leading television makers for three dimensional (3D) TVs, Korea's LG Electronics is hoping to further ride the wave especially in the United Kingdom via various campaigns. Despite strong price resistance, the demand for 3D TV is steadily rising as television majors including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have rapidly begun big promotional campaigns to boost the market. 3D TV currently is a niche in global markets. But iSuppli, a U.S.-based market research firm, said global shipments for such sets this year will reach 4.2 million. The number is expected to triple to 12.9 million in 2011 and then more than double to 27.4 million in 2012. LG Electronics, which trails Samsung Electronics in the global flat-screen television market, is aiming high to secure its bottom line in the U.K. ahead of its biggest Japanese rivals Sony and Panasonic. It is expanding a partnership with BSkyB to business-to-consumer (B2C) related fields from business-to-

Sep 9, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Samsung eyes Euro growth in appliances

Korean technology giant adding bulk to Poland production facility in Poland By Kim Yoo-chul Domestic appliances are a rare business area where Samsung Electronics admits it has been underachieving. But the Korean technology giant doesn’t intend to keep things this way as it aspires to be a brand in white goods that it is for flat-screen televisions and mobile phones, and believes that a strengthened position in the lucrative European market would be crucial for elevating its status. It would be a difficult challenge for Samsung to steal customers away from established brands such as Electrolux in the European markets for refrigerators, washing machines and other home appliances. But the Koreans are bullish about their chances of becoming a top white-goods brand in Europe, as it expects to benefit from its reputation as a global leader in consumer electronics and mobile devices. Samsung is continuing to add muscle to its domestic appliances manufacturing facility in Poland, which hires a workforce of 1,400, and expand its partnership with regional distributors

Sep 8, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Miele aware of growing Samsung, LG presence

By Kim Yoo-chul BERLIN ― Miele, a leading brand in luxury consumer electronics devices, is facing an increasing challenge from Korean technology giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics in the market for premium products, according to one of the company’s top executives. Reinhard Zinkann Jr., managing director and co-owner of the German company, said that the improved brand reputation of Samsung and LG, as well as the strengthened diversity of their product lineups, have them emerging as forces in the market for high-end domestic appliances. "Korea is a nation of technologies, and I understand the standards set by Samsung and LG. I see a lot of competition coming from both companies," said Zinkann in a news conference with Korean reporters at the IFA conference in Berlin. "The Korean appliance industry is indeed a benchmark. I believe in the growth potential of Korea as well. They believe in quality and technology and are willing to pay for that," he said. Miele, established in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhad Zinkann, still remains a family-owned and operated

Sep 7, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Tech & Science

Samsung inspired by LG Displays boldness

By Kim Yoo-chul BERLIN ― Samsung Electronics continues to pummel its cross-town rival LG Electronics in the lucrative global market for flat-screen televisions. However, in the parts business related to liquid crystal displays (LCDs), a different LG unit appears to be earning Samsung’s respect. Samsung is engaged in a head-to-head battle with LG Display, the digital display unit of the LG Group, over the title of world's leading LCD manufacturer. This is obviously a more convincing rivalry than that in consumer electronics and mobile phones, which has become more lopsided year after year, and Yoon Boo-keun, the head of Samsung's flourishing television business division, admits his admiration for LG Display's surging competitiveness. It's rare to see a Samsung executive having anything good to say about an LG-related company. And there has been a series of verbal jabs between the two companies in the past months over some sensitive issues, such as who has better strategies for developing next-generation technologies and a better chance for securing China's approval t

Sep 7, 2010By Kim Yoo-chul

Kim Yoo-chul

Read more

Samsungs LCD biz finds support in rival Sony

Samsung tinkering with Tab PC plan

TNT backs zero-emission cars

Let the battle commence

Doosan wins major Saudi plant deal

Sony sees crucial biz partner in Samsung

LG has high hopes for 3D TVs in Europe

Samsung eyes Euro growth in appliances

Miele aware of growing Samsung, LG presence

Samsung inspired by LG Displays boldness

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