Samsung rolls out first QD-OLED TVs in N. America, Europe

Samsung Electronics said Friday it has launched its first high-end TVs with the next-generation QD-OLED display technology in the North American and European markets.

The Korean tech giant said it has started taking preorders for 65- and 55-inch 4K QD-OLED TVs, which use self-emitting quantum-dot (QD) displays and OLED technology.

The prices start from $3,000 and $2,200, respectively, and the new products will be shipped next month.

Samsung Display, the display panel-making arm of Samsung Group, showcased 65- and 55-inch display panels for QD-OLED TVs during the CES 2022 in Las Vegas earlier this year.

It said the next-generation display panels offer higher resolution, better picture quality and more life-like visuals compared to conventional OLED panels.

The company started mass-producing the screens last November in a gradual transition to more profitable, high-end QD displays from LCDs.

Samsung Electronics had said it planned to roll out its QD-OLED TVs within this year, with an original shipment target of 1.5 million.

The company did not disclose the release date for its home market, citing a supply shortage of the panel.

With the launch, the global premium TV market is in for serious competition.

While Samsung leads with more than 30 percent of the global TV market by sales, it trails its domestic rival, LG Electronics, a dominant player in the high-end OLED TV segment with more than 60 percent of the market.

Samsung has said it was working to diversify its premium TV lineup and create various form factors, and it has plans to release the premium 89-inch Micro LED TV after May. (Yonhap)