CES 2018 Samsung pushes for two-track TV strategy
Han Jong-hee, president at Samsung Electronics’ visual display business unit, introduces the firm’s The Wall TV featuring its micro LED technology, during the Samsung First Look 2018 press conference in Las Vegas, Sunday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electro
By Lee Min-hyung
LAS VEGAS — Samsung Electronics will push ahead with a two-track strategy in its flagship TV business by adding its micro-level light-emitting diode (LED) lineup to its existing quantum dot LED (QLED) TVs, the company said.
The announcement came while the company launches its 146-inch premium TV, The Wall, on Sunday (local time), a day before the beginning of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 here.
The Wall, powered by the firm’s micro LED technology, will be a game changer in the TV industry, as its visual output is second to none among existing displays, according to Samsung. The product uses micrometer-sized LEDs and does not require a backlight, which is its biggest difference from conventional LED TVs.
Samsung explained it developed The Wall to overcome setbacks over the limited sizes of its QLED TVs.
“We have so far suffered setbacks in expanding sizes of LCD TVs. Most large LCD TVs were 65 inches and 75 inches, but the micro LED TVs can overcome the size issue,” Han Jong-hee, president of Samsung Electronics’ visual display business unit, said at a press conference.
“The Wall is the result of our advanced LED- and chip-making technology, and is the pinnacle of picture quality. We also plan to add artificial intelligence or our source technologies to the TV.”
The product will be available on the market no later than this year, with Samsung set to expand its market share next year.
Samsung said the micro LED screen comes with outstanding features in terms of lighting efficiency, lifecycle and power consumption, with the company identifying it the next-generation display standard.
Another feature of the device is its modular design. This means users can assemble and change the screen size and shape, depending on their own needs.
Han also shared his views on its electronics competitors.
“As far as I know, Apple is focusing on wearables and small mobile devices in terms of micro LED technology, and Sony also has competitive edges in the technology,” he said.