SEOUL, Jan 9 (Yonhap) — Global sales of quantum dot TVs, one of the most-watched sectors at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), are expected to exceed 18 million units in 2018, a report showed Friday, emerging as the key area in the world's display industry.
The combined shipment of quantum dot TVs is predicted to hit 1.3 million units this year, and gradually expand to reach 5 million units in 2016, the report released by DisplaySearch showed. The market tracker expected the number will jump to 12 million units in 2017.
Quantum dot refers to a semiconductor nanostructure that improves brightness, visibility and power efficiency of displays. Tech players say TVs using the technology can display over 1 billion colors, 64 times more than other models currently being sold on the market.
By region, the sales growth in China is expected to outpace those of other areas, followed by North America, Western Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
The world's top TV maker, Samsung Electronics Co., introduced its first mass-produced quantum dot TVs at this year's CES, showing off 65-, 78- and 88-inch screens. The company said the models are ready to go on sale next month.
Samsung's smaller rival LG Electronics Inc. also showcased 55-inch and 65-inch UHD TVs that have applied the quantum dot technology, along with other major players from Japan and China.
The market for TVs with curved displays, which came under the spotlight at last year's CES, on the other hand, is expected to lose grounds amid the rise of the new challenger.
The combined global shipment of curved TVs, which is anticipated to hover around 8.2 million units annually over the 2016-2017 period, is estimated to fall below the 8-million mark in 2018, the researcher added. (Yonhap)
