Panasonic enters OLED TV market.

OLED televisions may become a catalyst to spur the lackluster Japanese market, with Panasonic releasing its entry Thursday -- adding to the lineup offered by Toshiba, Sony and South Korea's LG Electronics.

A Bic Camera store in Tokyo's Yurakucho area has a dedicated section with a wide variety of organic light-emitting diode TVs. Large-screen OLED TVs from the four manufacturers are displayed there.

"I didn't think the colors would be so clear," said a 33-year-old male shopper who left work early. "It feels more powerful than I expected." 

A 55-inch 4K ultrahigh definition model sells for around 540,000 yen ($4,872) for the Toshiba, Sony and Panasonic versions. One from LG is about 370,000 yen.

Right next to them are liquid-crystal display versions of 4K TVs -- priced between 100,000 yen and 200,000 yen. OLED versions cost at least double the LCD display equivalents for 55-inch products, according to Tokyo-based research company BCN.

Some shoppers were not sold on the new OLED TVs. A 60-something homemaker said she would take affordable prices over image quality.

But manufacturers and retailers consider OLED TVs to be the kind of centerpiece products not seen for a long time. Compared with the earlier shift from bulky cathode-ray tube TVs to flat-panel LCDs, the difference may not be so obvious. But the OLED is the first major milestone in technological evolution since the LCD.

The organic compounds in OLED TVs emit light themselves, so backlighting is not necessary -- unlike in LCDs. High contrast ratios and fast refresh rates make the technology well suited for watching movies and sports, and for playing games. And the thinness of OLED TVs, which could look like they are "pasted" on the wall, is another feature, said a Bic Camera clerk.

Bic Camera started offering discounts of up to 50,000 yen for certain models. Another retailer, K's Holdings, has set up OLED sections in all of its stores. Edion will expand dedicated sections.

More and more customers are using televisions to view online content. About 70% of Sony TV buyers watch online videos, and these consumers keep their TVs on 10 hours longer on average each month.

Sony President Kazuo Hirai says "the increased opportunities to watch videos have fueled the desire of some people to watch on large, high-quality screens."

In 2017, TV shipments in Japan are expected to increase 6% to 5.03 million units -- rising for the first time in three years -- according to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association.

The last big surge in TV sales was driven in part by a green-appliance subsidy program introduced in 2009. Many households that purchased TVs back then are now looking to upgrade to new models.

That televisions have evolved greatly since then also will spur demand for new, larger TVs with better image quality. Shipments are expected to reach 9 million in 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympics.

OLED TVs now cost about 10,000 yen per inch -- roughly the same price as large LCD TVs a decade ago, when they were new. The subsequent price drop of LCD TVs helped popularize them. It remains to be seen whether OLED TVs can catch the wave of widespread adoption. Meanwhile, some electronics retailers fear that LCD sales may slow further as people wait for OLED prices to come down.

The first LG OLED WebOS TV produced for Bang & Olufsen to be launched in 2017 for Smart Home integration.

Bang & Olufsen enters a strategic technology partnership with LG Electronics regarding development and production of Bang & Olufsen’s future TV.

Strategic partnership with LG Electronics Inc (”LG”)

As previously announced, Bang & Olufsen a/s ("Bang & Olufsen") initiated a review to identify strategic and structural options to increase scale and further reduce complexity within Bang & Olufsen.

As a result of this review, Bang & Olufsen has entered a strategic technology partnership with LG, one of the world’s largest producers of TVs and a technological frontrunner with its leading OLED technology and WebOS. The agreement entails that Bang & Olufsen will focus on its unique competencies within design, acoustics and smart home integration within TV development, and combine this with LG’s technological leadership within OLED technology.

“This partnership with LG will enable Bang & Olufsen to stay at the forefront of innovation in the TV category, a category which is currently undergoing significant change and which is very important to Bang & Olufsen. The partnership will address Bang & Olufsen’s key challenges related to scale and complexity”,says CEO Tue Mantoni.

The partnership will help solve a key strategic challenge as Bang & Olufsen will achieve technological capabilities and scale needed to improve the long-term profitability of the company. The partnership will allow Bang & Olufsen to focus on core competencies within acoustics and design, while further optimising the company’s supply chain, development, production and service.

The first OLED TV produced by LG for Bang & Olufsen as a result of the partnership is expected to be launched in 2017. Further, the partnership involves collaboration in other areas such as license and product bundle activities.

As a consequence of the partnership, Bang & Olufsen expects to improve gross margins and reduce capacity costs. The agreement has an annual savings potential of DKK 150-200m when fully implemented over the next three years. As such, the partnership is an important step towards achieving the financial targets set out for 2017/18 of an EBIT-margin of approximately 7 per cent and a positive free cash flow.

As a result of the partnership Bang & Olufsen expects to realize restructuring costs of DKK 10 to 15 million, of which up to DKK 5 million will be realized in the fourth quarter of 2015/16. The restructuring costs have not been included in the current outlook for the 2015/16 financial year.

Dialogue regarding a potential launch of a takeover offer.

In continuation of company announcement no. 15.07 dated 26 November 2015, Bang & Olufsen can inform that a dialogue is ongoing with one potential offeror that may or may not lead to an offer for the whole or part of the issued share capital of Bang & Olufsen.

At present, Bang & Olufsen has not entered into any binding commitments, and uncertainty remains as to the outcome of the dialogue with the potential offeror.

Ole Andersen                                                              Tue Mantoni

Chairman of the Board                                                CEO

For further information, please contact:

Investors: Claus Højmark Jensen, tel: +45 9684 1251

Press: Jan Helleskov, tel: +45 5164 5375 

Beolink SmartHome

Europe: LG OLED TV (WebOS powered) wins for 3rd consecutive year the EISA Awards BEST PRODUCT.

Widely Praised LG G3 Smartphone Also Receives Recognition

from Region’s Top Media

LG Electronics (LG)  announced in August 15th, 2014,  that its 4K OLED TV, Smart⁺ TV, SoundPlate and its flagship LG G3 smartphone have been recognized by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) 2014-2015 Awards. As the only company with three consecutive EISA awards for its OLED TV technology, LG’s leadership in the home entertainment category was solidified by its latest accomplishment.

LG’s 77-inch 4K OLED TV (model 77EC980V), the winner of EISA’s European High-End TV 2014-2015 award, is the first to incorporate 4K resolution with a state-of-the-art OLED display that features WRGB technology. This combination of the latest in advanced display technology ensures sharp, detailed images and infinite contrast ratio. The ergonomically curved screen of 4K OLED TV delivers an immersive viewing experience and a wide viewing angle. And thanks to LG’s Tru 4K Engine Pro, the 77EC980V can upscale lower resolution content to near Ultra HD picture quality.

The European Smart TV 2014-2015 award winner, LG 55-inch Smart⁺ TV (model 55LB870V) offers crisp, clear Full HD images with accurate colors, deep contrast and a wide viewing angle. Along with its groundbreaking webOS platform, the 55LB870V provides a simple and intuitive user experience with quick, easy access to a world of entertainment. Additionally, the ultra slim bezels of LG’s CINEMA SCREEN Design give the Smart⁺ TV a stylish, almost borderless appearance that allows viewers to feel closer to the action on the screen.

EISA’s European HT Soundbase 2014-2015 award was bestowed on the LG SoundPlate (model LAB540). Designed to fit conveniently and unobtrusively under a TV, the slim SoundPlate is a complete all-in-one home entertainment solution. In addition to its robust 4.1 channel, 320W home theater surround sound system which includes an active wireless subwoofer, the LAB540 offers a built-in 3D Blu-ray player and Smart TV functionality. It also supports Bluetooth, allowing users to effortlessly stream audio files from external devices.

The highly acclaimed LG G3 was also honored by EISA this year, receiving the European Advanced Smartphone Award for 2014-2015. The LG G3 set a new precedent as a device developed primarily from consumer feedback and its philosophy, Simple is the New Smart. Its breathtaking Quad HD display and 13MP OIS+ camera with Laser Auto Focus were designed to quickly and easily capture and show life’s special moments. The proprietary software found in the LG G3 features innovations such as Smart Keyboard, Smart Notice and Knock Code^TM for a simply convenient, simply clever and simply safer user experience.

“It is a great thrill and honor to have our products recognized by an organization as widely respected as EISA,” said Hyun-hwoi Ha, president and CEO of LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “LG will continue to push the limits of technology and design in our effort to meet the needs of consumers around the world who look to LG to deliver the best that the industry has to offer.”

EISA is an association made up of 50 member publications from 20 European countries, dedicated to covering the latest in sound and imaging technology. Announced annually, the EISA Awards recognize the best consumer audio and video products in six different categories: Audio, Video, Home Theater, Photography, In-car Electronics and Mobile Devices. Awards are bestowed upon new products that embody the best combination of advanced technology, features, design, ergonomics and value for money.

CES2013: LG Shows Its First OLED TV With Curved Screen.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesus.

LG Shows Its First OLED TV With Curved Screen.

New OLED TV Underscores LG's Status as Technology and Design Frontrunner/

LG Electronics (LG) today demonstrated its continued OLED TV market leadership with a revolutionary curved model, the EA9800, shown for the first time here today at the 2013 International CES. Featuring proprietary WRGB technology, the incredibly thin display features a dramatic curved design and a vivid picture quality that is practically indiscernible from colors found in nature.

The unique new EA9800 model features the industry's very first curved screen ergonomic design with full CINEMA 3D support. With a gentle inward flex, the entire screen surface is equidistant from the viewer's eyes, removing the problem of screen-edge visual distortion and detail loss. Availability and pricing were not announced.

"LG is the first to launch the 55-inch OLED TV," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG's Home Entertainment Company. "We believe our new OLED TVs offer the ultimate viewing experience, surpassing anything seen before. The new curved model complements our core OLED TV family with a unique design that capitalizes on the thinness of the screen and the aesthetic beauty of OLED TV."

LG's OLED TVs produce astoundingly vivid and realistic pictures, thanks to superior WRGB technology. This unique Four-Color Pixel system features a white sub-pixel, which works in conjunction with the conventional RGB setup to create the perfect color output. The built-in Color Refiner delivers even greater tonal enhancement, resulting in images that are more vibrant and natural than anything seen before. The 55-inch OLED TV also offers an infinite contrast ratio, which maintains optimal contrast levels regardless of ambient brightness or viewing angle. To complement the infinite contrast ratio and enable the richest color and deepest black expression, the High Dynamic Range (HDR) algorithm has been incorporated. This technology also ensures contrast ratio consistency and maximum color separation.

As OLEDs generate their own light, there is no need for a separate backlight, enabling LG OLED TVs to boast a significantly reduced weight and depth, and a stylish, minimal appearance. The EA9800's streamlined, ultra-modern design and curved screen remove any hint of visual distraction to maximize the viewing experience. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) has been implemented to further reduce unit weight and add additional strength to the beautifully curved screen. The OLED TV's sleek styling and slim profile complement the stunning images brought about by LG's WRGB technology, helping to create what is truly the ultimate immersive viewing experience.

LG's Paper Slim design effectively unifies screen and stand into a seamless aesthetic entity. Meanwhile, CINEMA SCREEN Design elements result in a narrow screen bezel which is practically invisible to the naked eye. A minimal bezel helps to produce a truly immersive 2D and 3D viewing experience. For installation versatility, the new model also ships with an easy-to-mount wall bracket that allows a single person to complete the entire installation. With less than a one-inch gap between wall and TV, LG's design masterpiece can now be displayed like a true work of art.

Additionally, Smart Touch Control further differentiates LG's OLED TV designs from competing models. This new feature results in a more attractive appearance and a better control experience. Located below the screen, the sliding touch key provides the user with an intuitive and elegant way to control the OLED TVs basic functions, such as changing channels and volume, and powering on or off.

LG's OLED TVs combine the company's industry-leading CINEMA 3D technology with Smart TV capabilities, creating the most immersive and comprehensive home entertainment experience possible.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solution – and is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year. 

About LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company

The LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company is a global top player in televisions, monitors, commercial displays, audio video systems, personal computers and security systems. The company constantly pushes technological boundaries to create feature-rich devices with stylish designs that meet global consumer needs. LG's consumer products include CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, OLED TVs, IPS monitors, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc™ players, car audio video systems, mouse scanners and external storage devices. LG's commercial products include digital signage, video conferencing systems and IP security cameras.

SOURCE LG Electronics

2012: Samsung and LG unlikely to sell Apple OLED panel TVs. iTV delayed, waiting to Sharp.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

The chance is low for Apple to launch so-called iTV products in the second quarter of 2012 as there are no signs indicating that Sharp is ready to ship IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) panels to Apple.

Apple reportedly has sought to source IGZO panels from Sharp for the production of iTVs as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which unveiled their 55-inch Super OLED and AMOLED TV models, respectively, at CES, both have regarded OLED TVs are their killer products for 2012, and therefore the two Korea-based companies are unlikely to share OLED panel production capacities with Apple.

Although Sharp's 8G lines are able to produce panels in 32- 46- and even 55-inch sizes, the Japan-based panel maker seems unready to start shipping the IGZO panels needed for the production of iTV sets.

 Additionally, yield rates of Sharp's IGZO panels are also a major concern.

CES 2012: LG Display Announces World's Largest OLED TV Panel 55"

WorldWide ech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

LG Display Announces World's Largest OLED TV Panel

55" Panel to Advance Popularization of OLED TV Market

Seoul, Korea (December 26, 2011) – LG Display [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220], a leading innovator of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) technology, today announced that it has developed the world's largest 55-inch OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diodes) TV panel. The 55-inch panel is a significant step forward in the popularization of OLED TVs and demonstrates the effective application of AM OLED technology to larger panel sizes at a more cost efficient level.

"Our objective has always been to actively define and lead emerging display technology markets," said Dr. Sang Beom Han, CEO and Executive Vice President of LG Display. "Although OLED technology is seen as the future of TV display, the technology has been limited to smaller display sizes and by high costs, until now. LG Display's 55-inch OLED TV panel has overcome these barriers."

Superior Image Quality in an Ultra Thin Design

LG Display's 55" OLED TV panel produces remarkable image quality with no after image due to its high reaction velocity, as well as high contrast ratio of over 100,000:1 and wider color gamut than that produced by LCD panels.

OLED, a medium that controls pixels is a departure from LCD panels which utilize liquid crystals. The new technology allows light emitting diodes to self-generate light and features a reaction velocity to electric signals over 1000 times faster than liquid crystal.

The environmentally conscious will also appreciate LG Display's 55" OLED TV panel. While light sources in backlight units, like LCD panels, must always be kept on, the OLED panel allows diodes to be turned on or off which enables lower power consumption than conventional LCD panels.

With no need for a special light source, LG Display's 55" OLED TV panel is also able to utilize a simplified structure thinner than that of a pen (5mm), and lighter than LCD panels. The panel's minimalist structure also allows for the realization of unique design elements.

Advancing the Popularization of OLED TVs

Although industry watchers anticipate OLED as the future of TV display, to date, the technology has faced challenges due to limitations on the sizes of displays it can be applied to and a high level of investment required. LG Display has successfully addressed these issues with its 55" OLED TV panel.

The panel adopts an Oxide TFT technology for backplane which is different from a Low Temperature Poly Silicon (LTPS) type generally used in existing small-sized OLED panels. The Oxide TFT type that LG Display utilizes is similar to the existing TFT process, with the simple difference lying in replacing Amorphous Silicon with Oxide. Moreover, the Oxide TFT type produces identical image quality to high performance of LTPS base panels at significantly reduced investment levels.

Additionally, LG Display uses White OLED (WOLED). WOLED vertically accumulates red, green, and blue diodes. With white color light emitting from the diode, it displays screen information through color layers below the TFT base panel, which leads to a lower error rate, higher productivity, and a clearer Ultra Definition screen via the benefits of small pixels. Further, it is possible to realize identical colors in diverse angles via color information displayed through a thin layer. Lower electricity consumption in web browsing environments for smart TVs is another key strength of WOLED.

Showing at CES 2012

The world's first 55" OLED TV panel from LG Display will be made available for showing to select media and customers at a private booth starting on January 9 in Las Vegas through the end of CES 2012. For information regarding a product tour, please contact the individuals listed below.

About LG Display

LG Display Co., Ltd. [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220] is a leading manufacturer and supplier of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, OLEDs and flexible displays. The company provides TFT-LCD panels in a wide range of sizes and specifications for use in TVs, monitors, notebook PCs, mobile products and other various applications. LG Display currently operates eight fabrication facilities and five back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China and Poland. The company has a total of 55,000 employees operating worldwide. Please visit http://www.lgdisplay.com for more information.

LG to unleash 31-inch 3D OLED TV

LG's 31-inch 3D OLED TV at IFA 2010

LG is expanding its OLED TV line-up with a 31-inch, 3D capable model on show at IFA 2010. The new, super-slim 3D TV will join the company's existing 15-inch model on the market next year and LG says it plans to extend the range even further during 2011.
The 31-inch model is billed as the world's slimmest OLED TV at 2.9cm (1.14-inches) thick and uses passive glasses for 3D viewing. It boasts an "infinite contrast ratio" (the 15-inch is specced at 10,000,000:1), full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), can be viewed from any angle and comes with a folding stand.
OLED TVs have been on the radar as the next big thing in display technology for some time. They offer great contrast, incredible brightness and with no need for backlighting, they are amazingly thin. Sony launched its 11-inch XEL-1 OLED television two years ago, but delayed the release of a planned larger model.

So what's holding back OLED TV? The simple answer is cost. The 11-inch XEL-1 sells for around US$2500 and LG's 15-inch model costs around the same (2000 euro is the expected price in Germany). That's quite an outlay for a small screen, and the 31-inch 3D model is unlikely to come cheap (we've been given a ballpark price of 5000 euros but this is by no means official). It follows that the initial market for these screens will probably be commercial, but once production increases let's hope that prices fall to a realistic level for consumers. Once you've had a taste of these fantastic screens with their amazing sharpness, bright colors, unbeatably black blacks and very impressive 3D performance, you'll want one... I know I do.