In the evolving landscape of high-generation LCD panel production lines, China has transitioned from a reactive follower to an active leader. Investments in the 10.5-generation line have reshaped the global LCD panel industry dynamics. However, alongside mainstream TFT-LCDs, display technologies are diversifying, including OLEDs, QLEDs, printed displays, Micro LEDs, and laser displays. Professor Guan Xudong from Peking University emphasized the importance of guarding against the potential impact of alternative display technologies on liquid crystals while advocating for robust research into forward-looking technologies, particularly non-liquid crystal displays. He questioned which emerging technology would best serve China's future display needs.
OLED technology has received significant state backing in the production of LCD panels. Over the past couple of years, large-screen TVs have become a dominant trend in the market. Currently, 55-inch TVs dominate the domestic market, with 65 inches soon to follow. Projections indicate that LCD TVs over 65 inches might constitute around 8.7% of the market in 2018, rising to 10% by 2020.
Facing this shift toward larger TV sizes, global panel manufacturers are rushing to establish ultra-high-generation LCD panel production lines (10 generations or more). Following BOE and Huaxing Optoelectronics' investments in such lines, companies like Foxconn, LGD, Weike, and CEC have also initiated similar layouts. Globally, there are eight LCD panel production lines exceeding the 10th generation.
Compared to these LCD initiatives, China's ultra-high-generation OLED production lines remain undeveloped. Nonetheless, domestic panel manufacturers have begun exploring printed OLED technology. As Changchang Chang, a senior consultant at TCL Research Institute, noted, producing small OLEDs via the vapor deposition method is effective, but scaling to large sizes presents yield and cost challenges, prompting Samsung to halt such efforts. Instead, printing processes promise cost reductions. In 2012, Yan Xiaolin of TCL first proposed printing displays as a breakthrough in large OLED technology in China.
By 2014, Guangdong Province established the Printing Display Technology Innovation Alliance, leveraging industry giants and academic expertise. This was followed by the creation of a public R&D platform for printed OLED technology and the founding of Guangdong Juhua Printing Display Technology Co., Ltd.
China has also prioritized printing OLED technology in its "13th Five-Year Plan," including it as a key R&D project. National new material initiatives have similarly incorporated printing OLED technology.
In 2016, Guangdong Juhua collaborated with U.S. firms like DuPont, Sumitomo Chemical, Nissan Chemical, and Kodak to tailor materials and equipment for their printed OLED development efforts.
Zhu Changchang highlighted that Huaxing Optoelectronics, Guangzhou New Vision Optoelectronics, and Fuzhou University have successfully produced 31-inch FHD printed OLED samples. Juhua's factory in Guangzhou Science City is nearing completion and is set to begin equipment testing by the end of August.
While China lags in laser display technology compared to global counterparts, its laser display market is thriving, driven by domestic brands like Hisense and Changhong. Companies like Xiaomi, Sony, and others are also investing heavily. Xu Lixin from the University of Science and Technology of China noted that China's laser display technology is on par with global standards, excelling in optical engines, speckle reduction, and light efficiency, whereas foreign competitors lead in driver chips and semiconductor light sources.
Hisense's laser optical engine is 100% self-developed, with 70% of the total cost under its control. Changhong has accelerated its laser display production line, with an annual capacity of 150,000 units. The industry is now focusing on full-color laser projection technology, synthesizing white light using narrow-band red, green, and blue lasers, achieving true "full-color" laser displays. Hisense plans to release full-color laser TVs next year.
Micro LED has garnered significant interest in recent years. Many companies are also exploring QLEDs, holographic displays, and others. Early Micro LED research dates back to 2006 when Hong Kong University of Science and Technology developed passive-driving Micro-LED arrays. Recent advancements include resolutions up to 1700 ppi and pixel pitches of 12 microns.
Hu Chunming from the China Optics and Optoelectronics Industry Association noted that China's LCD dominance remains strong, with the first 10.5-generation production lines ensuring a competitive edge. Guan Xudong emphasized large-size LCDs as China's current strength, with BOE and Huaxing securing first-mover advantages. Despite concerns about excess LCD capacity, exporting large-size panels and embracing 8K technology could sustain China's leadership.
Yan Yi stressed the need for downstream applications to drive innovation, suggesting 4K and 8K developments as viable paths. China must also address core technology gaps and patent challenges, such as those posed by German firm Merck.
In emerging displays, printing OLEDs represent a promising opportunity. Four global camps—China, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.—are competing, with China leading in research. Micro LED and laser displays also hold significant potential, though challenges remain. Overall, China's strategic focus on non-liquid crystal technologies, particularly Micro LED, could secure its position in the display industry's future.
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