A new series of monitors that feature ultra-high (4Kx2K) resolutions are expected to hit markets at the end of 2012, according to industry sources.
Sources have yet to specify the company that will be releasing the monitors but claim that it is an US-based company. The sources revealed there will be a 32-inch monitor that uses IGZO panel technology and has 140ppi. The device will reportedly be released in the fourth quarter with a price tag of US$25,000 and will be targeted for use in primarily the medical and government sectors.
Sources also said IGZO technology is increasingly gaining attention from panel makers and consumer electronics makers. It is predicted the technology will be the new standard for panels used in handsets, tablets and notebooks and will most likely start appearing in those devices throughout the next year in order to compete with AMOLED technology.
Market observers have been speculating over the past year as to the challenges AMOLED and IGZO panel makers are facing. Both technologies still have high production costs but it appears that IGZO technology is dropping faster in price as previous 32-inch 4Kx2K monitors have already decreased from US$40,000 in price. Meanwhile, high-end TVs that use AMOLED panels still have yet to drop from their rumored price tag of US$10,000, indicating that AMOLED panel makers such as LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics still have a long way to go before they slash AMOLED product prices, added observers.
Sources also said that Sharp and Foxconn's recent collaboration shows that the companies are gearing up to tackle the IGZO market and counter-balance competition from Korea-based AMOLED makers.
