AU Optronics (AUO) expects the development of TV panels to have a strong focus on Ultra HD and curved applications equipped with wide color gamut (WCG) technology in 2015, according to company president Paul Peng.
Innolux meanwhile has noted it expects similar developments, with a focus on NTSC 100% Ultra HD units sized primarily between 50- to 85-inch that will be shipped to Japan-based customers.
In terms of handset panels, AUO noted that roughly 70% of its shipments for smartphone panels in 2015 will be for Full HD and WQHD units sized 5-inch and above.
Peng added China handset vendors are increasingly interested in using higher-end panels in new units released, including Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei Device, and that some vendors are likely to use LTPS TFT LCD technology.
Between AUO's Singapore and Taiwan facilities, the company currently produces about 52,000 substrates of LTPS TFT LCD panels and may further expand production depending on customer demand, said Peng, adding that AUO is also focusing on production of a-Si panels to meet mid-range handset demand.
Peng also said he believes tablet panels will move more toward the 8- to 12-inch range, and that more 2-in-1 units are expected to appear in the market.
