LED manufacturers cost control pressure for has not eased as TV retail prices continue to drop. Low priced direct- type LED TVs are projected to become mainstream in 2014. LED manufacturers also plan continual release of low-cost solutions. Taiwanese manufacturers are optimistic about flip chip products ability to expand beam angle and conduct higher voltage electric currents, with Taiwanese manufacturers such as Epistar and Forepi leading the way in introducing flip chips into large sized backlight applications.
Penetration rates for direct- type LED backlight TVs is estimated to rise to 60 percent in 2014, 20 percent for OD15-20 slim direct- type TV and 80 percent will be for OD 25-30. With LED prices having lowered substantially over the past two to three years, LED manufacturers have opted for a more technological approach to combat current price bottleneck by beginning authorization processes for large backlight products installed with flip chips.
Flip-chip products have the advantage of wide beam angles and ability to conduct high voltage electric currents. Manufacturers hope that by introducing flip-chips into direct- type LED TVs, the amount of chips used can be further reduced, and cut backlight costs. Introduction into direct- type LED TVs is gaining momentum among Taiwanese chip manufacturers.
Epistar’s ELC package free product was the earliest to be introduced into direct-type TVs in 2013. The product was able to successfully reduce the number of chips used through flip-chip technology. ELC has already gone through authorization and is projected to be incorporated into the new direct-view type LED TV models next year. FOREPI has also developed flip-chip products in 2013 with product samples certified by client s and are estimated to begin mass shipment in the beginning of 2014.
