Manufacturer and consumer demand for Ultra HD (4K) TVs remains strong, including 4K TV, wide viewing angle (WCG), high dynamic range (HDR) and other high-definition picture performance improvements. Despite overall sluggishness in LCD TV sales, on-year unit shipments of 4K TV panels are forecast to double in 2015, topping 40 million units. Ultra HD TVs are now expected to account for 40% of the total TV panel shipment area in 2016, according to IHS.
Demand for 4K panels has risen sharply, because they are suited for large screens. Consumers are also recognizing that higher pixel density provides a better viewing experience. At the same time, TV panel prices have fallen, after the display supply capacity received a boost from expansion in 8G facility lines at China-based panel producers.
"The increased supply of LCD TV panels has caused a downturn in panel prices, providing consumers with a cheaper selection of wide-screen TVs and whetting their appetite for even larger TVs with higher resolution," said Ricky Park, director of large display research for IHS Technology. "The consumer requirement for higher resolution will also grow, as more 4K TV video content becomes available."
Increased demand for UHD TV has led to the narrowing in the price gap. The average selling price for an open-cell 55-inch 4K LCD reached US$255 in September 2015, which is about 11% higher than a Full HD display, but sharply lower than 30% pricing gap a year ago.
