China and Korea panel makers have plans to produce 48- and 49-inch TV panels in 2014 on their 8.5G lines, with some makers expected to also produce Ultra HD TV panel technology in the same sizes.
Market observers believe the makers are looking to challenge 50-inch panels, which currently reach about one million units a month in shipments. Taiwan-based AU Optronics (AUO) and Innolux are responsible for most of the shipments.
In response to such moves, AUO president Paul Peng said that there are already 13 panel sizes in the market within the 32- to 65-inch TV panel range and that it is still too early to tell whether the sizes will pose challenges for 50-inch units.
LG Display is expected to produce 49-inch units in the first quarter of 2014 while Samsung Display is expected to produce 49-inch units.
