Samsung’s New QLED Display Tech Aims to Cut TV Prices
Samsung is teaming up with Hansol Chemical to develop a more cost-effective quantum dot (QD) film for its QLED TVs. This initiative is designed to maintain high picture quality while reducing manufacturing costs.
Simplifying QD Film Structure
Current QLED TVs utilize a complex QD film structure:
- The existing design includes multiple layers, notably two costly barrier films.
- Structure: Barrier film – PET – QD layer – PET – Barrier film.
These barrier films account for roughly 40% of the QD film’s cost and are sourced from Japan’s Dainippon Printing (DNP).
New Cost-Saving Design in Development
The proposed QD film structure eliminates the barrier films:
- New structure: PET – QD layer – PET.
- The challenge lies in protecting the QD layer without these protective films.
Samsung’s solution involves coating each quantum dot individually to resist moisture and oxygen exposure. However, the cost-effectiveness of this approach remains to be proven.
Potential Market Impact
If successful, this innovation could:
- Significantly lower QLED TV prices.
- Reduce Samsung’s reliance on imported barrier film materials.
- Enhance production efficiency.
Applicability and Timeline
It’s important to note this change applies only to QLED TVs, not QD-OLED models, which use a different film process.
Industry insiders say this technology has been in research for years, but mass production is still some time away.
- A successful rollout would position Samsung to be more competitive in the global TV market while keeping costs down for consumers.
