LG set to invest $2.8 billion in OLED tech by 2014
updated 06:45 pm EDT, Mon August 8, 2011
Production focused on 8.5-generation panels
LG is reportedly preparing to increase its investment in OLED technology, potentially bringing the funding up to approximately $2.83 billion by the second half of 2014. The company's display division is said to be readying a small run of OLED panels that will be utilized by LG Electronics for use in a 55-inch television that is expected to arrive on the market in mid-2012.
"LG Display's investment will be used to manufacture OEL panels using the so-called 8.5-generation glass substrates measuring about 220x250 cm," LG Display president Kwon Young-soo said, according to quotes posted in a Nikkei report (sub. required).
OLED panels typically provide improvements to color presentation, power efficiency and thinness compared to standard LCDs, however the technology so far has proven prohibitively expensive for large-scale production. An executive from panel maker AU Optronics recently claimed OLED TVs are not expected to be economically feasible for mas production until sometime in 2014.
A final decision regarding the $2.8 billion investment is said to hinge on sales numbers from the 55-inch sets. The company is reportedly aiming to reach sales of 30,000 per month before expanding its OLED TV offerings with other sizes, including a 40-inch variant.
LG's current 31-inch OLED TV carries a $9,200 price tag, however the company has yet to confirm a price for the 55-inch model. [via Reuters]
