The various stories on Samsung QD-OLED over the last few days are confusing. From what I can tell is that the pilot line is continuing per plan while the final mass production investment decision is delayed.
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Samsung Display to regulate QD-OLED investment
Approval 2019.05.07 18:06
Preparing for 8.5G-based pilot test · Mass production expected after end of next year
· Entering large OLED market · Burdening customer difficulties
Samsung Display is expected to decide on QD-OLED large panel investment until early second quarter, but it is delayed. Samsung Display is expected to enter the large-size OLED market following small-to-medium-sized OLEDs, but it is deepening the anxiety. Even if the actual mass production is decided, the industry forecasts that the point will be at the end of next year.
An industry representative on the 7th said, "We know that Samsung Display is making 70-inch and 55-inch products at pilot level." The official production date is expected to be the end of next year or early 2021, "
Samsung Display is reportedly preparing to invest in converting the existing 8G LCD production line into a QD-OLED line this year. Japan's Canon Tokido is expected to complete its development by the end of this year to supply large OLED deposition equipment to Samsung Display in line with its pilot line investment. The industry expects that Samsung Display will convert one LCD production line to QD-OLED pilot production facilities this year.
"If we start to switch lines in the second half of the year, we will be able to operate one of the pilot lines next year," said Jung Woo-woo, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities.
In addition to the pilot line, it is also pointed out that investment in mass production lines can slow down investment rates in line with market conditions. It is pointed out that the barriers to entry into the large OLED market are high and it may be difficult for customers to secure large-scale new investments.
The industry is paying attention to Samsung Display's investment in 10.5-generation devices to mass-produce QD-OLEDs. The industry's preliminary observation is that Samsung Display will decide whether to invest in 10.5 generation through the investment deliberation committee last month.
An industry official explained, "The related investment deliberation committee was held in early April, and I know that I will report this to the vice chairman Lee Jae-yong this month." There is no decision yet on whether to invest in 10.5 generation. "
However, in the industry, Samsung Display is likely to slow down its investment in QD-OLED. Samsung Display, which has been focusing on small and mid-sized OLED development, has been barred from entering the business and it is inevitable that it will be hard to make large-scale investments without securing a clear client.
An official in the display industry said, "With Samsung Electronics announcing its strategy of going to micro LED and QLED two-track this year, Samsung Display may suddenly announce plans to launch QD-OLED business. I think there are many. "