Abstract
Following two years of OLED panel plant closures and takeovers, 2007 saw the breakthrough in AM-OLED technology. With Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers kicking off volume production of small and medium-sized AM-OLED panel, and with Sony launching new TV models that use AM-OLED panel, AM-OLED has become a major focus of attention, and is widely considered to have significant growth potential. This report will present the development of this new-generation panel technology, the obstacles in terms of technology development, and the challenges that manufacturers will face in the future. Leading AM-OLED panel makers' strategies and Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese manufacturers' market development will also be discussed.
Of the various different flat-panel display technologies that have been developed so far, OLED is the most mature, with the exception of the existing TFT-LCD and PDP technologies. With its fast response time, high contrast, wide viewing angle, and thin, lightweight construction, OLED is a next-generation panel technology to which leading panel makers are attaching a great deal of importance.
In the past, the OLED panel market was dominated by small-sized PM-OLED panel products. However, there has been a gradual shift towards AM-OLED technology, which panel makers believe will eventually be used in the production of large-sized panel for TV sets. 2007 is an important year in the development of the AM-OLED industry, with several manufacturers achieving technology breakthroughs and commencing volume production. 2007 has also seen the emergence of new applications for AM-OLED panel, including TV applications.
Although the AM-OLED industry is only just getting off the ground, with many technical obstacles still to be overcome, many makers have started investing in the development of TV applications for AM-OLED panel. Korean and Taiwanese panel makers have also continued to improve the quality of their small and medium-sized AM-OLED panel. As manufacturers devote more resources to AM-OLED panel development, in the future the price-performance ratio of AM-OLED panel is expected to be superior to that of TFT-LCD panel.
Appendix
List of Companies
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AUO |
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友達 |
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CMEL |
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奇晶光電 |
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Epson |
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Kodak |
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Kolon |
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LG |
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Lightronik |
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聯宗 |
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Opto Tech |
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光磊 |
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OSRAM |
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Pioneer |
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Ritek Display |
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錸寶 |
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Sanyo |
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SDI |
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Sony |
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TDK |
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TECO Optronics |
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東元激光 |
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TMD |
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Toppoly |
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統寶 |
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Toshiba |
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UDC |
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Univision |
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悠景 |