Abstract

Product Application Limited by Brightness Performance

Due to the characteristics of light-emitting materials such as fluorescence and phosphorescence, AM-OLED has shown better performance than LCD in terms of wide viewing angle, contrast ratio, color saturation, and response speed.

In the crucial brightness performance, AM-OLED still has not shown significant progress. Although small- and medium-size applications have developed from 200 nits to 300 nits, large-size applications remained in the range of 200 nits to 250 nits.

As a result, major sizes for AM-OLED display applications merely expanded to under 9.x". Application products in this range include mobile phone, digital still camera, MP3 player, PND, portable TV, and digital photo frame.

As the brightness of 10.x" and larger AM-OLED display products still cannot reach over 350 nits, AM-OLED cannot cross over into the mainstream application fields of TV, notebook PC, monitors, and automotive displays. At present, 10.x" and larger AM-OLED display products are still in the development stage and cannot enter mass production.

According to Kodak's research published at SID 2009, the enhancement of brightness and display lifespan can be achieved through reduction of color saturation. If such a trade-off is an inevitable technological option, AM-OLED will lose its advantage in high color saturation and thereby lose its chance to compete with TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor LCD) as a mainstream FPD technology.

Korean Companies Lead Technology Development in High Brightness and New Display Features

For the four companies showcasing AM-OLED display products at SID 2009, they have averaged a score of 5.4 in technology assessment. Samsung led the pack with the highest score of 5.6.

Samsung's AM-OLED products showed significant edge over other companies' AM-OLED products in the key indicators of high brightness, touch functions, 3-D imaging, and flexible substrate.

Overall, Korean companies remained the industry leaders in technology performance, especially in terms of high brightness and development of other new display features.

Appendix

Research Scope

This report analyzes AM-OLED display products showcased at the SID Display Week 2009, held in the US city of San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from May 31 to June 5. This analysis sheds more light on technology and product development of participating AM-OLED display vendors.

Glossary of Terms

List of Companies