Quantum Dot TV by 2020
According to Taiwan based Witsview, despite the use of quantum dots as an enhancement to LED backlight and color filter technology in some LCD TVs currently. The difference here is that Witsview is speaking about the self-emitting material being used to generate light itself, rather than convert light produced by other sources. This ‘third phase’ in the evolution of QD’s is the goal of all QD developers as it would be the basis for a competitive display process that would directly compete with LCD and OLED, particularly in the TV market.
While Samsung (005930.KS) has adopted QDs as it ‘marketing’ flavor of the year, the technology is still in early stages of development and is used currently to enhance the color quality of LED backlight systems with a QD film (direct backlight) or bar (edge lit backlight) on high-end TVs. The next step in the commercialization of QDs would be using the materials to replace existing LED phosphors, eliminating the need for additional films, but a number of hurdles need to be met in order for this ‘second phase’ to begin. LEDs generate heat and QDs are sensitive to heat, hence the incorporation of QDs currently in a film or bar, but the direct placement of QDs as phosphors directly on LEDs has been problematic thus far, and in some cases the materials contain hazardous substances (Cadmium) in order to gain efficiency. While most CE players focus on Cadmium-free QDs, they have a tendency to have slightly more desirable characteristics than those without Cadmium.
The ultimate goal (third phase) in the QD timeline would be using the materials as self-emitting ‘pixels’ similar to the way OLED materials are used. Unfortunately QD material science has yet to overcome a number of additional issues that would need to be solved for such a commercialization, and we believe this is what Witsview has referenced. While little new was added in the article, a 2020 timeframe for the commercialization of QD TVs would mean the industry has only 2.75 years to meet the more stringent requirements needed for a self-generating material, and while there is certainly significant R&D being done in the space, that seems a very aggressive goal. We are not saying that it can’t be done, and much of that development would be from Samsung, if they are truly convinced that QDs are more than a marketing tool, but timelines tend to be adjusted outward rather than inward, and the QD timeline id no different. We like the technology itself, and anything that can stimulate the display industry is good, but hard dates have a tendency to lead to disappointment.
While Samsung (005930.KS) has adopted QDs as it ‘marketing’ flavor of the year, the technology is still in early stages of development and is used currently to enhance the color quality of LED backlight systems with a QD film (direct backlight) or bar (edge lit backlight) on high-end TVs. The next step in the commercialization of QDs would be using the materials to replace existing LED phosphors, eliminating the need for additional films, but a number of hurdles need to be met in order for this ‘second phase’ to begin. LEDs generate heat and QDs are sensitive to heat, hence the incorporation of QDs currently in a film or bar, but the direct placement of QDs as phosphors directly on LEDs has been problematic thus far, and in some cases the materials contain hazardous substances (Cadmium) in order to gain efficiency. While most CE players focus on Cadmium-free QDs, they have a tendency to have slightly more desirable characteristics than those without Cadmium.
The ultimate goal (third phase) in the QD timeline would be using the materials as self-emitting ‘pixels’ similar to the way OLED materials are used. Unfortunately QD material science has yet to overcome a number of additional issues that would need to be solved for such a commercialization, and we believe this is what Witsview has referenced. While little new was added in the article, a 2020 timeframe for the commercialization of QD TVs would mean the industry has only 2.75 years to meet the more stringent requirements needed for a self-generating material, and while there is certainly significant R&D being done in the space, that seems a very aggressive goal. We are not saying that it can’t be done, and much of that development would be from Samsung, if they are truly convinced that QDs are more than a marketing tool, but timelines tend to be adjusted outward rather than inward, and the QD timeline id no different. We like the technology itself, and anything that can stimulate the display industry is good, but hard dates have a tendency to lead to disappointment.
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