News Article
LED-backlit TVs 'will not be bolstered by one manufacturer only'
LED-backlit TVs are now available at the entry level, meaning that such an application of semiconductor technology will not fall under the remit of one, large manufacturer.
The global lighting market is set to be transformed by light emitting diode (LED) semiconductors as they move from being used in one small part of TV remote controls to illuminating TV screens themselves, it has been reported.
While LED-backlit TVs were at first available at a premium price only, the opening up of the semiconductor technology means that the LED-supported devices are also available at entry-level, the Financial Times stated.
According to Simon Kang, president of LG's home entertainment division, this means that not one single manufacturer will be able to take the lead in the supply of LED-backed TVs and the semiconductor technology will become "universal".
LEDs offer better contrast and brightness, can allow slimmer screens to be made and enable energy savings. The technology has progressed from their introduction in 1962 as a low-intensity red light to semiconductors which contain combined chips that produce different colours, the newspaper explained.
"In the general illumination market we are now on the verge of that hockey stick [curve of growth] "¦ with the explosion of the backlighting industry," semiconductor analyst with Lazard Capital Markets Daniel Amir said.
A recent report by IMS Research noted that the functionality of LEDs makes them more of an attractive investment for the hazardous area equipment market.
