According to NPD DisplaySearch global 4K (also known as Ultra HD) LCD TV panel shipments will reach 2.6 million units in 2013, up by over 40X from just 63000 in 2012.

TFT LCD panel suppliers are critical for 4K LCD TV adoption, providing cost-effective technologies (such as high-transmittance cell designs, high-output integrated circuits, high-efficiency backlights and integrated up-scaling circuits) to meet anticipated market demand for such displays.

Innolux Corp. is the most aggressive panel manufacturer to date, with a full line-up of 4K ranging from 39- to 85-inch in size. Other panel makers (AUO, LG Display, Samsung, Sharp) appear to be concentrating more on 50-, 55-/58-, and 65-inch panels-- the sizes expected to ship the highest volumes.

Panel makers are also accelerating 4K panel adoption through the strengthening of relationships with LCD TV brands, with more aggressive manufacturing and sales efforts.

The analyst remarks “4K LCD TV is the newest TV technology available, and in order for it to be successful, it will be critical for the supply chain to avoid falling behind when making their purchases, even if content is still scarce. Some panel makers are also working with design houses to develop circuits built into the panel, to enable up-scaling of HD to 4K content. This will help to drive the 4K LCD TV market and encourage panel makers, especially those that have already started design-in work with TV brands in 2013.”

Go NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large Area TFT Panel Shipment Report