MicroLED technology is a next-generation emissive display technology that promises highly efficient and bright displays that offer superior image quality with infinite contrast and a wide color gamut.
MicroLED can be applied to displays of many kinds - from small displays for smartwatches and AR devices to large-area TV displays. MicroLED displays are often compared to OLED displays - the main display technology that it is rivaling.
Samsung MicroLED displays
Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics are mostly interested in microLED technology for TV applications, but the company is also developing other microLED display technologies, including ones for smaller displays which may one day power wearables, smartphones, tablets and laptops and monitors.
For the TV market, Samsung has two R&D initiatives. First up uses what should be called mini-LED chips to create large-area tiled microLED displays (more on this below). Samsung's LED chip supplier is San'an Optoelectronics. Samsung is also developing finer-pitch displays which will target more consumer-sized solutions. These TVs aren't available yet, and the company's partnerד in this project are Taiwan's PlayNitride and Epistar. It was reported that Samsung aims to release its first such TVs in 2020 but apparently there are still some challenges and these plans will have to be delayed.
Samsung The Wall microLED TV
Samsung's microLED TV product range, made from tiled display modules, is called The Wall. Its commercial TV range "The Wall for Business" is currently shipping with several fixed sizes, such as 219" and 292" 4k options and 437" and 587" 8k options. It is also possible to customize these displays. Samsung is also offering the more "consumer" version, The Wall Luxury, which offers smaller pixel pitches and sizes up to 292" at 8K.
Samsung's "The wall Luxury" is made from individual tiles each is 806.4 x 453.6 x 72.2 mm (WxHxD) in size, with a resolution of 960x540. These are based on 0.84 mm microLED pixels offering a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a maximum brightness of 250 nits.
The Wall Luxury MicroLED tile
The Wall Professional uses tiles of the same resolution but with a lower peak brightness (1,600 nits) and a higher maximum brightness (500 nits).
The latest Samsung MicroLED news:
Samsung to release smaller MicroLED TVs in 2021
Towards the end of 2020, Samsung announced it's first "consumer"110-inch 4K MicroLED TV. It's not really for regular consumers with a price tag of around $150,000 - but this is a step forward in Samsung's goal to advance its MicroLED display technology.
Samsung now announced that its Micro-LED TVs will also be available in 99-inch sizes - and even smaller ones by the end of the year.
Samsung now accepts pre-orders in Korea for its 110-inch 4K MicroLED TV
Samsung Electronics is now accepting pre-orders for its upcoming 110-inch 4K MicroLED TV, in Korea.
Customers who pre-order the TV (the price is 170 million Won, or about $155,000) will get a special bundle (home cinema package, refrigerator package or a travel package to Jeju island) in addition to a 7-year warranty (this will likely to be extended to all customers). Shipment will begin in March 2021.
Samsung to unveil new display technologies on January 6th 2021
Samsung Electronics announced that it will introduce its latest products, technologies and visions for the future of the display in its upcoming 'First Look 2021' event that will take place on January 6th 2021.
The teaser image shows all kinds of displays, it is likely to be an interesting event. Samsung may unveil its 110" 4K MicroLED TV which it already announced earlier this month, and analysts expect also some mini-LED monitors. Samsung could also showcase new OLED displays, maybe the QD-OLED monitors that it is reportedly developing.
Samsung prices its 110" 4K MicroLED TV at $155,000
A few days ago Samsung launched a new MicroLED TV, 110-inch 4K prefabricated (not tiled) display. Today Korean publication PulseNews revealed that the TV costs 170 million Won, or about $155,000. Preorders will start before the end of 2020 and the TVs will ship in Q1 2021.
This is a premium at-home TV display, that offers a "breathtaking visual experience" - but still this is an extremely high price that means Samsung will not be able to sell large numbers of its new TV.
Samsung announces its new 110-inch MicroLED TV
Samsung launched a new MicroLED TV, 110-inch 4K panel. This is a per-fabricated TV, Samsung's first such microLED display (all previous ones were tiled and customizable). Samsung says the TVs are now on 'pre-sale' in Korea - but it did not disclose the price. The TVs will ship in Q1 2021.
Samsung says its microLED TV is a premium at-home TV display, that offers a "breathtaking visual experience". The TV features a 100% DCI and Adobe RGB color gamut, and Samsung says it offers accurate color reproduction and high brightness. The TV is based on Samsung's all-new Micro AI Processor.
Samsung Electronics to launch a new microLED TV later this week
Early in 2020 it was reported that Samsung is set to reveal its first MicroLED TVs to actually use micro-LEDs and not mini-LEDs, but later reported suggested that Samsung is struggling with technology issues and delaying its plans.
Samsung electronics announced yesterday that it will introduce a new MicroLED TV later this week. The company did not reveal any details, but it is likely that this will be the company's first "consumer" microLED TV - although likely a highly premium one.
Samsung faces technical issues and will have to delay the launch of its true microLED TVs
According to reports early in 2020, Samsung Electronics partnered with Epistar and PlayNitride that will enable Samsung to release its first true microLED TVs by the end of 2020. A new report from Korea suggests that Samsung is struggling with technology issues and it is not likely it will meet its goal of a product release in 2020.
The reports suggest that production yields are very low - apparently Epistar is not able to provide Samsung with the millions of microLEDs required to produce its TVs. Another major issues is Samsung's transfer process which is still not accurate enough - with the result being that display assembly yields are painfully low.
Samsung opens a The Wall experience zone at a department store in Suwon
Samsung Electronics launched a new The Wall experience zone at the Galleria Department Store in Suwon, Korea. The company is showcasing a 146-inch microLED The Wall TV.
This is the first time Samsung is showcasing its microLED TVs to the public. The company said that it will expand this exhibition to other Galleria Department stores in Korea.