Sony Crying, Samsung Smiling Over LED TVs

Korea Times ^ | 03/29/09 | Kim Yoo-chul

[TigerLikesRooster]

Sony Crying, Samsung Smiling Over LED TVs

By Kim Yoo-chul

Staff Reporter

Sony is on the verge of losing competitiveness in the next-generation TV war with its biggest rival, Samsung Electronics, as the Japanese firm is facing difficulty in securing key components for light-emitting diode (LED) TVs.

"Sony's attempt to receive cutting edge white LEDs ― a key component for LED TVs ― from Samsung Electronics has failed," a Samsung Electronics executive said on condition of anonymity, Sunday. A Sony spokesperson in Korea was unavailable for comment.

LED backlights are categorized as RGB (red, green, blue) and white. RGB LED backlights have strength in boosting color and sports coverage by dimming to increase black levels in the darker areas of the picture ― but are more expensive. White LED backlights are less expensive and differ little in picture quality on TVs.

Sony, which has been using RGB LED backlights in its LED TV line, is shifting to white LEDs, though sourcing appears problematic due to its deteriorating cash flow.

The company commercialized highly advanced organic LED TVs in 2007, but its focus on RGB backlights hasn't paid off so far because of higher prices, analysts say.

"Sony is urged to boost tie-ups with the tentatively named `Samsung LED' in receiving edge-based white LED chips. It might be difficult for Sony to have strength in this segment without the partnership," another Samsung executive said.

Samsung Electronics, the world's biggest flat-screen TV maker, has made "LED TVs" its new growth engine and plans to get the lion's share of market by launching four models under its PAVV brand.

According to market research firms, the global LED TV market is forecast to rise to eight million by the end of this year.

Samsung has been leading the global flat-screen TV market over the past three years thanks to massive investment in facilities, aggressive marketing and better relations with larger retailers.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics ― an LED component maker ― now supplies most of its edge-based LED backlight modules to Samsung Electronics.

A 50:50 joint venture with Samsung Electronics, "Samsung LED," will run from April this year.

"Our competitors will have LED TV line-ups equipped with edge-based white LED backlights from 2010. RGB LEDs have strength in picture quality but lack price competitiveness," the official said.

LED TVs consume less power than the current mainstream of backlight technology, commonly called "cold cathode fluorescent lamps," or CCFL, used in flat-panels.

They also take up less space and are more environmentally friendly as they don't contain mercury, attracting major TV set makers to allocate massive capital for a bigger share in the promising market.

[TigerLikesRooster]

I have a LED flash light. It is much better than a light-bulb flash light. So small but pack more light using only small batteries(AAA.)

[libh8er]

Good. I was never a fan of Sony.

[Enchante]

What Sony should really be crying about is that they did not have the wit to produce this fabulous ‘viral’ video for Samsung LED:

“Extreme Sheep LED Art”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

It’s gone “viral” on YouTube with over 4 MILLION views in 2 weeks..... it could prove to be one of the all-time most watched videos on the web. I’m guessing at least 20 million views before it’s done, but I don’t follow those things very closely.......

[Snickering Hound]

Some of the best deals on HDTV’s right now are the Samsung close out sales on LED lit DLP’s.

Unlike the usual bulb lit DLP sets, the LED’s last the lifetime of the television.

They’re available in 61” and 67” sizes if you can get that past the wife.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL61A750-61-Inch-1080p-Powered/dp/B001415FIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1238475618&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL67A750-67-Inch-1080p-Powered/dp/B001413DWQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1238475618&sr=1-2

[divine_moment_of_facts]

I watched that video.. My comment was “Big Deal.. You are all SHEEP! Bahahaha!” and I meant it.

[Skibane]

LED backlights are categorized as RGB (red, green, blue) and white. RGB LED backlights have strength in boosting color and sports coverage by dimming to increase black levels in the darker areas of the picture ― but are more expensive. White LED backlights are less expensive and differ little in picture quality on TVs.

A LED that boosts sports coverage? Well, now you're talking!

[Enchante]

Well I enjoyed it...... it’s probably good that there’s nothing that seems to appeal to everyone in the area of entertainment -— makes the world a more interesting place.

[Jeff Chandler]

I have a LED flash light. It is much better than a light-bulb flash light. So small but pack more light using only small batteries(AAA.)

I used to listen to LED Zeppelin when I was young.

[Mike Darancette]

I love my Samsung 1080.

[Steve Van Doorn]

Why not a plasma they seem to have the best over all colors and sharpness.

[Arthur McGowan]

You know those early phonographs with the big horns?

After several years, around 1906, the manufacturers squeezed the horn into the cabinet behind doors—resulting in inferior sound—because of WIVES.

[Zathras]

Now thats to California, Samsung owns the HDTV market.

[tanuki]

That was incredible!

[BlessedBeGod]

Ping!

[BobbyT]

With LED backlighting you could have black and contrast levels approaching or perhaps surpassing plasma levels, while using far less power (less even than LCDs).

With LED pixels as well (not just backlight), even better. If OLED TVs ever get affordable, they should make the best big screens look drab and boring.

The contrast ratios and black values are just off the charts.

[goldstategop]

I won't be replacing my Sony big-screen LCD HDTV anytime soon. The 40 inch BRAVIA is just outstanding!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[smokingfrog]

Plasma TVs are real energy hogs. (Granted, most of them are larger than your typical LCD tv.)

[Las Vegas Dave]

Pinging the HDTV list.. HDTV pings.

Interested in the HDTV ping list?
Please Freepmail me (freepmail works best) if you would like your name added to the HDTV ping list, ( approximately 365 freepers are currently on the HDTV ping list ).
The pinged subjects will be those of HDTV technology, satellite, cable, and OTA HD reception (Over The Air with roof top or indoor antennas), Broadcast specials, Sports, Blu-ray/HDDVD, and any and all subjects relating to HDTV.
Note: if you search Freerepublic using the keyword "“HDTV”, you will find most of the past HDTV postings.

[NY.SS-Bar9]

I paid $200. more for my 50” bulb DLP.

[The Duke]

Why not a plasma...?

The plasmas all seem to have issues with glare/reflection, and this can be a real annoyance in any room with a window, for example.

Most LED-based sets have zero glare (my Samsung is an unfortuate exception). I think the Sony Brava LED TV's are probably the best overall HDTV's to be had, and they are certainly more affordable than some of the others.

Plasmas also throw off a lot of heat.

BTW, the *perfect* companion to any HDTV is the PS3 game console - which is also one of the best and cheapest blue-ray disk players out there.