Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be some inaccuracies.
https://www.avpasion.com/monopolio-lg-boe-televisores-oled-transparentes/
BOE Files Patent for Innovative Technology for Transparent OLED: Is LG's Monopoly Ending?
Panel manufacturer giants are entering the transparent OLED competition.
LG has long monopolized the transparent OLED TV market. However, a few days ago, BOE, one of the two major panel manufacturers along with TCL CSOT, announced its intention to enter this competition and grab a share of the self-emitting transparent display market. As mentioned earlier, this type of TV, which was mainly supplied to stores and museums until now, was LG's exclusive domain.
Today's news examines how BOE's registered patent aims to address the problems with existing panels in this field, such as brightness reduction, low light transmittance, and the high manufacturing cost of traditional metal cathodes. It seems that the Chinese giant has found the key to innovate in this field.
BOE's Solution for Competing with LG in Transparent OLED• Changing Traditional Metal Cathodes
The working principle of a transparent OLED TV is not significantly different from that of a conventional TV. The only crucial difference lies in the internal components, particularly the cathode (CATHODE), which conducts electricity to the organic pixels while allowing light to pass through. Currently, achieving this effect requires using very thin components; however, the manufacturing system's characteristics result in substantial production costs.
BOE appears to have found a solution that reduces costs, extends lifespan, and prevents the inherent brightness reduction of these panels. To achieve this, they developed a transparent cathode based on zinc indium oxide (IZO). By replacing metal with this transparent conductive oxide compound, the screen achieves a higher level of pure transparency while significantly optimizing the flow of light towards the viewer.
Furthermore, BOE has also registered a patent for COE (COLOR FILTER ON ENCAPSULATION) technology related to color. In conventional OLED screens, color filters and polarizers are placed as additional layers, absorbing a significant amount of light. Therefore, the panels had to consume more power to achieve acceptable brightness levels.
However, by using this new filter developed by BOE and combining it with the new cathode, the aforementioned additional layers can be eliminated. This results in a much thinner and more efficient panel with better color reproduction while increasing transparency and lowering manufacturing costs. It's a true win-win situation.
LG is No Longer Alone in the Transparent OLED Field• Competition Intensification Means Better Prices
As mentioned earlier, LG was virtually the only manufacturer and distributor of transparent OLED TVs and displays worldwide. Now, a new competitor, BOE, has entered this market. This doesn't necessarily mean that LG will stop manufacturing panels with its own technology, but it faces pressure to lower prices if it wants to remain competitive.
BOE has made a very clever move. They haven't just entered the market; they have targeted the possibility of mass commercialization, which is currently the Achilles' heel of this technology. The use of materials like IZO and the simplification of the layer structure through COE theoretically reduce defect rates on assembly lines and enable mass production at significantly lower costs.
This is excellent news for technology enthusiasts. Currently, LG mainly distributes its high-end models to businesses, but with BOE hot on its heels, it will have to offer products to a wider consumer base and lower prices to gain mass appeal.
▶ Source: https://www.avpasion.com/monopolio-lg-boe-televisores-oled-transparentes/
