Samsung and TCL will adopt an upgraded version of the VA LCD panel for at least some of next year's TV models, as confirmed by the panel supplier.
Earlier this year, FlatpanelsHD had the opportunity to see display panel manufacturer TCL CSOT's next-generation LCD panel in action.
The so-called WHVA (W for Wide viewing angle) panel technology is an evolution of traditional VA LCD found in the majority of TV models today. WHVA significantly improves viewing angles for both contrast and color saturation, as demonstrated in this video:
Coming to Samsung and TCL in 2025
As Samsung Display no longer manufactures LCD panels, Samsung Electronics currently sources a significant portion of the LCD panels used in its "QLED" and "Neo QLED" LCD TVs from TCL CSOT.
At its annual partner conference, TCL CSOT once again showcased the WHVA LCD panel and confirmed that it will be included in 2025 Samsung and TCL TV models.
- "During DTC 2024, CSOT showed off its new 85-inch 4K WHVA LCD panel," reports Korean newspaper The Elec. "It has vertical alignment (VA) technology applied for a wider viewing angle of 178 degrees and 150Hz refresh rate. CSOT said the new panel will be used in new TVs launched by TCL and Samsung next year."
It remains to be seen which 2025 TV models and sizes will feature the new panel.
The viewing angle challenge
Narrow viewing angles have long been a weakness of LCD panels, also affecting "QLED" and miniLED models as they are LCD TVs. The issue becomes more pronounced as TV sizes increase.
Samsung and Sony have both attempted to address this limitation in VA LCD panels. Sony employs a special layer (X-Wide Angle) that improves viewing angles but raises black levels, while Samsung uses sub-pixel dithering, which widens viewing angles at the expense of resolution. Alternatively, TV makers can use IPS LCD panels that have wide viewing angles but suffer from poor contrast.
How exactly WHVA panel technology overcomes these limitations remains unclear.
On the topic of IPS LCD, TCL CSOT said that it will also be able to supply IPS LCD TV panels after acquiring LG Display's LCD factory in Guangzhou, China, which is expected to close in March 2025.
- Source: The Elec
