High-Resolution Fashion Spreads into Monitor Market with 28”W as Best Promoter, says TrendForce

Since 2013, high-resolution products have been the focus in the LCD display industry with TV brands being the first to start the trend. The penetration rate in 2013 reached near 1%, and that in 2014 is likely to go up to 5%-6%. 

“The LCD monitor brands began to launch high-resolution 4K2K (3840X2160) products last year, which however showed unideal shipment amid the elevated prices,” says Anita Wang, Research Manager of WitsView, the display research division of TrendForce. “As Innolux has revealed the entry-level 28”W 4K2K panels in Q1 this year, the end selling prices are no longer beyond the reach and officially activate the demand for high-resolution LCD monitors.”  

Dell, Samsung, Asus, Lenovo, Philips, and AOC are among brands releasing 28” 4K2K LCD monitor products, with acer, HP, and ViewSonic following the trend. The average retail prices range from USD 699 to USD 799, and AOC’s low-priced model, selling for USD 650, excluding tax, in China makes the positioning of the 27”W QHD (2560x1440) segment averagely tagged as much as USD 733 extremely awkward.    

“The 28”W 4K2K is in the phase of new model distribution and sees a shipment of more than 20,000 units per month, growing more than ten times from the predecessor model,” Anita Wang adds. “The affordable end prices will effectively propel the demand for high-resolution products in the long run, and WitsView projects a shipment volume of 0.4-0.5M units for 28” 4K2K LCD monitors in 2014.”