AU Optronics is working hard on a new backlighting system for LCD panels, basically, it is based on many small LEDs hinting towards arrays of backlights, the technology might already become available at the end of this year.
The technology sounds like FALD, Full Array Local Dimming, however, this is the next step - the lighting is based on many small LEDs behind a panel also known as Mini LED (not to confuse with micro-LED). This can run up to hundreds if not thousands of small LEDs behind that LCD panel, lighting up tiny segments of the screen that need to be lit. This method of local dimming would be good for more accurate HDR reproduction and high contrasts. How many LEDs AOC will place behind a panel, is not yet known. AU Optronics is also expected ship its mini LED panels for gaming notebook PC, smartphone and VR headset applications, later on, reports DigiTimes.
AUO demonstrated its advancements in the development of mini LED-backlit technology by showcasing an array of mini LED backlit LCD panels at SID's Display Week. The exhibits included a 27-inch Ultra HD 144Hz high refresh rate gaming monitor panel, 15.6-inch Ultra HD LTPS gaming notebook panel, 6-inch in-cell touch panel for smartphone applications and a 2-inch LTPS panels for VR headsets. While AUO was highlighting the four types of mini LED-based panels at the show, it may not necessarily mean that AUO will introduce all four types of mini LED products, Tsai said, noting that AUO will not rule out the possibility of rolling out new mini LED-based products in accordance with demand from clients. With regard to LCD TV panel prices, AUO chairman Paul Peng said that he expects the downward pressure on prices of TV panels to ease in the second half of 2018 as the TV market is to enter its peak season and the inventory adjustments at clients are close to complete. Certain types of TV panels are likely to balance out eventually in the second half of the year as it is unlikely for panel prices to hover below cost levels for a long period.
ASUS has already been showing a Mini LED based panel at Computex
Mini LED based Gaming Monitors may reach market at the end of this year
