LG all set to roll out 3D TV line-up

December 15, 2009 - 10:11 am | 259 views

Technology.am (Dec 15, 2009) — LG Electronics Inc, the world’s No. 2 TV brand by income, set an aggressive sales goal for 3D televisions, aiming to put together a leadership position in a budding market where competition is anticipated to heat up.

lg_3d Digital 3D TVs, which utilize double layered images and special glasses to trick viewers into seeing 3D, are set to turn into the next battlefield for top TV makers, together with Samsung Electronics, LG and Japanese rivals Sony Corp and Panasonic Corp.

LG aimed to trade 400,000 3D TVs in 2010 and 3.4 million in 2011, the South Korean company said at a news conference. It plans to disclose a full line-up of 3D TV models with latest technology improvement in the second half of next year, targeting retail consumers. LG at present offers one 47-inch 3D TV, which is sold regularly to businesses due to a high price tag.

Some analysts were still vigilant about the budding segment, citing requirement of 3D content that costs about 50 percent additionally to create than usual versions.

“3D TV sales and 3D content will go hands in hands. Content providers will be unenthusiastic to improve 3D production prior to certain number of 3D TVs are sold, and TVs won’t sell well unless there’s enough content available,” said J M Hong, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.

LG’s next year 3D TV target makes up a small portion of its complete TV sales. In LCD TV alone, LG expects to trade 25 million units in 2010.

Electronics and entertainment conglomerate Sony is anticipated to control its strength in content when it launches its first 3D TVs next year. Sony said last month it anticipated 3D TVs to account for up to 50 percent of its total TV shipments in the financial year to March 2013.

LG said it agreed to a partnership deal with Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting, known as SkyLife, which will run a second trial 3D broadcasting in January in South Korea.

Japanese makers pin hopes on 3D TVs to revitalize their TV business after struggling under the strong yen and stiff competition with Korean competitors. Panasonic in addition plans to roll out 3D TVs in 2010.

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