14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation today announced the two companies have signed today the final agreement in order to develop in collaboration an 8th generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel manufacturing line at their joint venture, S-LCD Corporation.
After the Letter of Intent , signed in April, the two companies discussed about establishing a 8th generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel production line (glass substrate size: about 2,200mm?2,500mm), in addition to the current 7th generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel production line, at S-LCD (Tangjeong, ChungCheongNam-Do, Korea).
Moreover, the two manufacturers intend to invest approximately $1.9 billion, with each company providing half of the sum. The actual production, according to the companies' statements, is targeted to start in fall 2007 with a production capacity of 50,000 panels per month.
Together with the current 7th generation line, the start of what is considered to be the world's most advanced (8th generation) line will enable both companies to expand production of large screen LCD panels for 50 inch class LCD TVs, of which demand is expected to see a significant increase, as well as to acquire a stable supply to meet demands.
Just last week, Sony has announced the release of its latest range of LCD televisions of its already renowned Bravia line-up - the S series, which includes TV sets ranging from 46 to 26 inches - the KLV-46S200A, KLV-40S200A, KLV-32S200A and KLV-26S200A. The S-series is HD-compatible with support for both 1080i and 720p HD signals.
"Sony has expanded its BRAVIA High Definition LCD television range with the S-series that offers outstanding picture and audio quality at an affordable price. The S-series reaches out to a wider population to experience High Definition at its best, with unprecedented color accuracy and wide viewing angle for maximum enjoyment, "stated Mr Hiroshi Kikuchi, General Manager of Display Marketing Group, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.