New panels coming 2016

[biostud]

Finally something interesting....

Periodically we try to bring you news on the panels in production or planning from the key panel manufacturers. Knowing what panels they are working on can give us some early insight into the type of monitors we might expect to see later on once they are adopted by the manufacturers. The dates provided below are the expected dates for production of the panels themselves, so there's normally a good few months before we then see news of any monitors making use of them, and then a few more months lag before any screens are actually available. Still, it gives us a nice indication of developments we might see this year:

LG.Display continue to invest in their borderless neo-blade panels in varying sizes including 23.8", 27" and even 31.5" it seems. The main panel of note from LG.Display is the forthcoming LM375UW1 panels. This is 37.5" in size and will offer an unusual 3840 x 1600 resolution, giving it a perfect 2:4:1 aspect ratio. This is basically the same as 21:9 ultra-wide format but it is the exact aspect ratio of Blu-ray content so perhaps this has something to do with the developments in 4K Blu-ray this year. On a screen this size the pixel pitch should be very similar to the 40" 3840 x 2160 16:9 aspect ratio panels we've seen so far. The new panel is based on LG.Display's IPS technology with specs listed as 14ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 178/178 viewing angles. It is expected to go into production in Q3 2016.

The Samsung roadmaps are annoying as there’s no part numbers and limited specs listed, so it’s hard to try and decipher what panels are what. Looks like they will have a 31.5” panel with 2560 x 1440 res (QHD) with curved format and 144Hz refresh rate in Q3 2016. This is likely to be SVA technology based on the information we've seen in the past. Of interesting note also are two very large and unusual panels again planned for possible Q3 2016 production. These are 41" and 49" in size and a very, very wide 32:9 aspect ratio and FHD+ resolution as it is listed in the spec (not sure what that actually is although possibly 3840 x 1080)! Whether they will be used as monitor panels or not is questionable given the format but they were listed in the roadmap with other monitor modules. They have an 1800R curvature according to the preliminary specs. Finally Samsung have a 31.5" sized panel coming in Q3 also with a whopping 8K4K (7680 x 4320) resolution and Adobe RGB colour space coverage which clearly positions it as a premium professional grade panel.


Example appearance of the curve of the 49" 32:9 aspect ratio panels with 1800R curvature from 65cm viewing distance

AU Optronics have some limited information available as well. There are 30” and 35” ultra-wide curved panels coming in Q3 and Q2 respectively. These will be VA panel technology with 3440 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate which would be a first at that resolution. In fact, this would push things beyond DP 1.2 bandwidth limitations as we understand it, so this might require the forthcoming DP 1.3 interface to be practical. In other specs they panels also offer 3000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 172/178 viewing angles and 2000R curvature.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news_archive/35.htm#panels_jan

June update

Full HD panels with 240Hz refresh rate - two gaming panels are in production offering 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and a massive 240Hz refresh rate. They are available in 25" and 27" sizes and are TN Film technology. The 25" panel (M250HTN01.2) should be in production during June and the 27" (M270HTN02.3) will follow in August. The 25" sector is a new venture for AUO as well, as they've not produced panels in this size before. The 25" panel could well be the panel featured in the recently announced Asus ROG Swift PG258Q which was showcased at Computex. It remains to be confirmed, but that was advertised as having a 240Hz refresh rate and so the spec fits.

--------------------------------------------

Curved VA panels with up to 200Hz refresh rate - these are planned in various sizes, offering curved formats (1800R curvature) and VA panel technology.

Going in to production in June/July is the largest size, which is a 35" 21:9 aspect ratio panel with 3440 x 1440 resolution. This will have options for a 100Hz (M350QVR01.0) and 200Hz refresh rate (M350QVR01.1) apparently. Back in January we had information about this 35" panel which was listed with a 144Hz refresh rate, but it looks like AUO have now pushed this refresh rate even higher up to 200Hz. With a 3440 x 1440 res and that high refresh rate, DP 1.2 will not be sufficient but it remains to be seen how this screen will be connected.

In the same 35" size is another curved (2000R) VA panel but this time with a 2560 x 1080 resolution and 200Hz refresh rate (M350DVR01.2). This should go in to production during June to complement the existing 144Hz version (M350DVR01.0) already used in various screens such as the Acer Predator Z35.

Then there's a new 31.5" sized 16:9 aspect ratio panel scheduled for some time in Q4, with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. This is the first 31.5" sized panel we've seen mentioned by AUO up until now and will also mark the first high refresh rate VA panel we've seen in this size and resolution.

The planned 30" widescreen 2560 x 1080, VA technology, 21:9 aspect ratio panel (M300DVR01.0) has also now gone in to production and the spec has been updated slightly now with a 1800R curvature (instead of 2000R expected before) and a boost in the refresh rate from 144Hz to 200Hz.

Finally there's a 27" 16:9 aspect ratio VA panel also in the planning phase (no date or part number yet) with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. Again the first VA panel of this size and resolution we've seen with high refresh rate.

In fact there's been very few high refresh rate VA panels ever released, only really the 23.5" 1920 x 1080 resolution 120Hz VA panel from Sharp (as featured in the Eizo Foris FG2421 back in late 2013), and more recently the 35" 2560 x 1080 resolution 144Hz native VA panel from AUO as featured in a few screens including the Acer Predator Z35 early in 2016.

--------------------------------------------

More 4K and 5K options - AUO will also invest in more high resolution panels with 4K (ultra HD 3840 x 2160) and 5K (5120 x 2880) options available. A new line of 32" sized 'value' panels are expected to go in to production in November 2016 based on TN Film and/or VA panel technology with 4K resolutions (no part numbers yet). At some point in late 2016 the 144Hz refresh rate 27" size AHVA (IPS-type) 4K panel showcased recently at Computex is expected to go in to mass production as well which is bound to attract some attention for gamers (again no part number yet). Finally a new 32" sized AHVA (IPS-type) panel with 5K resolution is expected to go in to production in Feb 2017 with Adobe RGB colour space and will be aimed at higher end use and graphic application (part number not known).

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news_archive/35.htm#auo_panels_june

 

[Flapdrol1337]

VA panel technology with 3440 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate

Sounds pretty amazing.

 

[StrangerGuy]

The OLED hate from the monitor OEMs is getting ridiculous. I can get a LG 55" 1080p OLED TV for $1300 but somehow I can't even buy a much smaller OLED monitor at the same price.

 

[hawtdawg]

No HDR it would seem, which will continue to be the case so long as IPS is the panel of choice for computer monitors.

 

[x3sphere]

The OLED hate from the monitor OEMs is getting ridiculous. I can get a LG 55" 1080p OLED TV for $1300 but somehow I can't even buy a much smaller OLED monitor at the same price.

Really doubt there's any OLED hate, it's reasonable to assume they don't have the supply. LG has high yields now but they are selling every OLED TV they make. And you can't open more production facilities overnight, it takes years.

Samsung is still in the process of catching up to LG, and they are supplying the OLED panel for Dell. Last I heard Samsung's yields are nowhere near as good so that could explain the very high price.

I think we will see more options show up as LG expands production, which will happen sometime in 2017: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20160119PD207.html

 

[essential]

Gah, was really hoping Samsung would put out a 34" curved PLS monitor in 2016, guess it's not happening.

 

[crisium]

Wider and wider is the new trend. Not interested.

Looking for 100hz+ 3840x2160 OLED monitors, preferably with back light strobing. Hoping this decade.

 

[Irenicus]

The OLED hate from the monitor OEMs is getting ridiculous. I can get a LG 55" 1080p OLED TV for $1300 but somehow I can't even buy a much smaller OLED monitor at the same price.

The monitor makers don't seem to have the growth trends in monitor sales compared to the tv market. As such, much like smartphone displays, I think it best to put our faith and hopes into getting some tv makers to tweak their offerings to be more monitor like and serve a dual purpose in the 40-43" space.


This size is currently seen as too small for the every increasing tv size that people gravitate towards, but if that size was the preferred size of the high end monitor buyers it might be able to pick up the slack.

We need to talk to lg/samsung/AUO/etc about this. I have no connections but someone must.

The problem with lgs oled tvs is in partly price right now and input lag. They are around double some of samsungs best 4k tvs. That has to be fixed. None of the people who had a chance to talk to the lg spokespeople and engineers at ces seemed to focus on this line of inquiry. This is a problem, people are not even asking the right questions.


The pc monitor market is still shrinking is it not? This is not going to be the place of fast tracking monitor display tech. Companies keep trying to peddle wider aspect ratio displays. They love doing that because they can quote higher diagonal inch numbers while spending less money on the area of the panel because the total area is smaller and smaller the less like a square you go.


Dell wants five thousand dollars for a tiny ass oled screen compared to the lg 65" 5k tv. Sure it probably has better input lag, but the size is so over the top small compared to the lg it's a joke.

That HDR comparison amd did at ces was using an lg oled, that is why the blacks looked so good with the pinpoint stars (how the hell is local dimming going to be fine grained enough to capture that level of light/dark while moving?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvD37UUcdIo#t=5m

You can actually make out the tvs used on this nordic channel covering the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5-ogH9Eam4

it's an lg 55ef9500 55" 4k oled on the left

http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-55EF9500-55-Inch-Ultra/dp/B010RWWQF2



3 thousand dollars on the tv side, 5k on the monitor side....


We need to nudge the tv guys to go just a bit smaller with the oled, or at least drop it down to 50" and push for lower input lag from lg. This is our only hope on the pc side without waiting another 5 years for the monitor divisions to get their heads out of the sand for what people want.

 

[xthetenth]

The premise that the PC monitor market isn't demanding and buying advancement stands in stark contrast to the sales of all those fancy gaming monitors.

Also the reason they keep selling ultrawides is because people buy them. I will agree that 4K ~40" would be a great choice to have though.

 

[Madpacket]

We really just need OLED. Everything else on the market is just hacks to get around a flawed display technology (LCD).

 

[AdamK47]

Wider and wider is the new trend. Not interested.

Looking for 100hz+ 3840x2160 OLED monitors, preferably with back light strobing. Hoping this decade.

Why would you want an OLED monitor with a backlight?

 

[Arachnotronic]

We really just need OLED. Everything else on the market is just hacks to get around a flawed display technology (LCD).

You realize that there are a LOT of challenges still to be worked out with OLEDs, right?

 

[Piroko]

Why would you want an OLED monitor with a backlight?

You can strobe OLED and it's apparently already done, though I assume that you'll lose a lot of brightness in the process.

Also, burn-in is still an issue last time I checked.

 

[crisium]

OLED is excellent at motion compared to LCD, so it doesn't necessarily need blur reduction especially with the artifacts they induce. But I'd like to have the option since the best LCDs with strobing have arguably better motion that OLED.

See the LG EG9600 which is the OLED flagship:

This is excellent, pretty much the best among displays today without strobing. Eg. The Sony X930C is certainly below this performance:

But it has strobing:

This comes with costs like massive brightness reduction and flicker, and probably crosstalk, but I'd like to have the option since my current 144hz monitor has this ability and it is great for certain games like CSGO. I'm not sure if OLED can do this though.

 

[hawtdawg]

The OLED's are bad because LG is the one making them, and every LG television ever made sucks when it comes to motion or general video processing. The Panasonic cz950 has better motion using the exact same panel as the LG's. Currently, the only known laptop/desktop OLED monitors coming out are made by Samsung, and I'd imagine that they won't suffer from this issue.

 

[Despoiler]

You can strobe OLED and it's apparently already done, though I assume that you'll lose a lot of brightness in the process.

Also, burn-in is still an issue last time I checked.

Ahh who leaves any monitor on with a static image? Panel life however is a bigger concern. Apparently the blue pixels in OLED have a lifespan of 15,000 hours. The newest LG OLEDs do have a warranty of 5 years, but they are going to need to solve some issues by adding HDR into the mix. Brighter = less life as I understand it.

At this point I'm only interested in HDR capable monitors.

 

[hawtdawg]

At this point I'm only interested in HDR capable monitors.

VA panels are the only ones really capable of it until someone figures out how to do FALD in a PC monitor.

 

[x3sphere]

On the input lag of the 4K OLEDs, looks like LG has gotten it down to 33.7ms for the 2016 sets:

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=11850987&postcount=655

That's still more than the Samsung LCDs but a big improvement over the 50+ms of last year's sets.

 

[biostud]

June update

Full HD panels with 240Hz refresh rate - two gaming panels are in production offering 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and a massive 240Hz refresh rate. They are available in 25" and 27" sizes and are TN Film technology. The 25" panel (M250HTN01.2) should be in production during June and the 27" (M270HTN02.3) will follow in August. The 25" sector is a new venture for AUO as well, as they've not produced panels in this size before. The 25" panel could well be the panel featured in the recently announced Asus ROG Swift PG258Q which was showcased at Computex. It remains to be confirmed, but that was advertised as having a 240Hz refresh rate and so the spec fits.

--------------------------------------------

Curved VA panels with up to 200Hz refresh rate - these are planned in various sizes, offering curved formats (1800R curvature) and VA panel technology.

Going in to production in June/July is the largest size, which is a 35" 21:9 aspect ratio panel with 3440 x 1440 resolution. This will have options for a 100Hz (M350QVR01.0) and 200Hz refresh rate (M350QVR01.1) apparently. Back in January we had information about this 35" panel which was listed with a 144Hz refresh rate, but it looks like AUO have now pushed this refresh rate even higher up to 200Hz. With a 3440 x 1440 res and that high refresh rate, DP 1.2 will not be sufficient but it remains to be seen how this screen will be connected.

In the same 35" size is another curved (2000R) VA panel but this time with a 2560 x 1080 resolution and 200Hz refresh rate (M350DVR01.2). This should go in to production during June to complement the existing 144Hz version (M350DVR01.0) already used in various screens such as the Acer Predator Z35.

Then there's a new 31.5" sized 16:9 aspect ratio panel scheduled for some time in Q4, with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. This is the first 31.5" sized panel we've seen mentioned by AUO up until now and will also mark the first high refresh rate VA panel we've seen in this size and resolution.

The planned 30" widescreen 2560 x 1080, VA technology, 21:9 aspect ratio panel (M300DVR01.0) has also now gone in to production and the spec has been updated slightly now with a 1800R curvature (instead of 2000R expected before) and a boost in the refresh rate from 144Hz to 200Hz.

Finally there's a 27" 16:9 aspect ratio VA panel also in the planning phase (no date or part number yet) with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. Again the first VA panel of this size and resolution we've seen with high refresh rate.

In fact there's been very few high refresh rate VA panels ever released, only really the 23.5" 1920 x 1080 resolution 120Hz VA panel from Sharp (as featured in the Eizo Foris FG2421 back in late 2013), and more recently the 35" 2560 x 1080 resolution 144Hz native VA panel from AUO as featured in a few screens including the Acer Predator Z35 early in 2016.

--------------------------------------------

More 4K and 5K options - AUO will also invest in more high resolution panels with 4K (ultra HD 3840 x 2160) and 5K (5120 x 2880) options available. A new line of 32" sized 'value' panels are expected to go in to production in November 2016 based on TN Film and/or VA panel technology with 4K resolutions (no part numbers yet). At some point in late 2016 the 144Hz refresh rate 27" size AHVA (IPS-type) 4K panel showcased recently at Computex is expected to go in to mass production as well which is bound to attract some attention for gamers (again no part number yet). Finally a new 32" sized AHVA (IPS-type) panel with 5K resolution is expected to go in to production in Feb 2017 with Adobe RGB colour space and will be aimed at higher end use and graphic application (part number not known).

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news_archive/35.htm#auo_panels_june

 

[boed]

biostud - thanks for the update! I'm looking for a 16:9 or 16:10 32 inch or larger screen - were any of those new screens 16:9 or 16:10? I see you mention one AUO in q4 - not sure I can wait that long.

 

[biostud]

biostud - thanks for the update! I'm looking for a 16:9 or 16:10 32 inch or larger screen - were any of those new screens 16:9 or 16:10? I see you mention one in q4 - not sure I can wait that long.

29", 34", 35" are 21:9
24", 27", 31.5", 32", 40" are 16:9
30" is 16:10

Only 16:10 panels left seems to be Dells 30" which is also coming in a new version.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news_archive/35.htm#dell_up3017

 

[boed]

Thanks again. 31.5, 32 and 40 all sound great to me! I was just looking at the Dell up3017 and the price is fine. I've always bought dells since my viewsonic 21 CRT became too small about a decade ago. I might go different this time since the Dell doesn't seem really gaming beneficial and my u3011 died leaving me concerned about dell quality. I use my two dell 3007 30" models for work 85% of the time but would like some gaming benefit as well. I need to replace one as no DP to DVI adapter I've tried works properly with the u3007 (strangely a known issue with the 3007 even with an active converter) and I only have 1 dp on my card.

 

[exar333]

These all look great, but I am hoping we get some HDR options as well soon. Until recently, there were few options that offered the Hz + image quality (VA/IPS) natively. That is definitely changing...but HDR is really high on my list for my next display...

 

[hawtdawg]

These all look great, but I am hoping we get some HDR options as well soon. Until recently, there were few options that offered the Hz + image quality (VA/IPS) natively. That is definitely changing...but HDR is really high on my list for my next display...

It will have to be done with VA technology. IPS simply doesn't have the native contrast ratio to do it. VA's static contrast is about the bare minimum one would want for HDR, and even that is about the least you can get away with.

TV's can do it with a combination of FALD/Edgelit local dimming and VA panels, but you'd have to use hundreds if not thousands of backlight zones to pull it off with a monitor, which would make it hella expensive.

I think that OLED will be the only way it can reasonably be done on a PC monitor. I've not even heard speculation of how it would be done on a PC using LCD tech.

 

[Headfoot]

delicious OLED... As much as I want I'll probably wait for the 2nd generation of OLED displays to come out, hopefully they'll have improved enough emitter lifespans by then. Ideally I'd be able to get 10 years of moderate use out of a monitor, any more than that is gravy. Realistically I may replace it after just 4-5 years if the new shininess is compelling at that time.