The Rise of China's Display Industry: From Catching Up to Leading, Where Does the Future of LCD Screens Lie?

Over the past two decades, China's display industry has undergone a magnificent transformation from nothing to something, from small to strong. From the first 5.5-generation TFT-LCD production line commenced in Beijing in 2004 to now accounting for over 80% of global LCD panel capacity, China's liquid crystal display (LCD) technology not only leads in quantity but has also gradually gained international recognition in terms of quality and brand influence. According to the latest data, in the first half of 2024, China's shipments of large-size LCD display panels reached 70% of the global total, and it holds 85% of the market discourse power in the ultra-large size markets of 85 inches, 98 inches, and above 100 inches.

Looking back at the technological origins of LCD, scientists initially discovered a crystalline material in plants that exhibited color when light passed through it. After decades of research and technological iterations, LCD gradually evolved into the technology we know today. Ma Yuguang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, mentioned that in the 1960s, the development of semiconductor technology began to enable scientists to apply the optical properties of liquid crystals, thereby giving birth to modern LCD technology.

As Li Dongsheng, the founder of TCL, stated, although some experts in the industry believe that the next-generation display technology will soon replace LCD, he pointed out that currently, no technology can fully replace LCD in the large-screen display field. With the enhancement of new technologies such as MiniLED and quantum dots, the lifecycle of LCD will be extended, and its competitiveness will be further enhanced. Li Dongsheng's viewpoint coincides with industry trends, as LCD remains the mainstream technology in the future large-size display market.

To meet the growing market demand, Chinese display enterprises have continuously invested heavily in technology and management upgrades. The precision required in producing large-size TV screens is unprecedented. For example, a 115-inch TV requires precise processing of millions of transistors on a 2.9m x 3.1m glass substrate, which is extremely challenging. Zhao Jun, CEO of TCL Huaxing, noted, "Such precision processing is equivalent to hitting a golf ball in Guangzhou and making it land in Shenzhen with one shot."

In the critical aspect of display technology, the evolution of glass substrates is also noteworthy. Zhang Haibin, CEO of AGC Display Glass China, reviewed the qualitative transformation of glass substrates from the 5th-generation line in 2005 to the present, pointing out that the expansion of substrate area and reduction in thickness have brought tremendous breakthroughs to the development of display technology. It is this continuously optimized material that supports the production of ultra-large screens.

When discussing the development of China's display industry in depth, its role transformation in the industry chain cannot be overlooked. Hao Yabin, Executive President of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (CECC), pointed out that the TV industry faced a critical decision-making moment in 2009: whether to continue relying on external resources or to decisively advance upstream. Ultimately, China chose to grasp the initiative for autonomous development. In this process, China formed a development model that spans from research and development to production and gradually extends to market development, significantly enhancing its competitiveness in the global semiconductor display market.

According to the latest analysis of Omdia's display industry research, China now holds a leading position in the global semiconductor display field. Panels are known as the "face" of consumer electronics, and global consumers are increasingly recognizing displays made in China, all thanks to the relentless efforts of Chinese enterprises in quality, technology, and innovation.

Facing the future, LCD technology will continue to play an important role in market competition. However, if companies do not pay attention to the exploration and development of emerging technologies within the industry, such as MiniLED and OLED, it may pose hidden risks to their long-term development. Although LCD still has its advantages currently, actively exploring and applying new technologies will further consolidate China's display industry's foundation on the global market stage.

In summary, China's large-size LCD display industry has gradually transformed from a follower to a leader in the global market. With significant investments, technological innovations, and market adaptability, this industry's status on the international stage has become increasingly prominent. In the future, China's display screens will not only be abundant in quantity but will also continuously improve in quality. It is expected to continue writing a brilliant chapter driven by both LCD technology and emerging technologies.