Global shipments of 8K TVs lagged far behind expectations in 2018, data showed Monday, apparently due to the lack of video content currently available that can fully meet the high-resolution standard.
According to the data compiled by industry tracker IHS Markit, the global shipment of 8K TVs is expected to reach 18,000 units.
(Yonhap)
The figure marks a sharp drop from 85,000 units suggested by the agency in a separate report in April.
For 2019, IHS Markit said shipments are expected to reach 430,000 units, also down from 905,000 anticipated earlier this year.
Industry watchers said the weaker-than-expected performance of the products came as consumers are still waiting for more improved 8K TVs as the market is still in its early stage.
The lack of content that can fully utilize the 8K technology also induced consumers to take a wait-and-see stance, they added.
The 8K products are capable of improving resolution fourfold compared with 4K models, which are referred to as Ultra HD TVs.
In contrast, others claim the market for 8K TVs will grow sharply once more manufacturers compete with each other and consumers become more aware of the products.
"Currently, Samsung Electronics Co. and Japan's Sharp Corp. are the only companies that have released 8K TVs in the market, so the size is not that big," an industry watcher said.
IHS Markit added the shipment of 8K TVs is expected to reach 1.89 million units in 2020, eventually to reach 5.41 million units in 2022.
Samsung Electronics, which has released 65-, 75-, 82- and 85-inch QLED 8K TVs, earlier claimed that consumers mostly have opted for models sized 75 inches and above, indicating the outlook for large-sized 8K TVs remains rosy. (Yonhap)
