Taiwan panel makers took the lead in the 4K panel market last year, AUO and Innolux took 4K TV panel market share over 70% in 2013. South Korea also have joined the battle field this year, Samsung and LGD develop a new low-cost Green UHD panel which focus on China market, plans to begin shipping in the second quarter this year.

Hsieh Qin-Yi, vice president of NPD DisplaySearch Greater China, pointed out that the actual 4K TVs shipments will be over 13 million units, and most of which will be affordable 4K TV pushed by China brand. The total LCD TV shipments of China are expected bout 50 million units this year, of which 4K models of approximately 10 million units, the proportion of about 20%.

Hsieh said that Green UHD panels launched by south Korea has the superiority of energy-saving, simple structure, and cost ratio of 1.1 times compared with FHD, very competitive.

Previously, AUO set a goal of 5 million shipments of 4K panel, Innolux at 1,200 million. But with South Korea and China panel makers joined the fray, two companies have cut shipment targets, AUO revised down to 4.5 million, Innolux revised down to 8 million, reduced more than 30%, reflecting increased competition in the 4K market.