IHS pointed, white light emitting diode (LED)-based liquid crystal display (LCD) cannot match organic light emitting diode (OLED) in terms of wide color gamut. Also, enhancing the color filter or LCD pixels is not enough to make the product innovative. The niche is then filled by the quantum dot technology. Quantum dot not only offers enhanced performance with wide color gamut; the term ‘quantum’ also conveys an image of being mystique and high-tech.

But quantum dot displays have some drawbacks. They use cadmium, which is a harmful material, and cadmium-free quantum dot yields relatively low brightness and efficiency, which is why full-film backlight unit (BLU) including the dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF) needs to be in the display for the time being.

And for quantum dot film, which is one of the simplest options for now, there is a challenge of having to meet the performance needs not only for the material but also for the barrier film surrounding it, while speeding up the mass production at the same time. Even with a good-performing, well-made product, the film’s price, close to 100 dollars, is another huge obstacle to overcome. When all things go well, there still remains a big question whether it can appeal enough to the consumers only with the wide color gamut.

IHS said that the trend in the display market after the release of the flat display has been to put focus on form factor at first, and then on image quality, and finally on both form factor and image quality. In 2015, the form factor and the image quality will be further upgraded that a fusion between curved and quantum dot display can be predicted. But still the big question remains: “Will quantum dot display ever be successful?”

Still, top-tier manufacturers are very enthusiastic about quantu dot display because they can find no other differentiating factor in LCD display. In addition, they want to take the advantage of OLED TVs earlier than others by developing and launching quantum dot (QD) TVs.

What is interesting is that the manufacturers focusing on the OLED TV are investing in the QD TV as they are afraid of its growth potential and possible market encroachment in the future. That is, once a product setting a new trend is released, and some companies secure first mover advantage, it will be difficult for others to follow suit.