IHS reveals that display manufacturers and distribution channels has successfully increased consumer awareness and boosted 4K LCD TV penetration in 2014, the leading global source of critical information and insight. While 4K is best known as a feature in high-end LCD TVs, starting this year 4K displays will emerge in all major display applications, including desktop monitors, notebook PCs, OLED TVs, digital signage, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

With the evolution of new display process technologies to enhance the 4K display yield rate and lower costs, IHS forecasts that the 4K display market will be reach $52 billion in 2020.

“Since its market introduction in 2013, TV brands have recognized that 4K is a great way to enhance value, so they have strongly promoted 4K models,” said David Hsieh, senior director of display research for IHS.

“4K content and broadcasting availability is also on the rise, which is helping more TV buyers recognize the value of this feature. Meanwhile, LCD TV panel makers have continuously improved 4K panel yield, which has reduced costs and facilitated even more consumer adoption.”

In 2015, LCD panel makers are targeting 40 million 4K LCD TV panel shipments, 17% of all LCD TV panel shipments. In addition to TVs, consumers are starting to enjoy the benefits of ultra-high-resolution content in their smartphones and other mobile devices. The “TV everywhere” concept is increasing consumer desire for higher resolution screens in their mobile devices. The professional-monitor and public-display markets are also increasingly adopting 4K displays.

4K LCD TVs continue to be the largest segment of the 4K display market, but smartphones and OLED TVs will experience the strongest growth this year. In order to compete with LCD TV in the high-end segment, OLED TV makers are including 4K resolutions. As display technology improves fine-pitch pixel designs and brightness transmittance, 4K displays will become more affordable for mobile devices.

In fact, panel makers like Sharp and JDI have recently announced and exhibited 4K smartphone panels. 4K tablet PC displays, using oxide (IGZO) and low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) processes, are also in panel makers’ plans.

On the other hand, sub-pixel rendering (SPR) technology will become an important way for panel makers to enhance 4K pixel design in their displays. For many years now, various versions of SPR have been used in the commercial production of AMOLED and LCD displays. Essentially they use two sub-pixels per white pixel, to offer a similar perceived resolution as conventional three-color red-green-blue (RGB) displays.

“The main benefits of SPR include fewer sub-pixels, higher transmission, and lower power consumption,” Hsieh said. “SPR is an important element in the growth of the 4K display market.”