The competition over the supremacy in next-gen TV between the two Korean majors Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics has spread to 8K as they vie to win standardization with their separate display technology.

Samsung Electronics hosted 8K Display Summit in New York on Tuesday (local time) to discuss the current state and future of 8K display technology. The event was co-sponsored by Insight Media, display technology consultancy. The one-day event included intensive sessions of 8K technology and current market situation, 8K content ecosystem, and 8K-related technologies.

At the summit, over 100 experts from display and equipment firms, video producers, tech media and global tech reviewers shared and discussed their insights in 8K technology. The company said they showed great interests especially in its proprietary technologies related to filming and transmission of high-quality images such as 5G network technology, filming equipment and image compression codes.

The company also shared the activity progress of 8K Association that it launched together with other TV makers including Panasonic and TCL at the U.S. broadcasting equipment event NAB Show in April to expand the 8K ecosystem.

“With the rapid expansion of 5G wireless network technology, 8K display market is expected to make great strides,” said Sonia Chen, head of display marketing at Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions America. “In particular, it will receive the spotlight among the millennial generation who are familiar with fast internet speed and high-quality image viewing.”

8K is a higher resolution standard than ultra-high-definition 4K. It boasts 7,680 x 4,320 resolution or approximately 8,000 horizontal pixels, compared with 4K’s 4,000 horizontal pixels at 3,840 x 2,160. It has been a new rising star in the premium TV market.

LG Electronics recently released 88-inch OLED TV in 8K to bulk up its 8K profile.

World’s top TV makers have been moving aggressively to make 8K as the new standard resolution for TVs. According to market research IHS Markit, global 8K sales is estimated to reach 310,000 units this year and projected to grow to 1.43 million units by 2020 and 5 million units by 2022.

By Lim Hyung-joon and Cho Jeehyun

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