Strengthening Quantum Dot
Samsung Electronics plans to acquire QD Vision, a US-based technology firm specializing in quantum dot materials.
According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics was recently named as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of QD Vision, and the exact value of the deal is estimated to be some US$70 million (82.5 billion won). QD Vision, founded by a group of MIT researchers, owns numerous original patents of quantum dot materials.
The U.S.-based firm has previously supplied quantum dot films to China's TCL and worked with Sony of Japan on developing quantum dot TVs in 2013. It also formed an agreement with LG Display regarding quantum dot technology developments back in 2010.
Industry watchers say that the acquisition will help Samsung Electronics to generate synergy in developing products by using QD Vision's expertise and patents and secure the leadership in the next-generation premium TV market.
Samsung Electronics considers quantum dot as one of the most critical next-generation display technologies and it currently mass produces TVs after applying quantum dot materials to display panels for the first time in the world. The company also produces quantum dot films and mass produces premium SUHD TV lineups which have a wider color spectrum.
"The latest deal is Samsung’s second “choice of God” after the takeover of Harman. It is expected to generate massive synergies by integrating QD Vision’s basic technology and Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology’s application technology. Samsung will be able to take preemptive actions over potential patents suits in the future by taking advantage of QD Vision's patents over quantum dot core technologies," said Hyundai Securities analyst Kim Dong-won.
“Samsung will be able to take preemptive actions over potential patents suits in the future by taking advantage of QD Vision's patents over quantum dot core technologies. Expectations are that Samsung can expand its reach into the next-generation TV leadership by releasing its QLED TVs earlier than expected.”
Meanwhile, quantum dot refers to a nanometer-sized semiconductor particle. The color reproduction accuracy of the quantum dot technology is about five times higher than that of existing TV technologies. The new technology can also realize almost 100 percent energy efficiency, thereby contributing to the reduction in electric consumption.