Samsung Display has plans to produce 48-inch TV panels by the end of 2013 while LG Display is planning to produce 48.5- and 55-inch TV panels during the first half of 2014, according to industry sources.

　　Following the release of 39- and 50-inch TV panels from AU Optronics (AUO) and Innolux Corporation, with Innolux reaching one million units in shipments a month and AUO between 300,000-400,000 units, panel makers have been looking to new solutions to compete in the market.

　　Samsung believes that 48-inch TV panels will pose challenges for 46- and 42-inch models while at the same time compete against the 50-inch TV market. The 48-inch panels are expected to have similar costs as producing the company's 46-inch TV panels, the sources said, adding that Samsung plans to produce the panels at a new 8.5G plant in China that has a production capacity of 60,000 glass substrates a month.

　　LG meanwhile is also looking for a new TV panel size to compete in the market and expects to produce 48.5-inch panels in the first half of 2014. The panels will be produced at a 8.5G factory in China's southern city of Guangzhou, which will have a monthly production capacity of 70,000 glass substrates, the sources said.