Korea-based panel makers are expected to start mass producing lower-cost Ultra HD TV panels in the second quarter of 2014, with shipments going primarily to customers in China.

　　Both LG Display and Samsung Display are aiming to mass produce RGBW Ultra HD TV panels to compete against Taiwan-based makers in the China market where low-priced Ultra HD TVs are currently in high demand, according to industry sources.

　　Taiwan makers' LCD TV businesses saw major benefits from shipping Ultra HD TV panels to China in 2013, but may now see challenges due to competition from Korea.

　　About three million Ultra HD TV panels were shipped in 2013 and the number is expected to increase to between 13-15 million units in 2014.

　　The increased competition, however, does not necessarily mean losses in the Ultra HD TV panel segment for Taiwan makers, rather less-than-expected business opportunities in 2014, the sources said.

　　The sources have yet to reveal sizes of the low-cost Ultra HD TV panels from LG and Samsung but market observers believe sizes will mostly be in the 40- to 49-inch range.

　　Digitimes Research meanwhile said the Korea-based makers will most likely change the frequency of the panels to 60Hz and change the RGBW sub-pixel arrangement in order to lower costs.