TCL is reportedly developing 700 Hz OLED panels for gaming monitors, with production slated to begin in 2028. These panels will utilize inkjet printing (IJP) technology, which is expected to reduce manufacturing costs and potentially improve performance.
According to Omdia, TCL China Star's new Gen 8.6 IJP OLED fabrication facility is scheduled to commence production in 2028. The facility is planned to produce larger panels, including 32-inch and 34-inch sizes, with refresh rates reaching up to 700 Hz. This would position TCL China Star as the first company to mass-produce IJP OLED monitor panels at this fabrication generation.
While 700 Hz OLED monitors already exist, such as an Asus WOLED panel capable of 720 Hz at 1080p, the key advancement from TCL lies in the IJP manufacturing method. Traditional OLED production involves evaporation of materials through a mask, leading to significant material waste. Inkjet printing, however, prints OLED materials directly onto the substrate, promising less waste and more cost-effective production. This could also lead to improvements in color volume at higher brightness levels.
The increased efficiency of IJP OLED technology is anticipated to translate into lower prices for consumers. This comes at a time when OLED monitors are experiencing significant sales growth, driven by their desirable features like rapid response times and vibrant colors. Current high-refresh-rate OLED monitors, like the 720 Hz Asus panel, are priced around $1,099, indicating that cost reductions through new manufacturing techniques are a welcome development for the market.
If TCL's plans come to fruition, gamers could see more affordable ultra-high refresh rate OLED options becoming available in the coming years, although production is not expected to begin until 2028.