The TV industry finally concedes that the future may not be in 8K

For much of the 2010s, technology companies actively promoted the idea of 8K displays as the next major advancement in television technology. However, a shift is now underway, with major manufacturers scaling back or outright abandoning development and production of 8K televisions.

The Rise and Fall of 8K

Sharp first showcased an 8K TV prototype at the CES trade show in 2012. By 2015, 8K TVs were available for purchase in Japan, albeit at a staggering price of 16 million yen – roughly $133,034 at the time. Samsung introduced 8K TVs to the US market in 2018, starting at $3,500. Industry standards followed, with VESA supporting 8K via Display Port 1.4 in 2016 and the HDMI Forum with HDMI 2.1. Dell even released an 8K computer monitor in 2017, and LG entered the market in 2019 with the first 8K OLED TV, reinforcing the industry narrative that 8K was “the future.”

Did You Know? In 2022, LG lowered the price of its 76.7-inch 8K OLED TV to $13,000, a reduction of $7,000 from previous models.

Despite these advancements, 8K technology failed to gain widespread traction or demonstrate a clear necessity for consumers.

Major Manufacturers Retreat from 8K

LG Display has ceased production of both LCD and OLED 8K panels, as reported by FlatpanelsHD. An LG Display representative stated the company is “taking a comprehensive view of current display market trends and the trends within the 8K content ecosystem.” The representative also indicated a willingness to resume production should market conditions change.

LG Electronics, the sole manufacturer of 8K OLED TVs, is reportedly discontinuing restocking its 2024 QNED99T LCD 8K TV model. This follows similar moves by other brands. TCL, having last released an 8K TV in 2021, cited low demand as the reason for halting further development. Sony discontinued its 8K TV line in April and is planning to transfer majority ownership of its Bravia TVs to TCL.

Expert Insight: The coordinated retreat from 8K by major manufacturers suggests a reassessment of consumer priorities and the viability of the technology given the current content landscape. The focus appears to be shifting towards refining existing technologies and addressing demonstrable market demand.

What’s Next?

It is possible that 8K technology could re-emerge if significant advancements are made in content creation and delivery, or if consumer demand unexpectedly increases. However, based on current trends, manufacturers are likely to concentrate on improving 4K and other display technologies. Further consolidation within the television market, such as TCL’s increased ownership of Sony’s Bravia line, could also influence future product development strategies. A continued lack of 8K content may further solidify the shift away from the technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did 8K TVs first become available for purchase?

8K TVs first went on sale in Japan in 2015, priced at 16 million yen (approximately $133,034 at the time).

Which companies have stopped making 8K TVs?

LG Display has stopped making 8K panels, and LG Electronics is discontinuing restocking its 2024 LCD 8K TV model. TCL stopped making 8K TVs in 2021, and Sony discontinued its 8K TV line in April.

What reason did manufacturers give for discontinuing 8K TVs?

TCL cited low demand, while LG Display stated it was taking a “comprehensive view of current display market trends and the trends within the 8K content ecosystem.”

As television manufacturers reassess their strategies, what role do you think content availability will play in shaping the future of display technology?