Although MiniLED backlight can enhance the brightness and HDR (High Dynamic Range) of LCD displays, its competitiveness also depends on its cost compared to OLED.
A 65-inch ultra-high-definition direct-type LED-backlit LCD module with a quantum dot-reinforced film will cost about $ 600. If Mini LED backlight is used, the module will require 16,000 chips and the cost will rise to $ 700. If 40,000 MiniLED chips are used in the backlight to improve display performance, the cost may increase further to $ 1,200, which is 20% higher than a 65-inch UHD OLED panel.
Global market research agency Chibond Consulting said that the balance of cost and performance is critical to the market acceptability of Mini LED backlights. Based on the number of chips used, the cost of a Mini LED-backlit LCD panel is estimated to be 2.2-3 times the cost of an ordinary LED backlight with the same size and resolution.
It is reported that AUO will start producing Mini LED backlit LCD panels for gaming displays and gaming laptops at the end of 2018, while Innolux will produce Mini LED backlit LCDs for PIDs (public information displays) at the end of 2018 Panels. Mini LED-backlit LCD panels for TVs will be produced in the second quarter of 2019.