iPad 3 to use LG, Samsung hi-def displays?

Apple Inc. may soon order advanced high-definition liquid crystal displays (LCDs) from two of the world's largest LCD makers: Korean firms Samsung and LG, a Korean news site reported this week. The LCDs are for the next generation of Apple's popular iPad tablet computers, according to a report in the Korea Times. Quoting a source close to the talks, the news site reported the display of Apple's iPad 3 will support quad extended graphics (QXGA), and a display resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio "to provide full high definition (HD) viewing experience." It added that Apple has started quality testing Samsung and LG LCDs at one of its laboratories in China. But the report said Gary Sohn of LG Display’s public relations office, and Samsung PR officer Song Chul-gyu both declined to comment. The report said Samsung and LG were required to produce screens with better picture quality and density, adding the testing may finish in the third quarter of 2011. Apple and Samsung have a love-hate relationship of sorts, with Samsung providing components like flash memory and processors for Apple products, but Apple recently filed a patent infringement suit against Samsung. The Korea Times quoted its source as saying Apple has traditionally preferred to use "the same providers of the same parts for the same device." On the other hand, Apple is recently shifting much of its memory chip orders from Samsung to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the report said. According to the report, Apple is now testing its future iPhones and iPads with processors manufactured by TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker. It added Apple does not appear keen in using Samsung's flat screens based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). It also quoted its source as adding present OLED technology may not be enough for satisfactory HD viewing experience. Samsung and LG are two of the few LCD makers that are at ease with highly-advanced LCD screens. The Korea Times report said Samsung and LG can provide high-resolution QXGA screens up to 9.7 inches, due to advanced production technology. It quoted another source as saying Apple's requirement is that pixel density should be increased to over 280 pixels per inch (PPI). — TJD, GMA News