The Evolution of High-Refresh OLEDs

For enthusiasts of competitive first-person shooters, high refresh rates are a game-changer, although the benefits begin to plateau at extreme levels. Recently, the market for OLED displays has become increasingly exciting, characterized by rising refresh rates and more accessible pricing. According to reports, TCL is set to push these boundaries further by launching 700Hz OLED panels that leverage more economical manufacturing methods.


Strategic Production at Gen 8.6 Facilities

Information sourced from Omdia indicates that TCL China Star is gearing up for a significant leap in display production. Their new Gen 8.6 Inkjet Printing (IJP) OLED fabrication plant is slated to commence operations in 2028. This facility is expected to focus on larger display sizes, such as 32-inch and 34-inch variants, with refresh rate capabilities reaching up to 700Hz. This move would position TCL China Star as the pioneer in mass-producing IJP OLED monitor panels at the Gen 8.6 scale.


While 700Hz+ OLED monitors have already debuted—such as the 24.5-inch Asus model capable of 720Hz at 1080p—the significance here lies in the manufacturing technique.


The Advantages of Inkjet Printing (IJP)

The primary innovation is the transition to IJP technology. Traditional OLED manufacturing often involves a vacuum evaporation process through a metal mask, which results in significant material waste as much of the evaporated substance does not reach the substrate. In contrast, the inkjet printing method offers a more precise approach:

  • Efficiency: Materials are printed directly onto the substrate, drastically reducing waste.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Lower material usage translates to cheaper production costs.
  • Enhanced Quality: Past developments suggest IJP technology could lead to superior color volume even at higher brightness levels.

Impact on Consumer Pricing

The current market entry price for extreme-refresh-rate monitors remains high, with some models retailing for over $1,000. As OLED technology becomes more mainstream, prices have generally declined for standard models. Industry observers are optimistic that TCL’s production method will eventually help lower costs for the ultra-high refresh rate segment, making top-tier performance more accessible to the average gamer, provided the industry can successfully scale this technology by the 2028 target date.