LG, Samsung executives look to "Avatar" for 3D TV inspiration

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- Top executives from two of South Korea's leading
electronics firms have flocked to local theatres to watch the Hollywood
blockbuster "Avatar" in an effort to evaluate the film's 3D technology and
prepare for competition in the burgeoning 3D TV market, a source in the company
said Monday.
LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, along with high ranking executives from the
group's affiliates, attended a screening in downtown Seoul last week, the
official said, adding the outing was made on Koo's suggestion.
LG Group Vice Chairman Kang Yoo-sig, and Vice Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of LG Electronics Nam Yong accompanied the group chief, as did
senior group officers in charge of the 3D TV-related sector, including CEO of LG
Display Kwon Young-soo, president of Home Entertainment Simon Kang, and Chief
Technology Officer (CTO) Paik Woo-hyun.
Avatar, which tells the story, through 3D technology, of a disabled U.S. marine
who infiltrates a tribe of giant blue aliens inhabiting a faraway planet, became
the first theatrical release in South Korea to reach 112.3 billion won (US$100
million) in ticket sales.
Chairman Koo, commenting on the group's 3D TV businesses, "expressed high
interest in the current technological level of 3D TV, which does not require
viewers to wear 3D glasses," said a corporate officer.
Yoon Boo-keun, head of Samsung's TV division, also attended a screening of the
film recently, saying afterwards that the 3D TV market "is expected to grow
faster than previously thought."
Samsung and LG, both of which dominate the global TV market, have already begun
to compete in order to gain the upper hand in the 3D TV market.
Samsung has so far claimed the largest share of world's overall TV market at over
20 percent in 2009, followed by LG with 10 percent. Samsung ranked top in the
domestic market with an over 50 percent market share while LG took up 46 percent.

LG Electronics recently released its version of the 3D TV targeting corporate
customers, while both Samsung and LG will soon release the 3D liquid crystal
display (LCD) or 3D light emitting diode (LED) units that offer higher definition
for household use.
Both companies plan to launch an aggressive marketing campaign for their 3D TV
models sooner or later.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
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