AU Optronics (AUO) will begin to ship 8K TV panels in sizes ranging from 65- to 85-inch in the first half of 2018 according to Liao Wei-lun, president of AUO's video products business group.

Shipments of TV panels in 65-inch and above sizes will be a major focus of AUO as global sales of 65- and 70-inch TVs and display products are expected to grow 40% and 50% on year, respectively, in 2018, Liao reasoned.

The penetration rate of 65-inch and above sizes of 8K TVs will start gaining momentum in 2018 and reach 10% in 2020, Liao said, adding that AUO will begin volume production of 8K TV panels soon to cash in on the emerging trend.

Demand for 4K TV panels will also remain strong in 2018 as the penetration of 4K TVs is expected to hike to over 40% in 2018, from 30% a year earlier, with 4K displays becoming a standard for 50-inch and larger TV products in the year, Liao added.

Good news.