August 28, 2001 – Seoul, Korea and Freiburg, Germany – Samsung Electronics, has formed a strategic alliance with Micronas GmbH. The partners will co-develop chip sets used in next-generation TVs.
Specifically, the two companies plan to develop chips that cost less to produce than what are now available and that are multi-functional, by combining the video signal processor, audio signal processor and micro-controller, according to the companies. Samsung will take part in the development work from product definition until completion, including evaluation and approval.
Additionally, Micronas will benefit by securing a steady buyer of newly designed chips. Samsung Electronics Semiconductor Division is exploring the possibility of fabricating the jointly developed chips on consignment.
The world TV market stands at 120 million units per year. Samsung holds a 10% share, selling 12 million units annually. Samsung is competing fiercely with major market players Sony and Philips.
In 1970, Samsung mass-produced its first black-and white TVs, with color TVs going into mass production in 1976. The company began selling digital TVs in 1998.