A Leap Toward Affordable High-Refresh Displays

For enthusiasts of competitive first-person shooters, the evolution of monitor technology has been nothing short of impressive. While the benefits of extreme refresh rates eventually see diminishing returns, the recent trend of OLED panels combining high speeds with more approachable price points is a welcome development. The latest industry reports suggest that TCL is poised to push these boundaries even further, potentially introducing 700Hz OLED panels manufactured through cost-efficient processes.


The Role of Inkjet Printing (IJP)

According to data from Omdia, TCL China Star is gearing up to launch its Gen 8.6 Inkjet Printing (IJP) OLED fabrication facility, with production slated to commence in 2028. This move is significant, as it could position TCL as the first manufacturer to mass-produce IJP OLED monitor panels at this specific generation scale.


The core advantage here lies in the IJP technology itself. Traditional OLED manufacturing often involves material evaporation through a mask or stencil, a process that inherently results in significant waste. In contrast, inkjet printing applies OLED materials directly onto the substrate. This direct application method minimizes waste, leading to a more economical production cycle. For the average consumer, this translates to:

  • Lower overall manufacturing costs.
  • Potentially more affordable retail prices for high-performance monitors.
  • Improved color volume at higher brightness levels.

Looking Toward the Future of Gaming Monitors

While the market has already witnessed displays exceeding 700Hz—such as Asus's 720Hz 1080p model—these cutting-edge options currently command premium prices, often hovering around the $1,099 mark. The emergence of more cost-effective manufacturing methods is crucial for bringing these high-end specifications to a wider audience.


While we must wait until 2028 for these new panels to hit the production lines, the shift toward IJP OLED technology represents a promising trend. If TCL succeeds in scaling this tech, it could significantly alter the pricing landscape for ultra-high refresh rate gaming hardware, making the "pro-level" experience accessible to more gamers.