Samsung, LG fuel rivalry in global hospitality TV market

Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc., two leading players in the global hospitality TV market, are extending their rivalry in the premium quality TV segment.

Global hospitality TV shipments are estimated to reach 3.9 million units this year, up 11.9% from a year ago, according to technology research firm Omdia. They are forecast to reach 4.3 million in 2024, exceeding 4 million for the first time.

LG topped the global hospitality TV market with 32.7% last year, holding the throne for two consecutive years. Samsung was the second-largest player with 27.7%.

Hospitality TVs refer to premium TVs installed in hotel guest rooms and common areas. The TVs list amenities, nearby attractions and movies available and are often compatible with guests' smart devices. With customized content programs for hotels, they generate higher profits than regular TVs.

LG is aiming to raise its market share in the segment with the world’s first hospitality TV embedded with AirPlay. The Apple Inc. system connects users’ iPhones or iPads to the TVs, sharing content among devices.

The home appliance giant will introduce the premium TV at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) in Toronto, Canada between June 26 and 29. LG will release the TVs first in the US and Canadian markets, from the second half of 2023.

Samsung is intensifying sales of micro light-emitting diode (LED) displays overseas. It installed ultra-high resolution displays in 795 guest rooms at Atlantis the Royal, a resort in Dubai that opened in March of this year.

It is the first hotel in the Middle East and North Africa region to have installed Samsung’s micro LED display, dubbed the Wall, on its property. The Wall is embedded in the Royal Mansion, the resort's most luxurious guest suite.

Write to Ik-Hwan Kim at lovepen@hankyung.com

Jihyun Kim edited this article.