Konka makes moves in high-end TV segment

Chinese television manufacturer Konka Group Co Ltd is moving to strengthen its presence in the high-end TV segment, as it strives to grab new opportunities emerging from upgraded consumer demand.

Zhu Zhongqing, general manager of domestic marketing for Shenzhen Konka Electronic Technology Co Ltd, one of the group's subsidiaries, said the company is committed to promoting technological innovation and pushing forward with internal reform to gain a strong foothold in the market amid intensifying rivalry from competitors.

The company on Tuesday unveiled its new OLED TV product, APHAEA OLED V5. Priced at 15,999 yuan ($2,486) and 9,999 yuan for 65-inch and 55-inch screen versions respectively, the new models carry a series of intelligent functions including AI fitness, AR interactive gaming and video calling, and can be linked remotely to other smart devices in the home.

While upgrading products with new display technologies will bring fresh business opportunities to market players, inclusion of intelligent features such as artificial intelligence and social interaction into the traditional industry is also crucial for their development, Zhu said.

According to Beijing-based big data services provider All View Cloud, TV sales in the Chinese market dropped 0.6 percent year-on-year to 9.9 million units in the first quarter. The decline was much more evident compared with the pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2019, 20.5 percent.

However, the industry recorded growth in terms of price. Average sale price in the Chinese market surged 31.7 percent on a yearly basis to 3,142 yuan in the first three months, AVC said.

"This shows demand for high-quality and high-value products has become a trend," Zhu said. "Grasping new opportunities from upgraded consumer demand and making rapid adjustment to business models are vital for us to achieve new breakthroughs."