Samsung, LG dive into Chinese electronics market

The country’s two major electronics manufacturers said Wednesday they will aggressively target the Chinese market this week by introducing this year’s new line-up of 3-D televisions and wireless gadgets at an expo in Shanghai.

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics both showcased a variety of gadgets ― focusing on high-end smart TVs and smartphones ― in separate events in China.

This is a move taken as China has rapidly emerged as a big market for electronics makers, with the country’s TV market recording a growth rate of 20 percent.

Samsung, the world’s top TV maker, held a three-day event dubbed “2011 Samsung China Forum” at the expo center starting Wednesday.

Samsung featured its line-up of full high definition 3-D smart TVs, smartphones, tablet PCs, home theater system, camcorders, cameras, laptops, monitors and printers.

The firm plans on putting the focus on active shutter glass 3-D technology, its smart hub that enables smart searches as well as its app store, according to company officials.

In a related effort, Samsung will offer smart TV contents in a joint effort with Chinese firms that include a media group, online portal and music content developer.

LG Electronics, the global No. 2 flat-screen TV maker, also held a two-day event to announce its new line-up in Shanghai on Wednesday.

With a core focus on top-tier 3-D TVs, it unveiled 50 different products, ranging from 3-D and smart TVs and smartphones to home appliances.

It presented six new TV models, including a 72-inch smart TV and one of the company’s most promoted models, the Cinema 3-D smart TV.

“With our first and best strategy, we plan to release the product of highest quality ahead of our competitor in the market,” said Cho Choong-bong, LG’s China region representative.

Last year, Samsung and LG Electronics recorded a market share of 3.9 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively, in the Chinese market, following their Japanese rivals Sharp and Sony which posted their stakes at 4.6 percent and 4.5 percent.

Chinese brands ― Hisense, TCL, Skyworth, Changhong and Konka ― took up more than 70 percent of the Chinese TV market last year.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)