Samsung Electronics says it has developed the world's largest TFT-LCD, or thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, measuring 82-inches wide. The development is expected to intensify global competition among flat panel display makers targeting the high-end large TV market.

South Korea's No.1 electronics company said on Monday that the new product is 17 inches larger than a similar flat panel made by Japan's Sharp Electronics, and that the size of the screen disproves conventional wisdom that says a TFT-LCD cannot match the screen size of a plasma display panel (PDP), or projection TV.

TFT-LCDs are mainly used for large TV sets and computer screens.

Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Electronics, has also developed a 102-inch PDP screen, enhancing Samsung's established reputation as the leader in next-generation digital TV displays.

Samsung said that the product is expected to be unveiled to the public at CeBIT 2005 in Hanover, Germany, later this week.