SKD vs CKD vs CBU: Comparative Analysis of TV Assembly Methods

If you need to import a TV, you may need to think about this topic: Do I need a complete TV? Or a TV in parts? This article will discuss the CBU(complete build-up) TV, the SKD(semi knocked-down) TV, and the CKD(completely knocked-down) TV. If you need to import TVs, this article will help you understand these concepts and make the right decision.

We are Guangzhou Mianhong TV Factory. We are a manufacturer, wholesaler, and exporter of TVs. Our TV products range from 17 inches to 98 inches. Of course, we not only export CBU complete TVs, but also provide customers with parts to suit their local conditions. If you need a special CKD/SKD TV solution, please contact us.

Understanding SKD, CKD, and CBU Manufacturing

Let’s take a closer look at these concepts and what they mean in the manufacture of televisions.

SKD(semi-knocked-down)TV: In the TV manufacturing industry, the common practice of SKD is to separate the motherboard; the remaining parts (LCD panel, shell material, etc.) are already assembled; when this batch of “SKD” TVs is transported to the local area, the customer only needs to perform a simple installation – install the motherboard on the back of the TV; in this way, a complete and usable TV is installed.

CKD(completely knocked-down) TV: CKD is a more radical approach than SKD – that is, the TV is disassembled into various parts. For example, the display part of the LCD TV will be disassembled into light strips, reflectors, diffusers, ODP, etc. for export. In addition, auxiliary materials such as screws and rubber strips are also exported separately; compared with SKD’s “simply install the motherboard and use it”, CKD requires a more professional place to install, usually a standard LED display production line. Simply put, our factory provides an assembly plan, and the customer’s factory replicates the assembly based on our plan and materials.

CBU stands for complete built-up, which means that the TV is ready to use after plugging in. 70% of our business is to produce CBU TVs for dealers and wholesalers because they do not have factories to assemble them themselves. In addition, our factory has 2 production lines that can produce 3,000 32-inch TVs per day. Because we are a professional manufacturer, CBU is also our strength. We are good at integrating resources and producing cost-effective TVs at reasonable prices.

Real Case: SKD And CKD Manufacturing

Let’s discuss the specific details of SKD and CKD TVs in more detail, using illustrated examples to help you understand.

SKD TVs require only simple installation: We assemble 90% of the parts (backlight, speakers, LCD screen, T-Con board, etc.) and put these SKD TVs in one area; the other side is the motherboard area. Customers only need to open the back cover, install the motherboard, and connect the backlight line, T-Con board, etc., and then the TV can be used.

CKD TV solutions require relatively complete manufacturing processes and production areas: The CKD TV solution has a lot of materials, and customers need at least some space, such as a workbench, to manually assemble it. The professional CKD customers we work with have their own factory production lines, in which case the materials we send over will be assembled quickly. The CKD TV solution has a lot of materials, and customers need at least some space, such as a workbench, to manually assemble it. The professional CKD customers we work with have their own factory production lines, in which case the materials we send over will be assembled quickly.

Here is a part of the BOM(bill of material) sample. CKD will need the full list to assemble the whole TV sets.

Class	Material Name	Material Specification and Description	Quantity Per Use/Unit
Chassis And Ancillary Materials	Board Cover	Black, HIPS Material To Protect the motherboard	1 / piece
	Back Cover	715*411(mm), HIPS Material, Environmentally Friendly Material, Black Main body to protect the whole TV.	1 / piece
	Speaker Cover	HIPS Material, Environmentally Friendly Material, Black To Protect the speakers	2 / piece
	Side-Port-Cover	Plastic Cover To Protect the ports on the side(motherboard)	1 / piece
	Bottom-Port Cover	Plastic Cover To Protect the ports on the bottom(motherboard)	1 / piece
	Translucent Mirror	ABS Transparent Material Optical structure to concentrate light	1 / piece
	Stand(foot)	ABS Gray	2 / piece
	Button Receiver Board	2-in-1 Keypad Physical Keypad Receiver, Call Menu	1 / piece
	Diffusion Plate	707.4404.60.8 mm For uniform passage of light through the liquid crystal substrate	1 / piece
	Diffusion Sheet	707.4404.60.188 mm	1 / piece
	Light Strip	Normal Gaumut White LED 2W*6 LED Backlight	2 / piece
	Heat Dissipating Tape	Single Side 25X20MM Attach the wires of light strips	1 / piece
	EVA Foam	Single-sided adhesive 709X3.5X1.2MM Paste the front frame lower baffle and the center frame lower	2 / piece
	Foam for Frameless(Top)	7153.51.06 mm For connecting and fixing the LCD glass to the TV bezel.	1 / piece
	Foam for Frameless(Left & Right)	4053.51.06 mm For connecting and fixing the LCD glass to the TV bezel.	2 / piece

Cost Considerations(Unit Price): SKD vs. CKD vs. CBU

Quick Fact: CBU > CKD > SKD

The cost calculation of these three TV solutions mainly depends on how the “OEM fee” is calculated. For example, CBU is more expensive than SKD and CKD because the cost of OEM manufacturing is in our factory.
It is worth noting that CKD is usually more expensive than SKD because we will provide boxes and protection for each material in the CKD solution, which is a packaging material cost; while the SKD solution does not require so much packaging material cost.

Global Market Trends in SKD and CKD

As a TV manufacturing factory, we predict a growing preference for CKD/SKD (assembly methods in the television manufacturing industry. The trend is driven by several key factors, such as Tariff and Trade Policies, local supply chain, and flexibility/customization. Each factor will impact the decision of our clients so they can make the optimized choice.

Logistics Cost And Tariff

In most cases, freight only looks at the number of cubic meters of goods, and our CKD, SKD, and CBU are not much different. For example, if 1,100 32-inch TVs are shipped using CBU, CKD, or SKD, the number of cubic meters they occupy will not differ much. The price of freight depends on many external factors, such as peak seasons, sports events, etc. It is worth noting that for many customers, tariffs are a pain point, and this often determines which TV solution customers in different countries need. For example, countries such as India, Kenya, and Nigeria have higher tariffs on CBU TVs because these countries encourage local production. In this case, most customers in these countries need CKD or SKD solutions. Furthermore, factors like local assembly capabilities and the maturity of the parts supply chain need consideration. CKD and SKD methods not only reduce tariff expenses but also foster local employment and technology transfer, as they typically require final assembly and tuning in the destination country. Therefore, while transportation costs are crucial, tariff policies and local market regulations profoundly impact the final sales strategy for televisions. These considerations collectively influence manufacturers in choosing the optimal assembly approach to gain a competitive edge in different countries and regions.

Conclusion

Through this article, we hope that you have learned some knowledge about TV CKD/SKD solutions. If you need some TV manufacturing with CKD/SKD/CBU solutions, please contact us. We have a complete supply chain to provide wholesale TVs that meet your requirements.

FAQ

Are you the TV manufacturer(factory)?

Yes, we are. We are an LED TV OEM factory with 20 years of experience. Welcome to share your ideas with us. It’s our pleasure to provide the best TV solution for you.

What is your MOQ requirement?

Our MOQ is one model per 20GP and two models mixed loading in one 40HQ. Sometimes our MOQ is flexible, half of a 20-GP container is acceptable.

Is it possible to buy a sample?

Yes, it is. A sample is available to buy. However, our sample may charge double the normal price, which includes the following two parts:

Customization and testing fees – The additional fees cover the engineering costs for us to customize and test the product according to your requirements.
Sample deposit – An extra unit price is collected as a deposit. Once you place a formal bulk order after the sample order, we will deduct this deposit amount from the total fees of your bulk order.

This charging method ensures that we can customize and test the product specially for your needs, and also guarantees that once you formally place the bulk order, we can start production immediately without impacting delivery time.

How long is the delivery time & Warranty?

Mass order: 30 days after the deposit arrival and artwork confirmation. Non-customized Sample: three days. Customized Sample: 7-10 days. Warranty: 1-year by default. Extra cost for extension.

We are looking for long term customers and we will offer the best price!