Samsung will invest another $5 million in its software research and development centre at Noida this year to develop products like digital TV and plasma display panels for global consumption.

The company, which set up this centre in 2002, has already put in $12 million in R&D, including research into hardware, a company spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi.

"Manpower is also likely to double by next year to 300 people at the Noida centre," she said.

Addressing a Cetma seminar on Emerging Technologies and Trends in Consumer Electronics Sector, Samsung Corporation's David Steel said developing software strength in India will lead to more television and home appliance entertainment applications.

"Besides, new opportunities for Indian film industry will emerge due to increased focus on home entertainment. Market transition to flat panel TVs in India can be faster than people think," Steel said.

He said globally, Samsung was targeting 30 million units of LCD TV sales to grab 15 per cent market share by 2007; its target for plasma display panels would be 10 million units by 2007.