Key Component Shortages Limiting Growth of LED Backlit TVs
Posted on | July 22, 2010 | Comments Off
While searching the web one afternoon we caught the following evening:
The LED backlight unit has emerged as a key factor in the TFT LCD industry, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum for the next several years. According to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Backlight Report , LED backlight shipments will pass those of CCFL backlights in all large-area TFT LCD panels and achieve 80% penetration in Q4’12.
News like this is not uninteresting to those observers that observe the industry.
It is relatively easy to miss the subtle inference, to boost momentum. Can you believe it? Maybe this is a long-toothed demonstration of the changing business environment for what it’s worth, especially on the topic of development.
Whatever you may believe, take a peak at the wording of this statement.
However, LCD makers have been suffering from key component shortages related to LED backlights in Q1’10. PMMA shortages have limited production of TV light guide plates. Many reflector film suppliers were stretched between demand from LCD and solar cell applications. In addition, many LED makers faced a sapphire substrate shortage.
I say, this next part is even more intriguing.
“Many LCD makers didn’t recognize the limited capacities of key material suppliers before fixing their LED TV panel shipment targets. In particular, PMMA and PET are in significant shortage. PMMA and PET suppliers are slowly expanding capacity since they need time to add new plants and face financial limitations,” said Kevin Kwak , DisplaySearch Research Director.