LCD TV Panel Makers Target 40% LED Penetration by Q4’10
The continuing transition to LED backlights is motivating LCD TV panel manufacturers to develop their supply chains in order to reduce the cost of LED-backlit panels. According to the latest Quarterly LED Backlight Panel Shipment and Forecast Report , 9.5 million, or 18.5%, of the LCD TV panels that shipped in Q2’10 had LED backlights, which was 110% growth Q/Q. LCD TV panel makers are targeting aggressive growth for LED panel shipments, with plans to reach 40% LED penetration in Q4’10, and to exceed 50% in Q2’11. Penetration is highest among leading LCD TV panel makers, including Samsung, LG Display, AUO, Sharp, and Chimei Innolux. Notably, Samsung and Sharp aim to ship more LED LCD TVs than CCFL panels in Q4’10 (Table 1). Among these players, Sharp is the only one focusing on direct-type LED backlights, as opposed to the more common edge-lit structure. /LCD TV panel prices fell quickly in Q3’10 due to oversupply and inventory adjustments downstream
Connected TVs Shipments Surge, With Forecasted Growth to 119…
The TV market is entering a new phase, as connected TVs hit the mainstream. According to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report , internet connectivity has emerged as a key feature in TVs this year. The report, which surveyed 2010 product ranges from leading brands, notes that 55% of TV models available across Japan, North America, Europe, China and India have Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) capability. Overall, this is expected to translate to over 45 million connected TV sets, 19% of flat panel TV shipments in 2010. DisplaySearch forecasts the connected segment to reach 119 million units in 2014, accounting for 42% of all TVs shipped worldwide. “We have seen DLNA as a solution in search of a problem for a long while, but with the surge in media streaming, the technology has found its place—creating business opportunities for TV set makers, broadcasters and retailers,” said Paul Gray , Director of TV Electronics Research. “The internet video battleground will take place in the living room, with all facets of the TV supply chain trying to stake claims. As a result, the competition is creating attractive new viewing choices for consumers, which underpins the value of the TV’s network connection.” DisplaySearch research also covers the progress made in the development of energy efficient TVs, as well as enabling technologies such as LED backlights, which are forecast to be in over 80% of LCD TVs shipped in 2014.