Key Component Shortages Limiting Growth of LED Backlit TVs
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. There is no doubt that LED will be the mainstream light source in all LCD applications due to slim design, low power consumption and the fact that it enables high display performance. This represents an opportunity for display materials suppliers. For example, optical polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) used in light guide plates, white polyester (PET) for reflector film, and sapphire for LED wafer substrates.