Since the second quarter of 2012, the LCD TV panel market has witnessed a shift in display panel sizes, with new models focused on 28-, 29-, 39-, 43-, 48-, 50-, 58- and 60-inch displays, according to research firm DisplaySearch. These new LCD TV panel sizes accounted for 12% of total LCD TV panels shipped in the third quarter of the year, showing a share gain of 5% in the first quarter and 8% in the second quarter of 2012, respectively. DisplaySearch forecasts that the share of these new sizes will stabilize in the fourth quarter before passing 15% in the first quarter of 2013, based on panel makers' shipment plans.
These new LCD TV sizes were first launched by Taiwan-based panel makers such as Innolux Corporation (which changed its name from Chimei Innolux (CMI) on November 14, 2012) and AU Optronics (AUO) to maximize value and output after new capacity was installed. Korea- and China-based panel makers such as LG Display and China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) have started production of new sizes as well, said the firm.
"Improvements in glass efficiency and process technology have helped to expedite panel makers' adoption of these new sizes," according to DisplaySearch researcher David Hsieh. The real growth factor, however, will be driven by TV brands' ability to differentiate their products by offering larger TV size options at prices that are still reasonable to the consumer."
Hsieh added, "At the same time, these new sizes have also helped to leverage the existing LCD TV panel supply and provide additional expansion opportunities for panel manufacturers."
Article translated by Alex Wolfgram
