Top 10 Changes for the TFT LCD Industry in 2009

By David Hsieh - Vice President, Greater China Market, DisplaySearch

A friend in the TFT LCD industry inspired me to list this year’s top 10 for the TFT LCD industry. At the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, a look at the past year and a glance into the new one can be instructive, especially for those of us who are willing to learn from history.

The following are my suggestions for the top 10 changes for our industry. I especially highlight a key word, because in many Asian countries, it’s a fad to use a key word to represent what has happened in the past year.

1. Merge: CMO, InnoLux and TPO merge into one.
2. Panel Price: LCD panel prices experienced two up and down cycles: Q1 down, Q2 up, Q3 up, Q4 down and up in the year end!
3. LED Backlight: The successful launch of the LED backlight began an LED boom and reshaped the whole LED supply chain.
4. China: Panel makers hurried to announce to plans to build new Gen 7 and Gen 8 plants in China.
5. Glass: Glass substrates are in shortage and even shorter due to many disasters.
6. 3D and Touch: The launch of Windows 7 and the increase in 3D movies encouraged panel makers to develop 3D and Touch LCD panels.
7. China: LCD TV panel demand is stronger than expected due to a surge in demand from China and other regions.
8. Vertical Integration: Vertical Integration is everywhere: panel makers, TV brands, component and material makers and TV/PC subcontract manufacturers.
9. Gen 10: Sharp sold Gen 6 to China and ramped up Gen 10 in Japan.
10. High Transmittance: High contrast ratio and high transmittance technology are booming: Super-PVA from Samsung, AMVA5 from AUO, E-IPS from LG Display, and UV²A from Sharp.

That’s a lot for one year! What are the top 10 events or trends in your field or your company?

I have been hearing people talking about the maturity of this industry for many years, but it seems like every year we always have many exciting and thrilling changes. So maybe this industry is still far from maturity! “I am afraid of leaving, even to change to another job in the LCD industry, because I found that even in a couple of months, everything changes and changes a lot,” said a friend of mine in Taiwan.

I believe you’ll have the same kind of feeling when you recall what you thought about LED backlight penetration in the beginning of 2009. Things are changing so fast.

Certainly, DisplaySearch will be always right here bringing the most updated analysis to your door, and we sincerely hope for your continued support. Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in 2010!