Recent reports suggest both Samsung and LG Display are evaluating the option of moving currently installed Gen 8 equipment from their Korean fabs to the new fabs they have been planning on building in China in 2012 and 2013. As analyzed in our recent Quarterly FPD Supply/Demand and Capital Spending Report, there are a variety of potential benefits as well as negatives with this “Move to China” strategy.
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Category Archives: Flat Panel Displays
Who’s Got the Power for LCD Monitors?
With global demand for TVs remaining behind industry expectations, panel makers with fab lines to fill continue to eagerly look for ways to revitalize other large-area panel markets like monitors. Recent supply chain indications from Korean LCD manufacturers suggest a new wave of promotion for wide-viewing angle IPS (in-plane switching) and PLS (plane-to-line switching) panels for desktop monitors. As one can imagine, one way to promote these technologies is to lower the price premium over the standard TN (twisted nematic) for these arguably better technologies.
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Super High Resolution FPDs: The Future of Better Image Quality
The release of Apple’s iPhone 4 in June 2010, and its subsequent enormous commercial success, ushered in the age of super high resolution (SHR) FPDs, proving that consumers literally see the value of high resolution.
High resolution enables some 3D technologies, allowing viewing of larger displays at the same distance and improving the viewing experience of smart TV. But most importantly, high resolution appeals to all FPD users because it provides smoother, higher quality images.
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Sharp + Foxconn: A New Alliance to Compete with the Korean Giants?
According to press reports, on July 15, Sharp executives confirmed that they will establish a joint venture company with Hon Hai (Foxconn). In early May, DisplaySearch analyzed this potential tie-up. The joint venture company will be capitalized by both companies, established in Taiwan, and in charge of the LCD TV panel and component business. Chimei Innolux, part of the Foxconn group, plays an important role in the relationship. The agreement will include the following:
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Major Japanese Small/Medium FPD Maker to Compete with Taiwan and Korea
Two major events in the Japanese small/medium LCD industry made headlines in June: Sharp announced it would convert its large-area panel factory in Kameyama to produce small/medium displays, and speculation emerged that LCD operations owned by Toshiba and Sony would be merged into a new company. The stories also indicated that Hitachi may join the joint venture, and that the public-private Innovation Network Corp of Japan would invest $2.5 billion and be the majority shareholder.
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