Everyone knows tablets are hot, but it is surprising to see that tablets were far and away the most-mentioned topic in media coverage from CES. In a presentation called “Trends to Watch from the 2012 CES,” Shawn Dubravac of the CEA showed data from Simply Measured: with the exception of ultrabooks, tablet mentions were almost 3 times any of the other key CES trends (6,126 for tablets vs. 4,060 for ultrabooks and 2,261 for OLED). And Apple didn’t even participate in the event!
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Category Archives: Materials
China 5% Import Duty: a Compromise or a Driver?
As we have discussed, the Chinese government has been considering increasing LCD panel import duties to help its local panel manufacturers. Currently, import duties on LCD modules are 5%, and 3% for the cell and open cell (cell with driver ICs and PCB attached). Speculation that the Chinese government may double tariffs has been a source of concern for Korean and Taiwanese panel suppliers who are importing LCD TV cells and modules to China.
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Glass Makers Promote High-Performance Products at FPDI
As previously reported, FPD international 2011 in Yokohama had fewer FPD exhibits this year; also lacking were exhibits for major components like color filters, polarizers, and backlight units.
However, glass makers had a strong presence. Corning got a lot of attention for its Lotus announcement, but other glass makers showed new technology as well. There were several advancements in cover glass, high performance substrates, and thin glass.
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FPD International 2011: 3D, High Resolution, In-Cell Touch, and Transparent LCDs
Anyone attending FPD International 2011 in Yokohama has probably found that the atmosphere is slightly different from past years. There are fewer demonstrations, not as many new products, and unfortunately, lower attendance. Some panel makers are absent, and others are only showing a few products in small booths. These circumstances reflect the current difficulties in the display industry.
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