3D TFT LCD panel shipments grow quarterly

September 1, 2011 — 3D-capable thin film transistor (TFT) panel shipments were primarily for LCD TVs, reaching 4.9 million units in Q2 2011. This represents 118% quarter-to-quarter (Q/Q) growth in shipments, and an increase in 3D penetration in LCD TV panels from 4.5% to 9.3% Q/Q.

According to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report, panel makers are targeting 53% growth in 3D LCD TV panel shipments for Q3, as shutter glass and pattern retarder technologies are maturing and costs continue to fall.

Also read: Asian TFT-LCD market drives manufacturing trends

TV: The LCD TV panels have been in oversupply for more than a year. "Panel makers are motivated to develop new features like LED and 3D to increase value.," said David Hsieh, VP, Greater China Market, DisplaySearch. Hsieh notes that 3D penetration is increasing thanks to price declines and better panel manufacturing technologies, but "there are still doubts about whether the market is ready for 3D." 3D is finding use beyond high-end products — panel makers are developing cost-effective 3D, such as 60 Hz refresh rate with signal simulation or lower frequency with blinking backlight units.

For LCD TVs, larger panel sizes are seeing faster penetration of 3D, as the benefits are clearer. In 40" and larger LCD TV panel shipments, 3D penetration increased from 12.7% in Q1’11 to 21.7% in Q2’11. TV panel makers are aiming to reach 28.2% in Q3’11.
 
In terms of 3D LCD TV technologies, shutter glass is still dominating the market, with 61% in Q2. However, pattern retarder panels are growing rapidly, with 271% Q/Q growth rate in Q2, compared to 74% Q/Q growth of shutter glass type panels. According to panel makers’ production plans, pattern retarder panel shipments will be reach those of shutter glass panels in Q3’11.

Table 1. 3D penetration in LCD TV panels. Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report- Advanced LED + 3D
Size Q1 11 Q2 11 Q3 11
32" 0.6% 2.8% 3.8%
37" 7.1% 15.7% 20.8%
40" 5.7% 11.5% 13.8%
42" 6.5% 15.4% 22.5%
46"  26.6% 34.3% 39.5%
47" 20.0% 38.5% 52.8%
52" 24.9% 44.4% 54.5%
55" 32.2% 46.1% 59.7%
60" 28.6% 22.6% 36.7%
Total 40" and larger 12.7% 21.7% 28.2%

Desktop monitors: 3D monitor panel shipments are growing rapidly, from less than 80,000 units in Q1 2011 to more than 250,000 in Q2 2011, thanks to gamers and other special applications. Desktop monitors typically use shutter glass, but pattern retarder and switched cell solutions are emerging rapidly too. Panel makers expect to double shipments in Q3 2011.

Notebooks: Volumes of 3D panels for notebook PCs are still relatively small, with less than 100,000 units shipped in Q2 2011. However, panel makers are promoting shutter glass, pattern retarder, and autostereoscopic solutions to the gamer and entertainment- focused notebook users. Shipments are expected to grow by 126% in Q3 2011.
 
The DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D covers the entire range of large-area panels shipped worldwide and regionally. The report analyzes historical shipments and forecast projections with 100% coverage of panel makers. For more information, contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or [email protected] or regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

DisplaySearch is a global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. The NPD Group is its parent company. visit http://www.displaysearch.com/.

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