Chi Mei to formally produce 30-inch LCD TV panels in March

Taipei, March 3, 2003 (CENS)--Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. said yesterday that it would start formal manufacture of 30-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) TV panels this month, with the initial production capacity to reach 1,000 units per month.

Chi Mei has obtained orders for 30-inch LCD TV panels from local home appliance makers such as Teco Electric & Machinery Co. and Kolin Co. recently. Chi Mei will also introduce both 37- and 42-inch panels in 2004.

The 30-inch LCD TV panels are now quoted at between US$1,300 and US$1,400 per unit in the international market. They post higher gross profit rates than 29-inch CRTs (cathode ray tubes) for traditional TVs.

The retail price of 30-inch LCD TV panel is set at between US$4,000 and US$5,000 per unit. Chi Mei expects the price will drop to about US$2,000 per unit, thus stimulating the market demand.

In addition to Chi Mei, other local TFT-LCD (thin film transistor-liquid crystal display) panel makers such as Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd., HannStar Display Inc., and Quanta Display Inc. have ventured into the manufacture of LCD TV panels recently.

Chi Mei will also introduce 27- and 20-inch LCD TV panels in 2003.

In related news, AU Optronics Inc. has completed the development of its 17-inch broad LCD TV panels. It expects to debut both 22- and 26-inch models in the second half of the year.