Large-Sized TFT-LCD Shipments Hit Record High of 665 M. Units in 2010: DisplaySearch

Taipei, Feb. 25, 2011 (CENS)--Global shipments of large-sized thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels hit a new record high of 665 million units in 2010, with strong growth in TV, notebook PC, tablet (slate) PC, and public-display applications, according to DisplaySearch.

The global major display market research and consulting firm said that the strong results indicate signs of recovery from the economic crisis in 2009.

The fourth quarter of 2010 was the strongest quarter, with 176.5 million units shipped, up 9% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ). Monitors are a relatively mature market for large-sized TFT-LCD, with a mere 12% YoY growth from 2009, while other applications had stronger growth. Notebook PC panels reached 178 million units, a healthy 26% YoY growth. The strongest growth segment was mini-note/tablet/slate PC panels, which achieved a 64% YoY increase, thanks to a strong 18 million units of 9.7-inch tablet PC panel shipments in 2010. TV panel shipments grew 36% YoY to 221 million units.

DisplaySearch added that 2010 marks the first year that LCD TV panel shipments surpassed LCD monitor panel shipments. In addition, public display panel shipments grew substantially, up 55% YoY, from 1.1 million units to 1.7 million.

Shipments of LCD TV panels in the fourth quarter of 2010 remained flat at 57.5 million units. The research firm analyzed that that the supply chain is still adjusting inventories and brands are not aggressively refilling their pipelines. DisplaySearch forecast that panel shipments in the first quarter of 2011 would decline 2% QoQ due to seasonal trends. Meanwhile, TV panel shipments are expected to fall to 55.6 million units, based on panel makers' shipment targets. Therefore, panel inventories will likely be low by the end of the first quarter this year.

On a unit basis, LG Display led 2010 shipments with a 25.9% share, followed by Samsung with 22.9%. AUO's share was 16.8% and Chimei Innolux's was 16.5%. LG Display also led in shipment area, while Samsung maintained its leadership in revenues.

2010 Large-Area TFT LCD Panel Unit Shipment Ranking
Application/Rank	1	2	3	4	5
Monitor	LG Display	Samsung	Chimei Innolux	AUO	CPT
Notebook PC	LG Display	Samsung	AUO	Chimei Innolux	CPT
Mini-Note/Slate	LG Display	Samsung	HannStar	AUO	Chimei Innolux
LCD TV	LG Display	Samsung	AUO	Chimei Innolux	Sharp
Public Display	Samsung	AUO	LG Display	Sharp	Chimei Innolux
Others	Sharp	AUO	LG Display	NEC	Mitsubishi
Total	LG Display	Samsung	AUO	Chimei Innolux	Sharp
Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report.