While the recent shortage of 32-inch LCD panels might be good news in the short term for makers of 32-inch plasma display panels (PDPs), any growth experienced by the PDP sector at this size is only likely to last until the end of 2008. So says IT supply and investment specialist Digitimes.com.
According to Digitimes, total PDP shipments for 32-inch PDPs could swell to 15 million units in 2008 – an increase of 2.5 million on 2007’s figure. The primary destination is expected to be China, where consumers are reacting to the shortage of mid-sized LCD screens by opting for plasma screens instead.
32 inches is traditional LCD territory
However, any short-term gain or popularity for smaller plasmas is only expected to last until the major LCD manufacturers bring their eighth-generation LCD production facilities online in 2009. Forthcoming 8G lines from the likes of Philips, AU Optronics and Chi Mei Optoelectronics will all be suitable for 32-inch cuts, while Samsung has already started mass-producing 32-inch LCD panels in South Korea.
According to Digitime’s figures, an 8G glass substrate measuring 2.2m x 2.5m can be cut into 18 32-inch LCD panels, making the 8G LCD panel manufacturing process extremely cost effective. The consumer benefit? Lower prices on 32-inch screens in the future, benefiting anybody looking for a second TV or a first TV for a tiny lounge.
