3D LCD TV panels reached 21m in 2011

Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels spiked to 7.8 million in Q4'11, up 26% Q/Q. As a result, total 3D TV panel shipments in 2011 reached 21.2 million, accounting for 10% of all LCD TV panels, according to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipments Report - Advanced LED + 3D.

Panel makers are targeting strong growth of 138% for 2012, which would lead to 3D LCD TV panel shipments of 50 million units, for a penetration rate of 21.6% of all LCD TV panel shipments.

According to the report, shutter glass technology use is still larger than patterned retarder technology, with 6.2% penetration in total LCD TV panel shipments in 2011, with patterned retarder accounting for 3.9%.

According to NPD estimates of panel makers' shipment targets, 2012 penetration rates will increase to 11.6% for shutter glass type and 10.0% for pattern retarder type.

Panel makers are also promoting 3D monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment and gaming PCs. In 3D LCD monitor panels, pattern retarder manufacturers are more aggressive than shutter glass makers. Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million per quarter from Q2'12 onward. This is up from 235K in Q4'11.