Big LCD screen production booming

Global large-area TFT LCD panel shipments reached a record high of 527 million units in 2009, with strong growth in TV, mini-note and public display applications, indicating recovery from the economic crisis in late 2008, according to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report.

The early quarter of 2009 was the strongest quarter, with 154 million units shipped, up 1% from Q3’09.

Monitors are a relatively mature market for large-area TFT LCD, with only 2% Y/Y growth from 2008 and the same level as 2007. However, notebook PC and mini-note panels reached 175 million units for a 25% Y/Y growth. TV panels are the brightest spot, with 45% Y/Y growth to 163 million units. In addition, public display panel shipments grew substantially, by 93% Y/Y, from 0.9 million units to 1.1 million.

Samsung remains the leader in both area and revenues. Korean makers significantly increased their area share, from 46.2% in 2008 to 52.8% in 2009.