October 26, 2006
As Horizon approaches the month of November, we are seeing further definition within the LCD market. Monitor panels continue to be in high demand. Events of note include: Hydis filing for bankruptcy which has been causing headaches for tablet manufacturers and several OEMs have reported that Sharp lead times have been stretching.
Monitor
17” and 19” panels continue to be on allocation and Horizon is seeing lead times for 18”-21”sized Sharp panels starting to stretch. Samsung’s 17” panel (LTM170E8-L01) continues to be the hottest panel in the market. Horizon expects to see market conditions to remain tight right into the holiday season.
Notebook
Despite seeing slight increases in demand and prices in early October, Horizon has seen market conditions stabilize over the past few weeks. The most active panels are LG’s LP154 and Sharp’s LQ133 series.
A strong demand in the service area for 15.4” and 17” panel sizes driven by the transition to RoHS compliance. Several OEMs have opted to go completely RoHS compliant throughout their supply chain, including service, rather than maintain two separate AVLs, leading to shortages as OEMs look to support non RoHS service demand with RoHS compliant panels.
Industrial
Demand continues to remain robust as there have been increased levels of in bound activity at Horizon. In our previous update, we had indicated that there was strong demand for 12.1” panels. In addition we are seeing increased activity in 10.4” sizes. Several OEMs are actively looking for Sharp panel LQ104V7DS01 and NEC panel NL6448BC33-46.
TV
The LCD TV market is the driver of the LCD market as manufacturers jockey for position in this growing channel. Although the pricing on the LCD panels will continue the gradual downward trend, the demand remains high, and the LCD TV market has room to grow. LG’s LC420WU1 and CMO’s V420H1 series are two of the most active TV panels in the market for 42” sizes. There is also a strong demand for Samsung’s LTA320W2 32” panel.
