May 14, 2012 -- Large-area thin-film transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel shipments declined in Q4 2011 and again in Q1 2012 as supply chain inventories forced adjustments. Q2 2012 panel shipments should grow significantly, with brands and OEMs increasing orders, and panel makers increasing capacity utilization. A recent panel price rebound will enable revenues to increase in the double-digits as well, indicating a recovery of the TFT LCD industry, according to NPD DisplaySearch’s Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report - Advanced LED.

Following a “long-standing over-supply” in the TFT LCD industry, which induced lower panel prices, panel makers are “restructuring and adding new technologies and processes” to improve costs and performance, said David Hsieh, VP, Greater China Market, NPD DisplaySearch. Hsieh sees 2012 as a year of “gradual recovery,” when panel prices rebound and shipments increase. Q2 2012 is an example, with double-digit growth in shipment units, shipment area, and revenues.

Large-area (9”+) TFT LCD shipments will rise 11% from Q1 2012, to 189.6 million. This is a 4% increase over Q2 2011. Large-area TFT LCD shipment revenues are expected to grow 14% Q/Q to $20.6 million, the first positive revenue growth in three quarters.

The traditionally slow Q1 saw quarterly declines in panel shipments for all 3 major applications: notebook PCs, desktop monitors and TVs. However, tablet PC panels continued to show strong momentum, with 18% quarter to quarter (Q/Q) growth, driven by 9.7” shipments. Apple uses a 9.7” display in its iPad.

Expect tablets to continue to be the growth driver for display panel shipments in Q2. The latest Apple iPad, with QXGA resolution, has led to higher panel shipments in Q2. In addition to tables, notebook PC displays will grow 9% in Q2; desktop monitor displays will see 2% higher shipments; TV panel shipments will increase 12%. TV displays are growing due to demand from North America and China.

Table 1. Large-area TFT LCD shipments (Millions). SOURCE: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report - Advanced LED.

LED backlight penetration reached 59.2% of LCD TV panel shipments in Q1 2012, according to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report. This figure will reach 60% in Q2 2012, and 70% by Q4 2012, show panel maker estimates. These targets account for scenarios in which panel makers ship the cell and open cell only, and downstream companies assemble the backlight unit together with the module. Many panel makers and LCD TV set makers have developed a lower-cost, direct-type LED backlight, targeted at the market segment that prioritizes panel cost over thickness. NPD DisplaySearch estimates that direct-type LED backlit panels will grow to 17% of all LCD TV panel shipments in Q4’12. Learn more about LED backlights for LCD displays here: Lower-cost LED backlights darken CCFL's future

Table 2. LCD TV panel shipment share by backlight type. SOURCE: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report - Advanced LED.

The DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report covers the entire range of large-area panels shipped worldwide and regionally. The report analyzes historical shipments and forecast projections with 100% coverage of panel makers. NPD DisplaySearch is a global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. Access reports at http://www.displaysearch.com/.

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