The recent introduction of hybrid LCD screens is creating more uncertainty in an already unsteady professional LCD display market, according to research and knowledge-based consulting firm Futuresource.
Despite the grade differences between pure professional and basic consumer LCD screens, vendors are applying additional features – such as RS232 and built-in SOC players – on panels designed for homes to make them B2B application compatible.
Some end users are taking advantage of cheaper pricing options available from hybrid models. Not only is this unsettling suppliers’ and manufacturers’ forecasting and general inventory management, it is also said to be impacting ASPs and posing a threat to the pro display category as a whole – potentially leading to issues such as power supply, pixel or even complete failure of the display.
Furthermore, costs in LCD technology are continuing to fall due to manufacturers inundating the market with the screens and the emergence of Chinese firms in the industry.
Two of many companies who are currently suffering as a result of oversupply in the consumer market are Samsung Electronics and Sharp. Samsung has announced it is considering selling its LCD unit in an attempt to focus on exciting OLED TV technology and streamline operations.
Reports suggest Sharp’s Gen.10 factory, Osaka, Japan, is running as low as 20% output, further dampening the outlook for the LCD consumer market.
www.samsung.com
www.sharp.co.uk
www.futuresource-consulting.com
