SVA-NEC moves ahead to 20.1" TV panels

LCD panel makers are reportedly concerned as Shanghai SVA-NEC Liquid Crystal Display Co. Ltd has begun distributing samples of its 20.1-inch TV panels recently.

The industry learned that SVA-NEC has been shipping samples of the 20.1-inch products and that the company plans to begin volume shipments in April this year for its 5G LCD facility. Taiwan panel makers fear that any move on the part of SVA-NEC to undercut its competitors may force panel makers to bow out of the line due to lack of profits.

SVA-NEC was reported to have been implementing this pricing strategy for its 15-inch monitors, although the company denied allegations. Early in 2005, the mainland China panel maker was said to be offering its 15-inch monitors at $100 per unit, more than $22 less than the industry's average selling prices. Supply for the segment declined, with other companies focusing instead on larger-sized panels.

SVA-NEC also shifted some of its 5G capacity from monitor panels to TV panels. The facility is expected to reach a monthly capacity of 85,000 glass substrates by end-2006.