3D LCD TV panel shipments gain momentum

The report also stated that panel makers are targeting very strong growth of 138 percent for 2012, which amounts to shipments of around 50 million units and penetrating 21.6 percent of the overall LCD TV panel shipments.

"As brands continue to promote 3D, end-user awareness and interest is growing. While there are still concerns about the lack of 3D content and services, as well as end-users' needs, LCD TV panel makers have pushed 3D capability via lower prices and the introduction of new, cost-effective technologies," noted David Hsieh, vice president of the greater China market for NPD DisplaySearch. Hsieh added, "Many TV brands have started to list 3D as a basic feature for their models above a certain level. This, along with reduction in 3D panel premiums, will be the main driver for 3D penetration in TV panels. Meanwhile, improvements in patterned retarder film manufacturing and lamination stability will increase output through yield rate enhancement."

Table 1: LCD TV panel shipment shares by type. Source: DisplaySearch

According to the report, shutter glass technology use is still larger than patterned retarder technology, with 6.2 percent penetration in total LCD TV panel shipments in 2011, with patterned retarder accounting for 3.9 percent. According to the NPD DisplaySearch estimates of panel makers' shipment targets, 2012 penetration rates will increase to 11.6 percent for shutter glass type and 10 percent for pattern retarder type.

In addition to TV, panel makers are aggressively promoting 3D monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment and gaming PCs. In 3D LCD monitor panels, pattern retarder manufacturers are more aggressive than shutter glass makers. Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million per quarter from Q2'12 onward. This is up from 235 thousand in 4Q11.

NPD DisplaySearch's report covers the entire range of large-area panels shipped worldwide and regionally. The report analyzes historical shipments and forecast projections with 100 percent coverage of panel makers.