Experts debate market clout of LCD television

This article was written by Myra Lu and published by the Taiwan Journal on January 2, 2004. It examines whether LCD televisions will become the new driver for Taiwan's panel industry.

Some industry representatives point out that Taiwan's panel industry may be overheating and will likely face an oversupply. Other industry executives and public relations people argue that they already have plans to invest billions of dollars in expanding production capacity.

In general, Taiwan's LCD industry has been fed by high demand for flat-screen monitors and television sets. Statistics provided by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs show that global output of flat-panel display devices will amount to US$36.5 billion in 2004, up 30 percent from that in 2003. LVD TVs are already among the top five flat-panel products (including monitors and cell phones).

More specifically, price will be a factor in deciding the market. The per-unit price is expected to reach an affordable level of about US$500 for 30-inch modules later in 2004.