Santa Clara, Calif. – Overall LCD TV panel shipments may have
been
,
but global shipments of 3D-capable panels reached 6.6 million units in the
third quarter of 2011, up 27 percent from the preceding quarter, according to
The NPD Group’s DisplaySearch unit.
Shipments of film pattern retarder-type 3D panels and active shutter
glass type 3D panels rose 34 percent and 23 percent, respectively, in the
period.
According to
‘s
“Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D,” panel
makers are targeting very strong 30 percent growth in 3D LCD TV panel shipments
for the fourth quarter of 2011.
Manufacturers and brands are continuously promoting 3D, and end-user
awareness and interest are growing, the analysts said.
In the third quarter, 3DTV panel penetration in total LCD TV
panel shipments reached 12 percent.
“The TFT LCD industry has been in oversupply for six consecutive
quarters, which has influenced the price premium for 3D panels. While there are
still many questions about the lack of 3D content and services, as well as end users’
needs, LCD TV panel makers have been strongly promoting 3D through lower prices
and the introduction of new, cost-effective technologies,” stated David Hsieh, NPD
DisplaySearch greater China market VP.
While LCD TV panel shipments did not grow in third quarter 2011,
3D panel shipment growth was healthy, and panel makers are targeting 30 percent
quarter-to-quarter growth for the fourth quarter of 2011.
The firm predicted 3D LCD TV panel shipments reaching 21.5
million units in 2011, with 3D penetration in LCD TV panels of 10 percent (4
percent pattern retarder type and 6 percent shutter glass type).
Newer low-cost 3D solutions are expected by panel makers to help
the 3D penetration rate achieve 20 percent by the third quarter of 2012, which
DisplaySearch said could lead to more content availability.
In addition to 3DTV, panel makers are aggressively promoting 3D
monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment PC and game markets.
In 3D LCD monitors, pattern retarder makers are more aggressive
than shutter glass makers.
Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million per
quarter from the second quarter of 2012 onward. This is up from 250,000 units
the third quarter of 2011, DisplaySearch said.
