As Samsung Electronics has announced plans to halt production of traditional CCFL-backlit LCD TVs and focus on LED-backlit models, market observers believe the penetration rate of LED-backlit LCD TVs will increase to 90% in 2013. Furthermore, direct-lit LED TVs are likely to account for 50% of total LED market share, according to industry sources.
Industry sources noted that more than a year ago, the price difference between LED-backlit LCD TVs and CCFL-backlit models was 20%, but now, direct-lit LED TVs only have a price difference of 8% compared to traditional models. Taiwan-based LED makers stated that South Korea-based brands will likely introduce direct-lit LED TVs with a thickness of only 3cm.
Taiwan-based LED packaging house Unity Opto is expected to benefit as the firm has orders from South Korea-based firms.
According to CH Wu, chairman of Unity Opto, large-size LCD TVs will become the trend and 70-inch models will be introduced soon.
Unity Opto reportedly has TV backlight orders from tier-one brands such as Samsung and Japan-based Sharp. The firm is reportedly a supplier for Sharp's 70-inch LED TVs. Wu believes revenues from the backlight business unit will improve significantly after the Lunar New Year holidays.
