DECEMBER 3--Displays have typically been taken for granted as tools for information feedback, but they involve many different types of technology ranging from simple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to complex active-matrix liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). Flat-panel technology has made new products, such as the laptop computer and hand-held devices, possible. Shipment projections for the remainder of this decade vary and depend on technological, developmental, and market factors; but one thing is certain--they are headed up.
According to a soon-to-be-released study from Business Communications Company Inc. (BCC; Norwalk, CT;www.bccresearch.com), The Changing Display Industry: CRT and Flat Panel--Updated Edition, the value of worldwide shipments of electronic displays are estimated at approximately $64 billion in 2001. Shipments are forecast to grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.3% to reach $114.8 billion by 2006.
Worldwide CRT shipments are valued at $33.1 billion in 2001. They are expected to grow at an AAGR of 6.3% and reach $44.8 billion by 2006. Penetration of flat-panel displays into the CRT market has begun. Flat-panel displays are currently estimated at $31 billion, accounting for 48.4% the total value. Their value is projected to grow at an AAGR of 17.6% and account for nearly 61% of the total value of electronic displays by 2006.
The value of LCD shipments is estimated at $25.6 billion by 2001 and expected to grow at an AAGR of 16.5% to reach $54.8 billion by 2006. LCDs should account for 25% of desktop computer monitors by 2006, up from approximately 4% in 2000.
High-definition and large-screen television will have an impact on the growth of flat panel displays. Shipments of plasma displays reached 621,000 in 2000. They are projected to grow at an AAGR of 26.6% and reach 786,000 units in 2001, and at an average annual rate of 53.0% to reach 6.6 million units by 2006.
Shipments of the traditional vacuum fluorescent (VFD) and LEDs will grow at 8.4% and 8.5% AAGRs, respectively, to reach 75.5 million VFD units and 176.6 million LED units by 2006. Large stadium displays will account for the large number of LED units.
New technologies such as organic LEDs will grow rapidly. They are projected to total 8.7 million units by 2006. Shipments of MEMS-related displays, an emerging technology, are forecast to grow at an AAGR of 40.4% through 2006.
