Burgeoning Asian Flat Panel Displays (FPDs) Markets Contribute to Global Market Growth

The market for FPDs in the Asian region is currently in the developing stage and is attempting to keep pace with the phenomenally growing global market. FPDs in general find application in notebook computers, palmtops, mobile phones, calculators, camcorders, digital cameras, watches, toys, and other devices. The share of the Asian market as part of the global FPD market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.0 percent per annum till 2009. The Asian FPD markets chiefly comprise of multinational enterprises, which are located in all key geographic locations and the small companies that cater to the niche regional markets.

This Frost & Sullivan research examines the strategies adopted by various Asian countries in entering the FPD market and also discusses the means to overcome the challenges posed by it. The study discusses the changing dynamics of the industry with respect to prices, technology, and economy. It thoroughly examines the liquid crystal display (LCD), online light emitting diode (OLED), plasma display panel (PDP), and micro display sectors in South Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. This information is valuable for both large and small market participants seeking to position themselves for maximum return on investment.

Technological Advancements Set to Drive FPD Markets’ Growth

The improved performance of various verticals such as mobile wireless handsets, televisions, medical, automotive, and computers has boosted the sales of the FPDs in this region. In order to capitalize on this development, FPD manufacturers are increasingly focusing on improving their research and development, production, sales, and marketing channels. "Growth in the highly profitable LCD fabs segment along with the rise in investments in the manufacturing facilities for high-end technologies such as PDP and OLED are driving the FPD markets," says the analyst of this research service. "Companies need to successfully shift from pilot runs to commercialization of the advanced display technologies."

Changing Dynamics and Emerging Solutions can Challenge the Dominant LCD Technologies

The home and personal entertainment markets are likely to boost the FPD sales. LCD and PDP displays with features such as superior brightness and enhanced resolution are ideal for the emerging high density television (HDTV) markets. "While the demand for FPDs from the early adopter markets such as laptop and desktop monitors has been decreasing, the heightening requirement from the handheld devices should offset this decline," notes the analyst. "Microdisplays and OLEDs, with their high-resolution capabilities can tap the hand-held devices market."

Overall, liquid crystal display is the dominant technology across a majority of today’s application areas, with few exceptions. Despite its current stature, LCDs will face increasing competition as newer technologies develop into viable alternatives. Among these competitive solutions, OLEDs are the foremost because of their lightness, thinness, design simplicity, ability to operate at a lower voltage and a wider-angle view, and can emerge strong in the long term (5-10 years). To further assert their dominance, OLEDs must challenge the high market acceptance of LCDs and the economies of scale of the installed base.