Taipei international computer show highlights LED backlight growth potential

A new screen technology is injecting new life into the personal computer (PC) industry. This technology provides a clearer sharp, vivid image, extended battery life, coupled with a lighter design, the main hope is to become a mainstream laptop screen.

This week at the Taipei international computer show, there are many stylish appearance of the design of the pen, one of its characteristics is equipped with light emitting diode (LED) backlight display. This technology was originally used in toys, music players and mobile phones and other smaller devices.

Apple's new Macbook Air, the thickness of only 3/4 inch thick, can be incorporated into standard leather envelope, equipped with LED backlight display, the notebook computer is better than the traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlight laptop is light and energy saving.

This year's selling point is very clear, that is, ultra lightweight and high brightness, and do not forget: green is now a way to make money. "MSI technology in Taiwan, China, said at the Taipei international computer show.

MSI displays "Wind" laptop in the display area, weighs only about 1 kg, is equipped with a 10 inch LED backlit screen, and a stylish enclosure to attract attention to the design of the customer. DELL, SONY, Acer and Lenovo also saw the future of LED, also launched with LED backlit display, notebook computer is more thin.

Computer makers are increasingly focused on consumer awareness of environmental protection, but also pointed out the advantages of such displays. They usually save 20% of electricity, increase battery life, and no longer contain components of the threat environment of mercury.

DisplaySearch, a market research firm, expects that the LED backlight will account for half of all laptop screens by 2010, well above 12% this year. By 2015, all the pens will be used LED screen, which is expected to reach $6 billion revenue scale.

The popularity of AUO, CMO and EPISTAR etc. will benefit from the LED backlight. Macquarie Securities (Macquarie Research) named EPISTAR for them in the LED industry preferred, but in the long term, Merrill warning display and PC increase from manufacturers and other new entrants to the war of the competition. Merrill Lynch estimates in 2008 earnings per share growth of 24% EPISTAR, 2009 will grow 46%. But its EPS growth will slow to 12% by 2010. The notebook computer is currently about 10% Au LCD panels using LED backlight, as a ring specializing in the production of environmentally friendly products, the company target in 2011 before all laptops were collected LED backlight panel. TSMC, the world's largest foundry, is considering entering the potentially lucrative LED market.

In the computer industry, however, it is often more expensive to manufacture smaller products. LED backlight is more expensive than CCFL, the spread of about $25, but the research firm iSuppli said that in the next few years the price gap may be reduced to less than $10. "The current price is the biggest problem, but I believe the penetration will rise. "Mega securities said.

In addition, large table display and thin LCD TV may also use LED backlight. DisplaySearch said, LED backlight display in the LCD TV market will reach up to 9% of the territory, in the LCD monitor market grab market share of up to 12%.

"It's a matter of time and price. Consumers would be willing to pay more if they wanted to. "Acer said.

Source: Reuters Chinese network