2008 LCD BACKLIGHT REPORT

The BLU market is set for disruptive change over the next couple of years. As a result, there are many questions from all quarters of the industry - from component and BLU makers to LCD module, notebook, monitor and TV makers. This report is designed to provide a solid technical analysis of the options, coupled with a thorough performance and cost analysis to ultimately develop a forecast for adoption of these alternative BLU technologies.

• Introduction
• Market Summary
• Backlight Technology Review
• Backlight Materials and Performance Impacts
• BOM & Throughput Analysis
• BLU Technology Penetration Analysis
• Backlight Unit Opportunity Analysis
• Appendix A - LCD BLU Cost Breakdown Summary
• Appendix B - BLU Throughput Analysis
• Appendix C - Color Gamut Metrics for LCD Displays
• Appendix D - Acronyms Used in Report

In this report, we start with a very detailed and fundamental analysis of the various backlight technologies. We evaluate the materials, light sources, light management films and structures and manufacturing supply chain issues of many approaches, including CCFL, LED, EEFL, FFL, CNT and others.

Next, we developed a sophisticated throughput and cost model for most of the options to make backlights for notebook, monitor and TV products. There are many combinations so the models evaluate these using today' s pricing and performance parameters and forecasts pricing out to 2012. This helps understand the price-performance aspect of each solution.

To develop a penetration forecast, we start with a ranking of the attributes of each approach and then weigh the value of these attributes for mainstream notebook, monitor or TV products to develop an evaluation matrix that summarizes the relative value of each approach. Then, starting with a top level forecast for LCD notebook, monitor and TV demand, we perform an economic analysis to see how this top level forecast should be adjusted based on current economic recessionary factors. We then forecast a penetration of each backlight technology into this adjusted demand profile.

For this report, we interviewed and/or had meetings with over 30 companies throughout the US and Asia, plus dozens more at trade shows over the last 6 months. This is a comprehensive look at the technology and market opportunity by a top-level team of Insight Media analysts.

There are many technical, market, business and pricing discussions in this report.

• Which LED types will dominate - standard white, enhanced gamut white or RGB?
• How will they be introduced in notebooks, monitors and TVs?
• Which will use edge-lit and which a direct type backlight approach?
• How will alternative technologies like EEFL and FFL penetrate the market?
• What will be the impact of the current difficult economic situation on overall demand?

• Market factors influencing BLU requirements
• Detailed review of BLU requirements for LCD TV, Monitors and Notebooks
• Analysis of BLU materials and their impact on performance
• Analysis and forecast of BLU bill-of-material costs
• Analysis and forecast of alternative technology penetration
• Analysis of economic conditions influencing the BLU market
• Specific opportunities for suppliers in the BLU value chain

This report aims to supply technologists, managers, product planners, engineers, researchers and marketing personnel with the information needed to evaluate LCD BLU technology trends and design trades for large screen applications such as laptop computers, desktop monitors and LCD TV. Armed with the technical and market data provided in this report, key decision makers will be equipped to assess technology alternatives and make informed decisions as they plan products and business investments in large panel LCD products.

• This report should be purchased by anyone involved in research, development or design of large screen LCD panels.
• The report is of value to people planning large screen LCD products.
• Component suppliers to the LCD panel and set manufacturers who need to understand the future trends in the market.
  • Backlight manufacturers
  • Solid-state lighting suppliers
  • Suppliers of the LCD drive electronics
  • LCD materials
• Product managers and product planners in LCD or other display systems.
• Engineers and researchers involved in rear projection systems.

The report is delivered as a PDF file under a site license agreement. Private webinar and on-site presentations and discussions of the data in this report are also available.