NPD DisplaySearch announced it reckons that 10% of all Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TV panels shipped in 2011 were 3D capable.

For more information visit: www.displaysearch.com

Unedited press release follows:

Shipments of 3D LCD TV Panels Reach 21M in 2011, Reaching 10% Penetration

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 7, 2012 — Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels spiked to 7.8 million in Q4’11, up 26% Q/Q. As a result, total 3D TV panel shipments in 2011 reached 21.2 million, accounting for 10% of all LCD TV panels shipped According to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D, panel makers are targeting very strong growth of 138% for 2012, which would lead to 3D LCD TV panel shipments of 50 million units, for a penetration rate of 21.6% of all LCD TV panel shipments.

“As brands continue to promote 3D, end-user awareness and interest is growing. While there are still concerns about the lack of 3D content and services, as well as end-users’ needs, LCD TV panel makers have pushed 3D capability via lower prices and the introduction of new, cost-effective technologies,” noted David Hsieh, Vice President, Greater China Market for NPD DisplaySearch. Hsieh added, “Many TV brands have started to list 3D as a basic feature for their models above a certain level. This, along with reduction in 3D panel premiums, will be the main driver for 3D penetration in TV panels. Meanwhile, improvements in patterned retarder film manufacturing and lamination stability will increase output through yield rate enhancement.”

According to the report, shutter glass technology use is still larger than patterned retarder technology, with 6.2% penetration in total LCD TV panel shipments in 2011, with patterned retarder accounting for 3.9%. According to the NPD DisplaySearch estimates of panel makers’ shipment targets, 2012 penetration rates will increase to 11.6% for shutter glass type and 10.0% for pattern retarder type.

In addition to TV, panel makers are aggressively promoting 3D monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment and gaming PCs. In 3D LCD monitor panels, pattern retarder manufacturers are more aggressive than shutter glass makers. Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million per quarter from Q2’12 onward. This is up from 235K in Q4’11.

Table 1: LCD TV Panel Shipment Shares by Type

Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D

The NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report covers the entire range of large-area panels shipped worldwide and regionally. The report analyzes historical shipments and forecast projections with 100% coverage of panel makers. Authored by industry experts, the report provides some of the industry’s most detailed information and insights. It is delivered in PowerPoint and includes Excel-based data and tables. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional NPD DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

About NPD DisplaySearch
Since 1996, NPD DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. NPD DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, NPD DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on NPD DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com/. Read our blog at http://www.displaysearchblog.com/ and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/ or follow us Twitter at www.twitter.com/npdgroup.