NPD DisplaySearch announced it forecasts that manufacturers will ship 2.6 million Ultra HD (4K×2K) LCD TV panels worldwide in 2013.

For more information visit: www.displaysearch.com

Unedited press release follows:

4K×2K LCD TV Panel Shipments Expected to Reach 2.6M in 2013, NPD DisplaySearch Reports

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 14, 2013 — According to the latest NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large Area TFT Panel Shipment Report, TFT LCD panel suppliers are forecast to ship 2.6 million 4K×2K LCD TV panels (also known as Ultra HD) worldwide in 2013, up more than 40-fold from 63 thousand in 2012.

Figure 1: 4K×2K LCD TV Panel Shipment Forecast by Size (Q4’12-Q4’13)

Source: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large Area TFT Panel Shipment Report

TFT LCD panel suppliers play a pivotal role in 4K×2K LCD TV adoption, providing innovative cost-effective technology solutions that will meet the anticipated demand for these devices. Specifically, they are focused on leveraging new technologies, such as high-transmittance cell designs, high-output driver integrated circuits (ICs), and high-efficiency backlight units and integrated up-scaling circuits for 4K×2K panels.

“To date, Innolux Corp. has been the most aggressive panel manufacturer in this market segment, developing a full line-up of 4K×2K panels in the 39″ to 85″ range,” noted David Hsieh, NPD DisplaySearch Vice President, Greater China Market. “Despite this, 4K×2K panel manufacturers’ shipments are primarily focused on 50″, 55″/58”, and 65″ sizes, which are expected to have the highest volume shipments, especially in China.”

Panel manufacturers are also looking to accelerate 4K×2K panel adoption by strengthening their relationships with LCD TV brands with more aggressive manufacturing and sales efforts.

Table 1: 4K×2K LCD TV Panel Suppliers and Customers in 2013

Source: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large Area TFT Panel Shipment Report

Hsieh added, “4K×2K LCD TV is the newest TV technology available, and in order for it to be successful, it will be critical for the supply chain to avoid falling behind when making their purchases, even if content is still scarce. Some panel makers are also working with design houses to develop circuits built into the panel, to enable up-scaling of HD to 4K×2K content. This will help to drive the 4K×2K LCD TV market and encourage panel makers, especially those that have already started design-in work with TV brands in 2013.”

About NPD DisplaySearch
NPD DisplaySearch, part of The NPD Group, provides global market research and consulting specializing in the display supply chain, including trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge. NPD DisplaySearch supply chain expertise complements sell-through information from The NPD Group, thereby providing 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, 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 provides global information and advisory services to drive better business decisions. By combining unique data assets with unmatched industry expertise, we help our clients track their markets, understand consumers, and drive profitable growth. Sectors covered include automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food/foodservice, home, office supplies, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, visit npd.com, and npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.