Supply of 19 inch widescreen LCD monitor panels is now tight, with one of the world’s top producers of LCD panels, Taiwanese company, Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO), claiming that orders within the segment are stronger than expected.
Acceptance of widescreen displays is growing, and the 19 inch segment is now the Taiwanese entry-level segment, the panel maker said. Panel makers have estimated demand for 19 inch widescreen monitors will reach up to nine million units this year.
The 20.1 inch segment is also competing to become the mainstream widescreen size, as it has a higher resolution and allows concurrent viewing of two A4 size screens, sources indicated.
CMO’s monthly shipments for the 19 inch widescreen segment rose to over 300 000 panels during the first quarter of 2006 and the amount will significantly grow in the second quarter, the company said.
CMO will also introduce 22-inch widescreen monitor panels this quarter. The panel will have a 1,680_1,050 resolution and 5ms response times, according to sources.
CMO expects widescreen monitor panels to account for 10% of all LCD monitor panels shipped this year.
Despite soaring demand, local distributor of Chi Mei displays, Pioneer Computers is selling a 19 inch widescreen LCD monitor for under $400. The CMV 937A is claimed to have an 8MS response time, 1440 X 900/WXGA resolution and 600:1 contrast ratio.