LEDinside: FPD International 2009 Shows Positive Outlook for LED Industry in the Long Term

---

---

At FPD International 2009 which took place from Oct 28 to 30, 2009 in Yokohama, Japan, energy saving and eco-friendliness were shown as the most important themes for the photoelectric industry. According to research organization LEDinside, thanks to increasing shipments of LED TVs and growing applications of LEDs in mid- and large-sized luminaries, Taiwan’s LED chipmakers should have a bright outlook in the future.

LEDinside pointed out that LED backlighting, with its energy saving and environment protection features, were seen utilized in some most popular products of many exhibitors, and had become the focus of the FPD International 2009. Japan’s Toshiba showcased several LED-based products in the exhibition, showing its resolution to capture the market, and also implying the continuous expansion of LED industry. Benefiting from increasing orders from global brand companies, Taiwan’s LED chipmakers are expected to enjoy strong revenue in the coming months, LEDinside noted.

Taiwan’s LED chipmakers have recently posted their third quarter results of 2009. Due to the growing shipments of LED-based large-sized products, several LED manufacturers have seen their gross profit rate rising in the third quarter; for Unity Opto Technology, the rate was 23.7%, compared to 14.5% for Q2. Harvatek’s gross profit rate surged to 27.3% in Q3 from 18.9% in Q2. And the rate for leading LED maker Epistar was 27.6%, gaining from 22.2% in Q2.

As Taiwan’s manufacturers are updating their production processes, which is expected to largely boost the output of LED , LEDinside estimates the total capacity of Taiwan’s LED manufacturers to increase by 27% in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter. Though in the short term there is pressure from inventory adjustment in the slow season, the growing demand for LEDs for applications in backlighting and general lighting still promises an optimistic outlook of LED industry in the long term.

Taiwan's AUO showcased LED panels with touch-based technology

CHIMEI's 32" LED-backlit LCD TV is claimed to feature low power consumption.

A number of companies introduced new LED-backlit LCD TVs at FPD 2009. The Direct Type LED backlight has the advantage of regional light adjustment.