Demand for 3D Optical Film Rises as Passive 3D TV Competes with Shutter Glass
As 3D TV continues to grow, competition between the main two 3D technologies is heating up, with film patterned retarder to finally catching up to the more established shutter glass approach.
According to the NPD DisplaySearch, demand for 3D patterned retarder (3D PR) film is forecast to grow 104% Y/Y in Q4'12 and reach 34 million units in 2013.
"Despite the fact that 3D TV has not grown as fast as many in the industry expected, the penetration rate is still growing steadily. Nearly 30% of LCD TV panels shipped in 2013 will be 3D-capable," noted Yoonsung Chung, Director of Large-Area Displays and FPD Materials Research for NPD DisplaySearch. "3D PR film reportedly minimizes eye fatigue, and demand for 3D PR is growing at a much faster pace. It is forecast to account for 48% of total 3D TV panel shipments in 2013, up from 39% in 2011."
LG Chemical has led in 3D PR film shipments for nine consecutive quarters, accounting for 96% of global shipments in Q3'12. LG Display was the dominant producer of 3D PR panels for TVs and the only supplier of 3D PR monitor and notebook panels in 2012. LG Chemical supplies 3D PR panels to AUO and BOE. However, DNP is also competing in the 3D PR film market and took a 20% share of LG Display's 3D PR film demand for TV panels in Q3?12.
Chung added, "The competition among 3D PR film manufacturers is expected to intensify, as film manufacturers look to compete. Chinese panel makers such as CEC-Panda and China Star are starting to produce 3D PR TV panels, and LG Display is expanding production of 60"+ panels in 2013 - potentially joined by Sharp. Demand for 3D PR film is anticipated to rise, which will draw in other film manufacturers as well."
"Despite the fact that 3D TV has not grown as fast as many in the industry expected, the penetration rate is still growing steadily. Nearly 30% of LCD TV panels shipped in 2013 will be 3D-capable," noted Yoonsung Chung, Director of Large-Area Displays and FPD Materials Research for NPD DisplaySearch. "3D PR film reportedly minimizes eye fatigue, and demand for 3D PR is growing at a much faster pace. It is forecast to account for 48% of total 3D TV panel shipments in 2013, up from 39% in 2011."
LG Chemical has led in 3D PR film shipments for nine consecutive quarters, accounting for 96% of global shipments in Q3'12. LG Display was the dominant producer of 3D PR panels for TVs and the only supplier of 3D PR monitor and notebook panels in 2012. LG Chemical supplies 3D PR panels to AUO and BOE. However, DNP is also competing in the 3D PR film market and took a 20% share of LG Display's 3D PR film demand for TV panels in Q3?12.
Chung added, "The competition among 3D PR film manufacturers is expected to intensify, as film manufacturers look to compete. Chinese panel makers such as CEC-Panda and China Star are starting to produce 3D PR TV panels, and LG Display is expanding production of 60"+ panels in 2013 - potentially joined by Sharp. Demand for 3D PR film is anticipated to rise, which will draw in other film manufacturers as well."
