Samsung and Sony announced today their plans to manufacture their 8th generation amorphous TFT LCD panels at their joint venture, S-LCD Corporation. The target is to sign a definitive agreement by the end of June, 2006, according to the companies.

Sony and Samsung plan to establish an 8th generation amorphous TFT LCD panel production line (glass panel size: approximately 2,200mmΧ2,500mm) at S-LCD. The companies plan to invest approximately $2 Billion in the new facility and actual production is targeted to start in fall 2007, with a production capacity of 50,000 panels per month.

The demand for LCD TVs is expanding and the large-screen TV market is expected to be especially dynamic from now on. By launching a production line for 8th generation amorphous TFT LCD panels, Samsung will target further business expansion in the LCD panel market for LCD TVs and Sony will continue to focus on cost-competitive large screen products targeting an expansion of its LCD TV business.

S-LCD is currently manufacturing 7th generation amorphous TFT LCD panels. The joint company was established on April 26th 2004 by an equal joint investment by Samsung and Sony dedicated to the manufacturing of amorphous TFT LCD panels for LCD TVs.