Flat panel display (FDP) demand was low in 2011, lowering the price while the technology was making noticeable improvements. According to the latest NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Worldwide FPD Shipment and Forecast Report, revenue generated from the displays will reach $120 billion in 2012, up by eight percent from the $111 billion total of 2011.

The market is experiencing fluctuations because of the different technologies used to make FDPs. As smartphones, tablets and new slim profile laptops enter the market older systems will be replaced by energy efficient display systems designed for portable applications.


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The vast majority of revenue generated from FDP comes from TFT LCD which accounts for $107.7 billion in 2012, an increase of more than eight billion dollars from 2011. However, the biggest growth came from AMOLED displays showing the strongest year to year growth of 84 percent with $6.5 billion in 2012. All other technologies including: PDP, PMLCD, CRT, AMEPD, PMOLED, LCOS, DLP and VFD have all experienced declines ranging from negative two percent all the way to -58 percent in 2012.

The eight percent increase for 2012 is the result of: larger screen sizes, high resolution displays for smartphones, tablets and PCs, new 4K and 2K TVs and growth for other applications such as gaming, GPS device and automobile displays.

 “There are still concerns for the outlook of the FPD industry, as high levels of saturation have been attained in several major markets. However, the supply chain has found ways to increase the value proposition of FPDs by focusing on technology enhancements: higher resolution for mobile devices, larger screen sizes, thinner and lighter versions for mobile PCs, wide viewing angle performance, and other functions such as touch screens. We expect 2013 to be a good year for the FPD industry, with revenue increasing, as TFT LCD prices recover and AMOLED demand grows,” said David Hsieh (News - Alert), VP NPD DisplaySearch.

NPD is a provider of actionable research for gaining insight into many different industries. It is used by more than 2000 manufacturers, retailers and service companies to help them make decisions in the global market. The FDP report covers more than 140 display manufacturers in 10 plus countries around the world. It analyzes forecasts and historical shipments to create valuable insight with the most comprehensive information available on the subject. Additionally the NPD Group (News - Alert) provides businesses with marketing, sales, merchandising and other solutions. The group covers: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games and wireless industries.