The major growth drivers are the growing availability of multimedia content in widescreen format and the increasing number of LCD monitors incorporating interfaces (such as HDMI) for high-definition content. Windows Vista, which offers support for widescreen display, is also cited as a promising industry booster. Furthermore, panel manufacturers are pushing the shift toward widescreen by making quick reductions in pricing, as widescreen panels are more efficient to produce.
Growth is particularly strong in the mid- to large-sized segment, where shipments of widescreen models increased by 60.9 percent in Q1 2006, according to market research firm DisplaySearch. As a result, the supplier base for widescreen LCD monitors in Greater China is expected to double in 2007.
The supplier base in mainland China is forecast to jump from 20 makers to 50 makers in 2007, as cost of LCD panels decreases and market demand for widescreen monitors rises. The majority of these makers are based in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Most makers report high levels of available capacities as they only started producing widescreen models within the last two years. Makers expect 22in units to gain momentum in 2008 as their prices are forecast to have the biggest drop in 2007.
