Austin (TX) - Market research firm DisplaySearch reported a sharp increase in shipments of plasma display panel (PDP) shipments to the TV and public display markets in the second quarter of this year. The industry sold 799,000 panels between April and July of this year.

The shipments translate into an increase of 14 percent compared to the first quarter of this year and an increase of 119 percent year-over-year. Although the results were positive, shipments were about 43,000 units below expectations due to strong competition with microdisplay rear projection TVs in North America and slower than expected demand growth in Europe from the UEFA Euro 2004 soccer tournament, DisplaySearch said.

As a result, PDP and PDP TV street prices began falling faster than previously expected due to a rising surplus created from the demand shortfall and significant supply growth as a number of suppliers ramp new fabs, according to the firm. These lower prices combined with the traditional seasonal strength associated with production for the holiday season should lead to even faster growth of 127 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of this year to over onbe million units, DisplaySearch stated.

Matsushita overtook Samsung SDI for the first time in production numbers with a 23.1 percent to 22.5 percent advantage. It benefited from the simultaneous ramping of two PDP lines, one in Ibaraki, Japan and the other in Shanghai, China, resulting in the fastest supply growth of any supplier. It also benefited from strong internal demand and strong demand from a few select external brands.

The TV market accounted for 89 percent of shipments, down from 90 percent in the first quarter.

42" enhanced definition (ED, 854 x 480) panels grew from a 49 percent share in the first quarter to a record high 54 percent share in the second quarter on its attractive price points and broad availability. If other resolutions are included, the total 42" 43" share rose from 72 percent to 75 percent.

Source : Tom's Hardware US