Global large-size TFT-LCD panel shipments reached a record high of 665 million units in 2010, with strong growth in TV, notebook, tablet PC, and public display applications, according to DisplaySearch. The strong results indicate signs of recovery from the economic crisis in 2009. The fourth quarter of 2010 was the strongest quarter, with 176.5 million units shipped, up 9% sequentially.

LCD monitors are a relatively mature market for large-size TFT-LCD, with a mere 12% on year growth from 2009, while other applications had stronger growth. Notebook panels reached 178 million units, a healthy 26% on year growth. The strongest growth segment was netbook/tablet PC panels, which achieved a 64% on year increase, thanks to a strong 18 million units of 9.7-inch tablet PC panel shipments in 2010. TV panel shipments grew 36% on year to 221 million units.

DisplaySearch said that 2010 marks the first year that LCD TV panel shipments surpassed LCD monitor panel shipments. In addition, public display panel shipments grew substantially, up 55% on year, from 1.1 million units to 1.7 million units.

"At the beginning of 2010, DisplaySearch forecasted that the large-size TFT-LCD industry would experience two crystal cycles during the year, which proved to be true," noted David Hsieh , DisplaySearch VP and research leader for large-size panels.

Panel shipments reached 156 million units in the first quarter of 2010, and grew to 170 million units in the second quarter. At the end of the second quarter, the entire supply chain adjusted its inventory levels, which resulted in a drop in large-size TFT-LCD panel prices. The third quarter of 2010 panel shipments fell to 162 million units as panel makers cut capacity utilization. Despite these results, the fourth quarter of 2010 demonstrated strong growth, reaching 176 million units as the panel industry gradually recovered.

LCD TV panel shipments remained flat at 57.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. This indicates that the supply chain is still adjusting inventories and brands are not aggressively refilling their pipelines. Panel shipments are expected to decline by 2% sequentially in the first quarter of 2011 due to seasonal trends. Meanwhile, TV panel shipments will fall to 55.6 million units, based on panel makers' shipment targets. Therefore, panel inventories will likely be low by the end of the first quarter of 2011.

On a unit basis, LG Display led 2010 shipments with a 25.9% share, followed by Samsung Electronics with 22.9%. AU Optronics (AUO) had 16.8% and Chimei Innolux (CMI), including Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO), took 16.5%. LG Display also led in shipment area, while Samsung maintained its leadership in revenues.