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Samsung, Sharp, Hitachi and others settle LCD panel price fixing consumer class action for $539 million
'Tis the season for settling antitrust lawsuits, folks. Earlier this month, Sharp, Samsung, Hitachi and other LCD panel producers settled out their price fixing lawsuit with direct purchasers (read: TV and computer monitor manufacturers) for $388 million. So the story goes, the companies colluded to assure higher prices on LCDs sold between 1999 and 2006. Now, those same seven companies have settled up with indirect LCD purchasers -- aka the folks buying TVs and PCs -- to the tune of $539 million. Samsung, Sharp and Chimei are dishing out the lion's share of settlement dollars at $240 million, $115 million and $110 million, respectively, with the other companies kicking in between $2.8 and $39 million for their (allegedly) anti-competitive ways. Of course, the settlement isn't final until it receives the court's blessing, but you can see what the judge will likely be rubber-stamping at the source below.
Sharp, Samsung and other LCD makers agree to pay $388 million in price fixing case
The companies still aren't admitting to any wrongdoing, but Sharp, Samsung, Chimei Innolux, LG and four other LCD manufacturers have now reached a settlement in a price fixing case that began back in 2007 with a class action lawsuit. That suit specifically covers LCD panels sold between 1999 and 2006, which the companies are alleged to have driven the price up on, in turn driving up the prices on products that use them. The group has agreed to pay a total of $388 to settle the claims, with Sharp shelling out the largest single amount at $105 million -- Samsung is next at $82.7 million, followed by Taiwan's largest display-maker, Chimei Innolux, at $78 million, and LG at $70 million. As Bloomberg notes, this follows a criminal price fixing case a couple of years back, in which LG and Sharp were forced to pay $585 million in fines.
CMI shows off 720p glasses-free 3D display for smartphones with 2D off-angle viewing
Glasses-free 3D displays for smartphones and tablets aren't exactly anything new, but Chimei Innolux (otherwise known as CMI) has devised a novel twist for its latest 4.3-inch screen. Not only does it boast a high 720p resolution, but it employs a new "cell gap" process that displays a standard 2D image when you view the screen at an off-angle, instead of leaving you with a murky 3D image. The company also promises that the 3D images are brighter with less of a moire effect than other displays, and it's able to work in any orientation. As you might have suspected from the state of the prototype pictured above however, there's unfortunately no word as to when it might wind up in an actual phone.
iPad display quality issues reportedly prompt Apple to cut LG supplies
According to Digitimes, LG is struggling to supply Apple with much-needed 9.7-inch panels for its iPad 2 tablet. The Korean company failed to meet its production goal by one millon units in July due to quality concern issues. As early as May, rumors suggested LG panels suffered from a light leak issue that slowed production. These production problems continue to plague LG and have forced Apple to turn to Samsung and Chimei Innolux to help meet demand. Apple is being patient with the Korean company, though. It's keeping LG on as the major supplier of displays for the iPad as long as it can fix these quality issues quickly.
iPad 2 panel shipments could break 10.5m this summer
This summer Apple iPad shipments may reach 10.5 million according to a report from Digitimes. Apple has reportedly tapped Chimei Innolux to boost their supply of panels for the iPad 2. CMI is is expected to produce up to 500,000 panels in June and may ramp up production to over one million in July. Between CMI, TPK Holding and Wintek, Apple should have an ample supply of panels to ship over 10.5 million iPads in the summer quarter. [Via Electronista]
