Can smaller LCD manufacturers survive?

LCD prices continue to get smaller and LCD sizes continue to get bigger. The competition is getting very cutthroat. Every day that passes brings a new announcement of a bigger and better product. What does this all mean to the market? Will we see consolidation in the HDTV television industry? Can the smaller manufacturers with less market share survive?

Peter Chen from BenQ thinks not. Chen is the head of the Digital Media Group over a BenQ and feels that the market is just too competitive in terms of pricing. The top six brands of LCD command a 60% market share which leaves very little room for the lesser-known, smaller brands. On the bubble are brands like Olevia and Sampo as the big boys are crowding out the up-and-comers

I have to believe that Chen is partially correct, but there will always be upstarts in niche markets and in overseas pockets. Ultimately, the consumers are benefiting from the fierce competition and I'd hate to see that stop until every home as an HDTV set. Or two.