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LG Display to post huge Q2 profits, LCD sales expected to slump in coming quarters
While we just heard last month that flat-panel sales would be spearheading 2008 consumer electronics growth, a new outlook has those very sales looking bleak for the remainder of the year. The news come amidst the expectation of LG Display to post profits for Q2 that "more than [triple] thanks to strong demand for TVs and tight supplies of PC panels." According to James Kim, an analyst at Lehman Brothers, "earnings have peaked in the second quarter," and while he asserts that "demand to replace TVs with flat-screen models is still there, fewer consumers are buying large-size TVs because of the weak economy." Still, sales of smaller sets are expected to steadily climb in emerging markets as the Beijing Olympics draw near, but it remains to be seen how large an impact those markets will have.[Via WidescreenReview]
LG Display showcases two-sided LCD panels
It's nice enough to be able to record two programs at once, but what if you could display The Hills on one side of your LCD while catching a playoff tilt on the other? Never mind the audio issue (there's always headphones!), but LG Display has introduced a prototype at SID 2008 that could potentially make the aforesaid scenario a reality. 2.2-inch (160 x 120) and 15-inch (2,048 x 1,536) versions were reportedly announced, both of which boast reflectivity of 20-percent. Put simply, the panels can display different images on the front and back sides of the glass substrate, and ideally, they're suited for use in mobile devices where the main and secondary displays could actually be the same device. No word on when these things will actually make their way out to handset / TV manufacturers, but we're certainly digging the possibilities here.
LG Display develops small elliptical and circular-shaped LCDs
Oh yeah, round displays have been around the proverbial block before (probably on wheels, which are also akin to a circle), but LG Display is attempting to make a splash of its own in the unorthodox display arena with two new developments. Hailed as the "world's largest 6-inch elliptical and 1.4-inch circular-shaped LCDs," both units are capable of displaying up to 262,000 colors and have a near 160-degree viewing angle. We're told that the devices could eventually find homes in digital photo frames as well as a variety of household / automotive applications, but we won't be getting any further details 'til they're both showcased at SID next week. One more look is waiting after the jump.
LG Display aiming to mass produce 32-inch OLED TVs in 2011
Oh yeah, we're mildly excited that LG Display should be able to start cranking out product from its 8G LCD plant earlier than expected, but the real kicker here is the outfit's outlook on OLED. Merely two days after hearing that Samsung was hoping to dish out affordable medium-to-large OLED displays in 2009 / 2010, we're now getting word that LG Display is looking to offer up a 32-incher the year after. And we're talking "volume production," no less. Makes holding off on that XEL-1 that much easier, doesn't it? Nah, we didn't really think so. [Via OLED-Info]
LG Display on the hunt for partners, eying Amtran (Vizio)
Although we just heard that LG was scouting a few new partners in crime to tackle the always unpredictable plasma market, it seems as if the company is also seeking alliances with LCD makers. Reportedly, LG Display affirmed that it was looking to hook up with "other firms, such as Taiwan's Amtran [maker of Vizio LCD TVs]." Apparently investors were none too pleased about the suggestion, as shares of the stock fell amid concerns of linking up with what's commonly known as a bargain brand. Still, the firm is expected to enjoy "record earnings this year thanks to "a booming flat-screen TV market and tight panel supplies," and that little Olympics shindig probably isn't hurting things, either.
LG staying in the plasma biz, looking for partners
Just in case you were wondering, LG is planning to stay in the plasma business, although as is the trend, its looking for a partner to invest in the business. Despite losses last year, it sees the plasma business as profitable, and about to pick up ahead of the Olympics this summer. In LCD news, its not picking up the shares in LG Display recently shed by Philips. It's good to know the plasma business will continue to have healthy competition, in fact, if Pioneer still needs someone to share the secrets of its Kuro technology with, then LG might make a good partn...on second thought, maybe that's not such a good idea.
LG.Philips to soon become known as LG Display
We never were intensely fond of that little dot taking the place of a space between "LG" and "Philips" anyway, but apparently, someone higher up has an even bigger problem with it. All joshing aside, LG.Philips will soon sport a little less Philips and a lot more LG as the South Korean flat-panel maker renames itself to LG Display Co Ltd. Granted, the alteration still has to be approved at its annual shareholder meeting on February 29th, but considering that Philips cut its stake in the venture to 19.9-percent recently, we reckon it'll pass with flying colors.
