The report describes the technical characteristics and compares the performances of major medium-small sized displays, such as CSTN-LCD, TFT-LCD, OLED and VFD, it statistically analyzes various technology applications and manufacturers market shares, and it introduces TET-LCD manufacturers and STN-LCD manufacturers.

According to the statistics of global medium-small sized panel applications in the 4th quarter of 2004, a big portion of panels are applied in the mobile phone field. Considering long-term demand potential, the number of panels required by mobile phones will continue to grow.

The global mobile phone market has reached more than 600 million units; in 2005 it will increase to 700 million units, with a 10% growth rate. Supposing each mobile phone is equipped with a display (excluding double-display phone models), the mobile phone market is the largest potential market for medium-small sized display. Therefore, the development trends of mobile phone display direct the way of medium-small sized panel technology.?

TFT-LCD will be the mainstream technology in the application field of mobile phones.
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The automobile field has the largest development potential. The cost of vehicle display is very low compared to the price of the car and to the impression made on the client.

Traditional CSTN manufacturers have begun producing TFT

With the production lines layout of Next Generation TFT-LCD one after another, and under the influence of what is called ?gLCD cycle?h, big-sized TFT LCD panel became cheaper and cheaper. Many big-sized TFT manufacturers have transferred the production lines (below the 4th generation) into medium-small sized panel manufacturing, therefore decreasing the price of medium-small sized panels and accelerating the panel applications in medium-small sized products.

Under the pressure from TFT-LCD, many traditional CSTN manufacturers have begun producing TFT. Taiwan Wintek purchased the first-generation line from SHARP and started making TFT panels in the 4th quarter, 2004. Taking Samsung SDI, Picvue Electronics, Hyundai LCD, Truely semiconductor as examples, manufacturers usually provide their clients with TFT-LCD module assembled with the panels ordered from TFT-LCD makers.

Due to the technology bottleneck of OLED, time is needed for massive market growth.