Large LCD panels getting cheaper

Large-size panel prices started to plunge in June before stabilizing in the second half of September amid a mild seasonal upturn in demand and production cutbacks by suppliers. But the reprieve has been short-lived.

Weaker-than-expected demand is again putting price pressure on monitor panels although prices are already down to cost and panel makers are operating at a loss for the segment, according to DisplaySearch.

DisplaySearch's latest figures show that the monitor segment will see price declines of 5-7% for the second half of October. But WitsView has estimated smaller drops at 3-5%.

Both research firms have indicated lower price decreases for notebook and TV applications. WitsView estimated the drops at 2-3% for both notebook and TV panels, while DisplaySearch indicated that segments will see prices fall 2-4% and 1-4% respectively.

DisplaySearch said notebook panel prices are already lower than cost lines, and are likely to have limited drops in the coming months.