Widescreen LCD panel shortage looming?

Since demand for 19-inch widescreen monitors is becoming stronger and prices for the segment are less expensive than those for 17-inch standard monitors, demand for 19-inch widescreen panels has been rapidly rising.

By year-end, the penetration rate of widescreen models in the overall monitor market may reach nearly 40%, with the highest rate to be seen from the 19-inch segment, industry sources said.

In fact, several monitor makers indicated demand for 19-inch widescreen panels has exceeded supply so far in March mainly because monitor makers have started placing urgent orders for the segment amid low inventory.