LCD Brightness Enhancement Film Report Available from Insight Media

The expiration of 3M's key Brightness Enhancement Film (BEF) patent last year and the emergence of alternative backlight sources to compete with Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL) have had a major impact on the LCD market. Understanding the repercussions, dangers and opportunities this turmoil has created is the object of the report: "LCD Brightness Enhancement Film in an Era of Backlight Technology Turbulence."

While Kodak and GE have entered the market, smaller and more aggressive Asian competitors appear to be establishing leadership positions in challenging 3M. As a result, competitive suppliers are forecasted to enjoy annual growth of nearly 100% per year in BEF, based on aggressive pricing vs. 3M. And competitors are also emerging for DBEF supply.

With the emergence of new backlight technologies like LEDs, External Electrode Fluorescent Lamps (EEFL) and maybe even Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (HCFL), the supply chain for light enhancement films is rapidly changing. These backlights require different types of films, which creates new opportunities.

But CCFL suppliers are not standing still. Realizing the threat these new technologies pose, capacity was expanded greatly in 2006 and prices came down considerably. In fact, some think CCFLs will be in over supply in 2007.

So how will it all shake out? This report provides analysis that will help players in the market better understand the trends and be able to take appropriate actions. The report addresses these major questions:

How will prices trend over time on BEF, BEF equivalents and DBEF?
What is the price trend for CCFL?
What share will LED and HCFL backlights take, and how will this affect demand for brightness enhancement films?
How fast will market share shift to new competitors and technologies and why?
How will competition enter by market segment - handhelds, notebooks, monitors and TVs?
What optical film configurations and combinations are being used in each market segment?
How will optical film configurations shift over time by market segment?
What key factors will affect the success of new competitive entrants?
How will 3M react to the emerging competition?

Highlights from the report include:

Forecast through 2010 for LCD by handhelds, notebooks, monitors and TVs
Forecast of film use configurations by market segment (handhelds, etc.)
Forecast through 2010 for BEF, reverse prism film and DBEF
Forecast pricing and market shares for 3M and 3M competitors over time
Detailed analysis of pricing strategy of 3M with analysis of impact on 3M profitability
Detailed film customer survey feedback about requirements for BEF and DBEF film and present quality and other issues that customers want to see addressed by new suppliers
Respondent evaluation and impression of BEF and DBEF suppliers
Relevant patents
Product specifications
Growth in LED share of LCD backlights - report provides full detail by market segment
- Sample data for monitor penetration
- LED penetration for laptops and TVs
- Sample data for mobile market
- Total share of LEDs as part of backlight illumination
- LED share of backlights
BEF, reverse prism and DBEF, comments and evaluation by survey respondents from 3M, GE, Kodak, Mitsubishi Rayon, E Fun, Chia Wei, LGS, LG Chem, SKC, Enplas and Kuraray.

Click here to view Table of Contents

The following graph is a sample figure out of the sales forecast section of the report.

The 246-page report was authored by Steve Marsland, a long-time Insight Media partner at McLaughlin Consulting Group.

The report is delivered as two PDFs under a site license agreement. A printed hard copy is also available. Free phone consultation available from the study's principal researcher, Steve Marsland for 30 days after report purchase. On-site presentation and consulting support is also available for purchasers of report. Contact for a price quote.

The LCD Brightness Enhancement Films in an Era of Backlight Technology Turbulence Report cost is $7,500 for a multi-user, single-site license. Bound, color hard copy additional $250.

Insight Media, Annmarie GAbisch, 203-831-8464, annmarie@insightmedia.info

About Insight Media

Insight Media (www.insightmedia.info) is a leading market and technology research firm providing its unique Opportunity Analysis for manufacturers and resellers of electronic displays and their components. Opportunity Analysis evaluates technology, market data, competitive factors, user applications, business and distribution elements and combines them into an integrated strategic operational guide. Insight Media also provides timely newsletters, detailed assessments, global market reports, focused industry conferences, and tactical consulting.

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