Pessimistic LCD TV prospects have brought CPT (Chunghwa Picture Tube) to halt its over US$ 2.9 billion investment project to build a 7.5 generation LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV panel factory. CPT is the third major Taiwanese panel maker, after AUO and Chi Mei, to announce postponement of building next generation lines.

 

CPT will be focusing on sixth generation mass production, which is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2005 for 26", 32", and 37" LCD TV panel production. Motherglass input will be divided into three stages: 30,000 substrate inputs each month in the first half of 2005, 60,000 in the second half of 2005, and 90,000 in the first half of 2006. Total shipment volume is expected to reach 17 million units, while NT$78 billion (US$2.3 billion) will be invested in 2005, more than double the NT$30 billion (US$885 million) invested in 2004.

 

Starting in the first quarter of 2005, CPT's 4.5 and sixth generation TFT plants as well as 4.5 and sixth CF (Color Filter) plants will begin mass producing, giving significant boost to its annual capacity. 4.5 generation lines will be concentrating on panels for PC applications, while sixth generation lines will output LCD TV panels.