Korea's Samsung Electronics is expected to start
providing LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV panels for Japan's Funai Electric in
September 2009, according to a July 28 Nikkei report. In the initial phase, it
is projected that Samsung will deliver an annual volume of 500,000 panels,
mostly for use in 32-inch models, to Funai, which procures LCD TV panels mostly
from Taiwan's CMO and Korea's LG Display at present.
At the same time, Samsung and Sony are reportedly
engaged in an ongoing discussion over the supply of LED (Light Emitting
Diode)-backlit TV panels, The Korea Times reported on July 28. It is understood
that the supply deal is for 40-, 46-, and 55-inch TV panels. After the two companies
reach agreement on the panel supply deal, it is projected that Sony will start
launching edge-lit-based LED TVs in the fourth quarter of this year.