Sharp, Sony to Expand LCD TV Collaboration to LED Backlights
November 20, 2009
Japan's Sharp and Sony are expected to expand
their collaboration on LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TVs to LED (Light Emitting Diode)-backlit
models, Nikkei reported on November 17. Sharp is expected to start supplying
LED backlights for use in Sony's Bravia-branded LCD TVs in December 2009 at the
earliest, according to the Nikkei report. Moreover, it is reported that the two
companies will further their collaboration on developing next-generation
backlights. Sharp and Sony are already engaged in joint operations at a 10G LCD
panel plant in Osaka Prefecture. By April 2011, Sony plans to invest 68 billion
Yen (US$764.0 million; US$1=89.0 Yen) in acquiring a one-third stake in the 10G
venture.