Abstract

At present, TN/STN-LCD is still used primarily in mid-range and value-line products. Looking to the future, as more application products become colorized, single-color TN/STN-LCD growth will be limited, and CSTN-LCD products will face competition from TFT-LCD products, limiting their growth as well. TN/STN-LCD technology is improving - colors have increased to 65,000 and response times to 60ms - but compared to other FPD (Flat Panel Display) technology it lacks potential for explosive growth. TN-LCD, STN-LCD, and CSTN-LCD are developing in niche markets, mostly related to text display and simple graphical applications.

TN/STN-LCD manufacturers have always focused on consumer electronics products, fixed phones, and automotive products. But in the rapidly growing mobile phone applications market, TN/STN-LCD products have a difficult time competing with more advanced TFT-LCD and OLED display technology. Thus, prospects for TN/STN-LCD growth are limited.

TN/STN-LCD manufacturers have run into a bottleneck. If they continue to manufacture mid-range and low-end TN/STN-LCD products for a dwindling market, their growth potential is limited. But transitioning to TFT-LCD or OLED production is expensive. Many small- and mid-sized TN/STN-LCD manufacturers who have not expanded into TFT-LCD or OLED technology have turned their attention to TFT modules. At the same time, TN/STN-LCD manufacturers with more financial and technological assets are turning to TFT-LCD and OLED production. Tianma for example has already invested in a 4.5-generation TFT-LCD line, and Truly Semiconductor has invested both in an OLED line and a 2.5-generation TFT LCD line.