Suddenly there's a shortage of LCD monitors

THE TAIPEI TIMES reports that manufacturers of LCD monitors are jacking up their prices because there's a shortage of 17-inch, 19-inch and widescreen 19-inch panels.

The newspaper reports that Viewsonic, LG and other manufacturers have already upped prices, and the "shortage" will continue well into the third quarter.

So what happened to the overcapacity that's plagued the LCD makers for well over two years now?

Industry sources told the INQ that substrates for 5G LCD planets are inefficient for 17-inch panels, while you get the same number of 17-inch panels as 19-inch panels out of glass. He confirmed that there is indeed a shortage, and buyers should be careful that they're not sold inferior non Grade A quality panels.

He said: "The buyer should be beware when the only thing left in the market at a reasonable price is the spot buy 'fabless' brands." µ

L'INQ
Taipei Times