Sharp produces 32-inch TV panels at 8G plant, S-LCD to follow suit

Due to a shortage of 32-inch LCD TV panels in the market, Sharp has started producing 32-inch panels at its eighth-generation (8G) plant from August, according to a report in DigiTimes Daily.

A glass substrate from Sharp's 8G plant (2,160×2,460mm) can be cut into fifteen 32-inch TV panels. In August, Sharp will ship around 60,000 32-inch TV panels, 80,000 42-inch panels and 40,000 46/52-inch TV panels, said Taiwan LCD panel makers.

Sharp began its second LCD line at its 8G plant in January 2007. According to Taiwan panel makers, the monthly capacity from Sharp's 8G is about 40,000-50,000 substrates and the capacity will be expanded to 90,000 units per month in 2008. Glass substrates from the 8G plant are being used for the production of 42-, 46- 52-, and 57-inch segment panels.

With next-generation production from Sharp and S-LCD, a joint venture between Samsung Electronics and Sony, coming on board, panel makers are moving to 50-inch class LCD TV panel production. However, as the demand for 50-inch class LCD TVs is still limited, the Japan-based panel maker has decided to also make 32-inch panels at the plant, noted Taiwan panel players