LCD monitor panels prices drop, TV stays hot

Prices of liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor panels are starting to drop this month after several months of stable prices, but brisk demand continues to keep prices of LCD TV panels high, according to data from display market research firm WitsView.

The firm reported in its newsletter that prices of mainstream 17-in. monitor panels dropped by $3 to an average of $167. Prices of 19-in. monitor panels slid also, from $207 to $205. The exception to the price drops are 15-in. monitor panel prices, which increased slightly from $157 to $158, the firm said.

A tighter supply situation emerged in notebook LCD panels, where WitsView reported sales of 15.4-in. wide-view panels rose from $157 to $158 on continuing strong demand. Prices of 15-in. panels remained at $155, while prices on 12.1 in. 12.1-in. wide-view, and 14-in. panels also held firm, said WitsView.

The firm said that prices of 32-in. LCD TV panels remained at $565, while 37-in. panels fell from $805 to $800. 40-in. panel prices stayed constant at $945, while 42-in. panels fell from $1,150 to $1,130, according to WitsView.