Research

The Great Future of LED TV(3)--Thinner、Better Picture Quality and More Energy Saving

ivan — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:55:55 +0000

Observing the strategies of those main LED TV manufacturers one can find that all LED TVs are made with 40-inch or larger panels. This is because the price of the U-shape CCFL for 32-inch panels is very cheap, which is half or two-third lower than the price of the LED back-light. Therefore the manufacturer is more willing to adopt LED back-light in the big-screen TV, in this way they can aim at the top layer of consumers .

Regarding to the back-lighting technology, it's separated into 「Direct Type」 and 「Edge Type」. At present most LED TV adopts the Direct Type technology, which puts the back-light directly in the back of the panel, and uses the diffuser to diffuse and equalize the light.

The Edge Type technology puts LEDs around the panel and uses transmitters to project the light equally on the back of the panel. The Edge Type can reduce the number of LEDs while compared to the Direct Type. For example, making a 46-inch LED TV with the Direct Type technology, you need 1100 to 1300 pieces of LED, but with the Edge Type you only need 400 to 600 pieces.

Regarding to LED technology, most manufacturers formed their LED back-light with red, green, and blue LEDs. They combine the Direct Type technology with the Local Dimming technology to turn bright or dark the individual parts of the picture, so as to make the contrast more conspicuous. Besides, some manufacturers use RG Phosphor and blue LED to produce white light, in this way they can reduce the number of LEDs and bring the costs down. White light also has better result than the combination of blue LED and YAG.

In the future, the main stream of LED TV will go in two direction, either high-definition or ultra-thin. At the moment most LED TVs have walked in the first direction. With RGB LED and the combination of Local Dimming and Direct Type, the contrast ratio is improved. Many producers claim that the dynamic contrast ratio of their LED TV can be as high as 1000000:1 and even higher. The 46-inch LED TV put an emphasis on the quality of picture and contrast, and it's priced very high to aim at the top layer of consumers.

Another direction is ultra-thin, which possibly combines RG Phosphor and blue LED, and adopts the Edge Type back-lighting technology. In this way there would be no CCFL or LED in the back of the panel, thus the TV can be made ultra-thin, and the costs can be reduced as well because the Edge Type requires less LEDs. But the Edge Type can not adjust the darkness or brightness in some areas, so it would have to sacrifice the contrast ratio and the degree of saturation.

As a result, in the future main manufacturers may produce Edge Type LED TV with 46-inch or smaller panels, which will be the main stream. In the contrast, they will also produce Direct Type LED TV as a high-end model to target a different market.

Previous: The Great Future of LED TV(2)-- The maturity and productization of LED TV Technology

The Great Future of LED TV(2)-- The maturity and productization of LED TV Technology

ivan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:08:16 +0000

In the IFA 2008, many manufacturers introduced LED TVs to show their capability of combining LED and TV technology.

Samsung

For example, Samsung introduced the A950 series, which supports Full HD(1920*1080) with screens made 46 or 55 inches, and adopts LED back light, which can control the brightness more efficiently.

Sony

Sony also displayed LED TVs made with two different LED back-lighting technologies. One of them called X4500 series, which adopts 「Direct Type」 LED back-light and comes with screens made as 46 and 55 inches. The X4500 series adopts Sony's exclusive technology of LED Back-lighting, which is called TRILUMINOS RGB. TRILUMINOS RGB changes the result of traditional RGB LED back-light, which arranges the colors of red, green and blue in a special way, pushing up NTSC to 102% and the dynamic contrast ratio to 1000000︰1.

Another LED TV from Sony is called ZX1, which adopts the 「Edge Type」 LED back-light and 40-inch panel, reducing the thickness of its LCD panel to 9.9mm only, and thus becomes the thinest big-screen TV in the industry. ZX1 weights only 12.2 kilograms, contains 120Hz MotionFlow scanning technology, x.v.Color and BRAVIA Engine 2 picture processing technology. But in order to make the ZX1 ultra-thin, Sony has sacrificed some features, such as the static contrast ratio, which is only 3000:1, and the ZX1 only has one HDMI. It's priced at 490,000 yen(4,600 USD).

LG didn't show its LED TV in the IFA this time, but already launched the LG90 series in Korea, which adopts 47-inch panel and LED back-light. The contrast ratio of LG90 series is as high as 1000000: 1, while its energy consumption is only 70% of that of other LCD TVs with similar screen size. LG90 series also adopts 120Hz technology, which is combined with the high efficiency of switching from LED back-light to lift up the level of definition for dynamic pictures.

Sharp

Sharp's LED TV is named Aquos-XS series, which comes with 65 or 52-inch panel, 1000000:1 contrast ratio, and 105% NTSC. LED back-light makes the thinest place of Aquos-XS only 23mm. Aquos-XS is scheduled to launch in October 2008.

Philips

The LED TV from Philips is 42PFL9803, which adopts 42-inch screen and LED back-light,and is the first TV that utilizes Philips' LED LUX dimming technology. 42PFL9803 has 128 sets of LED(1152 in total) which are separated into 8 rows, and each set contains 9 LEDs that can individually shift to dark, so every pixel can be controlled accurately to increase the performance of dark color. Philips claims that the picture performed in its 42PFL9803 has better quality than that in the plasma TV, because the dynamic contrast ratio of 42PFL9803 is as high as 2000000:1.

Previous: The Great Future of LED TV(1)-- LED TV became focus in the IFA 2008

Next: The Great Future of LED TV(3)--Thinner、Better Picture Quality and More Energy Saving

The Great Future of LED TV(1)-- LED TV became focus in the IFA 2008

ivan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:06:27 +0000

Why use LED backlight？

A few days ago in the IFA 2008 hosted in Berlin，many of the branded TV manufacturers introduced LED-backlighted TVs(LED TV)，aimed at the top layer of customers. Some leading manufacturers such as Sony and Samsung already introduced LED TV in 2006，but with the costs of LED have decreased and the LED technology has progressed rapidly, LED TV has moved toward a real product rather than just a demonstration of technology.

The structure of LED backlighting is fundamentally the same with that of CCFL, but CCFL produces light in the form of 「rays」 and LED in the form of 「spots」, which is the main difference. So what is the reason that the leading TV manufacturers shift to LED from CCFL? Generally LED has some distinguishing features as follows：

The 「spot」 form of LED light can individually adjust the brightness and contrast in different areas. It can also increase the gray levels of LED monitors, broaden the color saturation(NTSC >100%), heighten the distinction between dark and bright, and improve the richness of the picture.
LED spot light can switch on or off rapidly, due to this LED backlight has a longer life than CCFL, and its quick reaction also improves the quality of an active picture by reducing hazy or sway.
LED backlight is smaller, and can be made straight down or on the left side or right side, helping making the TV slimmer.
LED TV is a real green product. It gives no radiation, contains no mercury, and lives longer. It can also reduce the energy consumption for 30％ up.

However, compared with CCFL, LED TV still has a long way to go. For example, LED backlight requires a big number of bulbs, how to set up these bulbs without losing the equality and balance remains a question. Besides, there are still problems regarding heat cooling, lighting efficiency, and cost reduction.

Next: The Great Future of LED TV(2)-- The maturity and productization of LED TV Technology

LED demand put on hold in 2Q; Taiwan players profitability set to pick up in 2H

ivan — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:40:52 +0000

Most LED companies, regardless which segment that they are coming from, records a flat 2Q08 performance amid seasonal weakness. A rapid expansion among global LED makers in 1H08 plus a weak demand that is suppressed by a relatively high price premium upon low performance, oversupply was seen, especially when the industry is in lack of a killer application to spur demand. This explains why LED makers mostly have their sales performance fail expectations in 1H08.

LEDinside estimates that operating margin among upstream epi-wafer maker averaged at 9.9% in 2Q08, down from 10.3% in 1Q08 whereas downstream packaging houses' OM averaged at 8.6% in the same period, down from 13.1% in 1Q08. The figures show that both upstream and downstream LED players have seen setback in profitability in 2Q08.

Figure 1. LED makers profitability roundup, 2Q08

Inventory turnover throughout the entire LED industry has improved in 2Q08 though. Upstream players have their inventory turnover reduced from 142 days to 128 days and downstream from 83 days to 75 days.

Figure 2. LED makers inventory turn-over, 2Q08 (day)

Demand of LEDs from handset backlighting and other small- and medium-size applications was still dampened by seasonality downturn. LEDinside estimates global handset shipments totaled at 303mn units in 2Q08, representing a mere 2.7% QoQ growth only. As demand lagged behind aggressive LED expansion, corresponding LED ASP has dropped by 10% accordingly. Some Taiwan LED makers, who have a relatively heavy sales exposure to China white-box handset market, have even seen their sales and profit posted a sharp decline due to a serious illegal handset crackdown in China before the Beijing Olympics.

Demand from LED backlighting at NBs have also postponed in 2Q08. Witsview observed that ASPs for CCFLs that are in use in 12- or above size NB have a sharp price erosion in 2Q08, discouraging panel makers to grow deployment in the LED-backlit NB segment. LED penetration in NB is expected to be 8-10% to overall NB only in 2008, versus the originally expected 10-15%. Demand for LED for use in netbook, on the contrary, grew mildly in the same period. When Intel grows its supply of Atom processor, LED demand from the segment should see a boost. When the price plummets of CCFL gone, it is expected that panel makers will resume their incentive for LED backlighting.

LEDinside observes that demand for branded handsets and white-box handset is warming up as 2H is the traditional seasonality upturn for handset. High-luminance LEDs for use in NB LED backlighting and LED lighting applications should see progressive shipments growth in 2H08, implying that LED makers may see an enhanced product mixture to drive an improved profitability.

LED lighting industry development in the post-Olympics era

ivan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:23:14 +0000

Applications of LED during the Beijing Olympics have raised audience's eyebrows. According to non-official statistics from China, the Beijing Olympics has consumed a total of 500mn RMB worth of LEDs at 36 stadiums, excluding other public lighting applications that are installed at the Olympics villages and parks. But as Olympics grand completed, concerns about whether there exists a fundamental demand for LED surfaces.

Landscape lighting is the key demand driver in the China LED industry. LEDinside believes that the recent Beijing Olympics should help encouraging second-tier cities to adopt low-power LED for landscape decoration thereafter. Amid the anticipated demand, corresponding CAGR for LED packaging is estimated to hit 25% during 200X-2010.

Beijing Olympics lights up LED industry

LEDinside estimates that a total of 4mn units of LEDs were adopted during the opening and closing ceremony at the Beijing Olympics. By including those being installed at stadiums, subway, outdoor billboards, total amount of LEDs that are being installed should have surpassed several million units.

Among all landscape LED lighting applications, the National Aquatics – Water Cube, must be the venue that draws most attention. Built on an investment budget of 51mn RMB, the Water Cube has installed a total 36,000 sets of specialized lighting tools, which include 470,000 of LEDs, to illuminate the translucent bubble-clad exterior.

LED also plays a vital role during the opening and closing ceremony. During the opening ceremony, a LED-powered scroll that composed by 44,000 LEDs, was displayed for performers to dance on. Another 45,000 of LEDs were also being used to illuminate the Olympics' five interlocking rings. After seeing a heavy adoption of LED during the Beijing Olympics and Doha Asian Games, LED should be widely used in decoration lighting and displays at large-scale performances and events.

China government plays prominent role on LED penetration

Underpinning a meaningful LED penetration is the China government. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has identified LED as a prioritized item for energy-saving applications development in the 「Mid-to-Long Term Development Program for Science and Technology for the years between 2006-2020」as announced in 2006.

Two phases of LED lighting infrastructure is planned for 2003-2005 and 2006-2010 periods. In the first phase of construction, the Central government has spent 140mn RMB to activate a joint program among six government departments (including Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Industry and Information) and 14 provincial governments to adopt LED lighting.

Another investment budget of 350mn RMB has been spent on the second phase of the Program already. Of which, 60% of the budget was spent to subsidized corporate that develop LED, and the remainder to institutes, universities and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

There are about 3,500 private enterprises there in China developing LED. Of which, half of these enterprises design LEDs for use in end applications such as landscape lighting, displays and road signs and automotives. More production bases are also being developed for LED industry players. In addition to the existing five bases, the China government has also approved establishment of two more production bases in Yangzhou and Shijiazhuang in 2007.

LED to flourish at World Expo Shanghai 2010

Shanghai World Expo 2010 is believed to mark another climax for LED adoption after the Beijing Olympics as bountiful of LEDs will be applied for flowing lighting sources at core centers and facilities. Three key landscape lighting applications will be seen at: 1, Huang Pu Jiang (river side of Huang Pu); 2, Expo axis and bridges between eastern and western Pudong and; 3, skywalks bridging key pavilions.

Domestic LED makers, especially for those which located nearby Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, should be benefited from the substantial business potential accordingly. Players ranging from the upstream epitaxy wafer production to downstream packaging and system makers should be able to gain full support from nearby partners by maximizing the synergy of consolidation.

Olympics help encouraging second-tier cities to grow LED lighting

Ongoing development of solid-state LED lighting has drawn players' attention after the Beijing Olmypics. As the Olympics has made a good example to demonstrate LED application in displays and billboards, second- and third-tier cities in China are expected to follow by using more LED-powered billboards and displays.

According to a revealed report from the China LED Industry & National Solid-State Lighting Program, landscape lighting for city decoration will account for 37% of LED production value, being the largest application among all. Handset will be the demand driver after with its production value to account for 28% of all.

If each of the 100 mid- to big-scale cities in China to invest 100mn RMB in landscape lighting installation, total market size will hit 10bn RMB, with an approximate of 10-20bn of high-luminance LED required. As of 2007, LED shipments reached at 82bn units. Based on this shipments amount, it is expected that about 20-30% of the LED capacity will go to landscape lighting. As investment budgets among second-tier cities grow, demand for LED will on the rise also.

Production value of the LED packaging industry in China has already reached 16.8bn RMB in 2007. Driven by aggressive expansion among domestic players and consistent growing demand, the value is expected to grow almost double to 32bn RMB in 2010, representing a CAGR of 25%.

Despite a booming market growth is expected, the China LED industry is still caught in a low sufficiency rate of upstream LED chips at the current stage. As of the 82bn LEDs shipped in 2007, only 46% of them were fabricated locally. Many China-based LED makers have to source wafers from third parties (including Taiwan players) for re production. Therefore, how to raise sufficiency rate will be an imperative issue to solve.

Design and Technology Trends of LED NB panels

ivan — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:29:48 +0000

The use of LEDs for the backlight's light source has created new business opportunities in the maturing NB panel market. In contrast to CCFLs, white LEDs provide higher color saturation and are mercury-free and less power-consuming--making them more environmentally friendly.

In addition, they enable panels to be designed slimmer. The major panel makers will all be emphasizing on their respective launches of new LED backlit NB panels in 2H08. AUO appears to be the most aggressive, where it stated all of its NB panels will employ LEDs by 2011. Meanwhile, in the end product segment, Apple made a huge impression on people with its Macbook Air, a mere 0.4mm thick LED backlit NB. Given the support from the up-, mid- and downstream industries, the LED NB market penetration rate is projected to reach 15% in 2008. Long-term speaking, the future prospects are even more promising.

Nevertheless, despite the LEDs' inherent advantages, the main obstacle to widespread adoption arises from the high manufacturing and material costs. Thus, in addition to the introduction of lighter and thinner high-end LED backlights, the development of inexpensive entry-level versions has made inroads, as well.

Backlight categorized by type of light guide plate

Whether the LED backlight can be made thin relies on the type of light guide plate used. By looking at the current mainstream designs, the light guide plate is basically classified as flat or wedge-shaped. The latter is thicker, and the design concept is also found in CCFL backlights. Meanwhile, based on the surface structure, the panel itself can be categorized as the V-cut or Dot type.

The thickness of the V-cut and Dot type are similar, ranging between 0.7~1.1 mm for varying panel sizes. The main difference between the two lies in the brightness enhancement efficiency, where the V-cut outperforms the other. Although the light guide plate of the two is formed via a high-speed injection process, the V-cut's up-side-down V shaped structure is harder to form. In the subsequent backlight assembly, problems such as scratches are easily created. Thus, the current yield rate is still below 50%, resulting in higher costs and hampering interested players from adopting the technology. Separately, although the current yield rate of the Dot type light guide plate is not high either, given the relatively simple surface structure, there is room for additional improvements. In recent years, several backlight unit manufacturers have invested in high-speed injection molding equipment in further developing and improving the technology.

In order to rapidly reduce the LED backlight costs, the use of wedge type light guides have gradually risen. The thickness ranges between 0.6~2.5mm, not much better than the 0.8~2..0 mm for CCFLs. However, without adopting the high-speed injection process, the yield rate reaches a whopping 90%, significantly cutting down costs and boosting the market penetration.

Inner design of the LED differs greatly

In the ongoing development of LED backlights, the inner design can vary significantly. For high-end LED backlights, which emphasize on the 「slim design」, it requires the usage of side-view LEDs. As such products are mainly the domain of Japanese LED manufacturers; they entail a higher price tag. In contrast to the entry-level models, the thicker top- view LED is employed, where Taiwan makers are capable of producing. Amid the intense market competition, the latter enjoys more price flexibility.

Functioning as the backlight's light source, the side emitting LED and CCFL design are similar, appearing as an elongated-shaped light bar. For the mounting board, based on the thickness, it can be categorized as the traditional PCB or more expensive but thinner FPC.

Backlight design accommodates panel component layout

In the optical film design, there are minimal differences between the CCFL and LED. In general, a brightness enhancement film is employed together with an upper diffuser film. For the special V-cut backlight, a special film can also be added, thereby boosting the brightness efficiency by 15~30%. Unfortunately, due to the high costs, there have been few adopters.

For the power supply, the LED requires a converter and a LED driver chip, while CCFLs use a transformer and an inverter.

Aside from the backlight itself, the glass substrate is also designed differently for LED panels. To accommodate the slim design of LED backlights, the glass substrates thickness need to be further reduced from 0.5mm to 0.3mm for the 12.1W and 13.3W NB, which emphasize on the mobility niche market.

Figure: Comparison of NB BLU Design

Wedge type more competitive in the initial stage

Long term speaking flat-type expected to gain upper hand

The adoption of LEDs in NB panels is expected to gradually increase. In the initial phase, despite the wedge type's inability to make the panel thinner, its lower cost advantage still makes it suitable for adoption in 14.1W and 15.4W NBs, thus increasing the overall LED NB penetration rate. To truly make LED NB panels thinner and lighter, the DOT type is the more viable candidate. Currently, due to lower yield rate and higher material costs, it is only being adopted in the smaller sized segment, namely the 12.1W and 13.3W. Yet, long term speaking, as the yield rate is expected to improve, it should gradually gain traction in becoming the new mainstream design for NB LEDs. As for the V-cut approach, given the persisting low yield rates, the overly high costs will make it gradually fade away from the market.

From Witsview, a subsidiary of DRAMeXchange Tech Inc.

The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (3):How LED light bulbs can replace compact fluorescent lamp?

ivan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:58:09 +0000

Although the advantage of using LED light bulbs is “Saving Energy”; its current market price and energy-saving effect still cannot compete with the compact fluorescent lamp’s. Yet, if the luminous efficiency of LED light bulbs can reach 80 lumens and its price can decrease by 40%, the cost of LED light bulb can catch up with that of the compact fluorescent lamp. In terms of the current production process of LED manufacturers, the demand of LED light bulbs will probably dramatically increase by 2010.

Also, for the LED light bulbs to replace the compact fluorescent lamp, and become the main household lighting source, aside from its brightness and cost, the “color temperature” will be the critical point to consider about. In terms of the household light bulbs, since the color temperatures of them range from 2500 to 3500K, it brings about a warm interior-feeling. However, because of the limitation of the phosphor, the luminous efficacy of warm white LED is 80% of cold white LED, where the color temperature is around 6,000k. Therefore, if LEDs are set to become the household lighting source, the luminous efficiency of the warm white LED should be increased to 100 (LM/W).

According to the projections by DOE (Department of Energy) in relation to the solid-state lighting market from year 2009 to 2014, the luminous efficiency of cold white LED will reach 140 to 150 (Lm/W) by 2010, and warm white LED will be 110 (Lm/W). When the luminous efficiency of LEDs has been improved to more than 100 (Lm/W), the luminous efficiency of LED light bulbs will be improved to 80 (Lm/W) as well. Thus, it will enjoy a great cost advantage which is better than compact fluorescent lamps. Besides, since the LED manufacturers of Taiwan and Japan have both respectively increased their capacities, the price of LEDs will probably go down in 2009 which paves the way to consumer acceptance and also alleviates the prices of LED light bulbs in the end market.

Previous: The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (2):Analysis of cost variances between LED light bulbs and CFL

The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (2):Analysis of cost variances between LED light bulbs and CFL

ivan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:50:57 +0000

To analyze it by the approach of cost variances
In order to investigate how much energy will be saved by using compact fluorescent lamps and LED light bulbs, “LEDinside” has conducted a survey on the prices and specifications of compact fluorescent lamps and LED light bulbs. Some incandescent lamps have also been used for in-depth comparison. The comparable standards include “luminous efficiency”, “ power cost”, “lamp cost”, and the “total cost”.

Comparable Standard 1- Luminous Efficacy

Generally speaking, each lamp owns similar lumens; therefore, the key in telling the difference of each light source will be based on the “power consumption”. For incandescent lamps, each of them has a 60W power-consumption. When converted into the luminous efficiency, it is 12 lumens. It is the most inefficient light source among the other two sources. In the current period, compact fluorescent lamp is still the most efficient light source, which is 56 lumens.
Technically speaking, the average luminous efficacy of LED light bulbs should be roughly between 70~80 (Lm/W), which is better than compact fluorescent lamp’s. However, according to the information gathered from internet and other sources, the present LED light bulb market is merely 50 (Lm/W). The reason is because LEDs have a high “directivity”. It is too harsh to the eye; therefore, in order to adjust its light direction, the LED light bulbs for indoor spaces should be coated. Thus, its luminous efficacy will decrease by 25~30%, which is almost the same as compact fluorescent lamps.

Comparable Standard 2- Power Cost

The power cost is closely linked to the luminous efficiency. Based on the average power cost in the US, which is USD 8.98 (per kilowatt hour) computed by EIA (Energy Information Administration) this January, the power cost of 11W compact fluorescent lamp with a 620 lumen (average luminance distribution) will cost USD 9.88 dollars (per 10000 hrs). Under the same calculating standard, the LED light bulb will cost USD 11.13 dollars (per 10000 hrs), and the incandescent lamp is USD 46.37 dollars (per 10000 hrs).

Comparable Standard 3- Lamp Cost

In terms of the lamp cost, since the PLC (Product Life Cycle) development of the incandescent lamp is during the mature stage of a lower price, which costs merely 6 US dollars (per 10000 hrs), and is 79% cheaper than that of the compact fluorescent lamp. However, when under the same calculating standard, the cost of LED light bulb will be 55 US dollars and is 83% higher than that of compact fluorescent lamp, which is 30 US dollars (per 10000 hrs).

Comparable Standard 4- Total Cost

After considering the luminous efficacy and its lifetime, we will find that after adding up the lamp cost and power cost (per 10000 hrs), the compact fluorescent lamp still has the highest power when compared to others. Moreover, if the customers have sufficient budgets and are also “tech-savvy”, they can consider purchasing the LED light bulb.

Previous: The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (1): Let’s get started by changing LED lamps

Next: The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (3):How LED light bulbs can replace compact fluorescent lamp?

The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (1): Let’s get started by changing LED lamps

ivan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:37:58 +0000

In order to reduce the greenhouse gas and cope with the problems rising from high oil prices and high energy consumption, many countries have announced new regulations in relation to using the high efficiency and cost saving light sources in replacement of incandescent lamps. Hopefully, attain the goal of saving energy and reducing the emission of CO2.

According to statistical figures, there are almost 4 billion screw-based incandescent lamps being widely used in houses and apartments in the United States. The replacement volume has reached more than 2 billion. Roughly speaking, 15 billion US dollars is spent for the low-efficient lamps. In the EU region, the percentage of efficient use of lamps is 35%, calculated by 27 tubes (lamps) per house among which the incandescent lamps are 19.9. This shows that there is still a lot of room in conducting energy-saving activities.

Since the incandescent lamps are not efficient, every government has legislated against using the incandescent lamps. In Australia, incandescent lamps will be phased out before 2010. In Canada, it will also legislate against selling the incandescent lamps starting from 2012. For the EU, they are planning to popularize the compact fluorescent lamps to every family and will also legislate against selling incandescent lamps by 2010.

Due to rising energy prices, it will expedite the speed of incandescent lamps being replaced. In the United States, many of the power plants generate power by natural gas. Given the increasing price of natural gas, the power cost has been adjusted up (please refer to Figure-1), the adjustment rate of some places are even higher than 30%. Under this situation, consumers are haggling over prices for all kinds of products. Based on the estimation from “LEDinside”, the power-consuming rate of incandescent lamps is 3-times higher than that of compact fluorescent lamps. Therefore, if 15 compact fluorescent lamps can replace the incandescent lamps for every household, 650 US dollars will be saved after 3 years. In addition, it will contribute to completing the goal of “Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction”.

In addition to compact fluorescent lamps, use of LED light bulbs can be another alternative to saving energy. However, the price of the LED light bulb is still on high, and its luminous efficiency still needs to be improved by LED manufacturers. Based on the statistics from “LEDinside”, after 2009, the LED light bulbs will be popularized in the market when its luminous efficiency increases to 80 lumens (LM) and its price decreases by 25%.

The picture above is a LED Lighting case form Japan, Mitsubishi.

Next: The strategy in coping with the rising power cost (2):Analysis of cost variances between LED light bulbs and CFL

2008 Q1 LED NB Price and Product Analysis

ivan — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:37:17 +0000

LED and CCFL NB have a price gap of 50%, but such gap is expected to narrow soon.

LEDinside recently has gathered further information about NB with LED backlight on the market. Until February 2008, prices of LED NB range from US$2,100 to US$3,100, while CCFL NB equipped with similar hardware cost $1,280 to $2,000. CCFL NB and LED NB have a price gap of at least 50% (indicated in Figure 1), says LEDinside. Although with advantages in weights, sizes and energy consumption, it is still quite costly to have an environmental, energy-saving and light LED NB.

Figure 1: Street Price of LED NB and CCFL NB, Feb-08

Since there is no 11.1-inch CCFL NB available on the market, no meaningful comparison can be made at this time; however, from 12.1-inch to 17-inch models, prices of LED NB are $1,000 higher on average than those of CCFL NB, according to LEDinside's data. Sizes do not directly correlate with differences in pricing. Evidence implies that pricing of LED NB is based on CCFL NB prices plus fixed margins.

Figure 2: LED NB & CCFL NB Street Price Comparison, Feb-08

As to NB sizes, the survey reveals that ten kinds of 12.1-inch LED NB are currently on the market, followed by 13.3, 11.1, 14.1, 15.4, and 17. 13.3-inch LED NB are still rather popular, while more and more products launched with 14.1, 15.4, and 17 inches LCD screens. This trend suggests that producers feel positive about utilizing LED NB applications in all sizes in the future.

Figure 3: Comparison of LED NB Model Number by Size, Jan-Feb 08

Except acer, LED NB has become one of major developments to almost all NB producers, including HP, DELL, Toshiba, Apple, Asus, SONY and Fujitsu. SONY has the most LED NB models (nine), followed by Apple (six), Toshiba (four) and Fujitsu (four).

SONY and Apple are both renowned for their product design. LED backlight panel can effectively reduce product weights. Because of Japanese consumers' obsession with smaller and lighter products, Toshiba and Fujitsu, two Japanese brands, launch LED NB prior to other companies.

Figure 4 : Comparison of LED NB Model Number by Brand, Jan-Feb 08

With a closer look of LED NB, LEDinside finds out that all other companies, except SONY and Apple offering three sizes, have different strategies. For example, Toshiba focuses on 12.1-inch NB, while Fujitsu on 14.1, HP on 12.1, and DELL on 13.3. This proves that these brands have distinct ideas towards major LED NB market in the future. No consensus is reached yet.

As the market becomes more concerned about environment, energy consumption and weights, the percentage of LED NB will be on the rise. AUO recently declares LED backlight will be adopted in all NB products in 2012, which clearly signals the coming of a LED NB era. Technical obstacle on light guiding plate (LGP) will be eventually overcome. When designing LED backlight panel, lower cost has become a common concern, which influences the thickness of LGP. Yield rate improvement will cut down LED backlight costs and reduce LED NB prices further. LEDinside predicts LED NB will grow prominently in models and penetration rates in 2008.

Figure 5: Comparison of LED NB Model Number by Brand and Size, Jan-Feb 08