Driven by the rapid expansion of LED-backlit models, TV shipments in 2010 will pass 242 million units.

The trend toward increased LED backlight usage is one of the most intently watched areas as an acute supply chain shortage keeps the LED market segment from growing more quickly in 2010.

Due to expanding government stimulus programs and increased urbanization, China continues to be a hot LCD TV growth market in 2010, with 35 percent y-on-y growth in 2010, down from 119 percent y-on-y growth in 2009.

LCD TV unit shipments in Japan are expected to rise 36 percent in 2010, 3x faster than other developed markets such as North America and Western Europe. And LCD TV growth emphasis will shift to emerging markets like Asia Pacific, which includes India and Latin America over the next four years.

As a result, companies throughout the supply chain are gearing up for a more aggressive rollout of LED models, but are constrained by component supply in 2010.