Displays are part of many devices used by both consumers and businesses in applications such as appliances, televisions, computers, automobile dashboards, and wristwatches. They have typically been taken for granted as tools for information feedback, but displays involve many different types of technology ranging from simple light emitting diodes to complex active matrix liquid crystal displays.
Flat panel technology has made new products, such as the computer laptop and handheld devices, possible. Shipment projections for the first of half the decade vary and depend on technological, developmental, and market factors; but one thing is certain - they are headed up. Display technology advances have made possible the widespread use of devices such as cellular phones, camcorders, and digital cameras.
According to a soon-to-be-released publication from Business Communications Company, Inc. (www.bccresearch.com) RDDN01 Display Industry Review ($1850), the value of worldwide shipments of electronic displays were estimated at approximately $64 billion in 2001. Shipments are forecast to grow at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 12.3% to reach $114.8 billion by 2006.
Worldwide CRT shipments are valued at $33.1 billion in 2001. They are expected to grow at an AAGR of 6.3% and reach $44.8 billion by 2006. Penetration of flat panel displays into the CRT market has begun. Flat panel displays are currently estimated at $31 billion, accounting for 48.4% the total value. Their value is projected to grow at an AAGR of 17.6% and account for nearly 61% of the total value of electronic displays by 2006.