Mini PCs

China (mainland) – Unlike many TFT LCD makers who are now moving production to 6G and higher-generation lines, some mainland China suppliers are more interested in building 4.5G TFT LCD production lines.

Companies such as Beijing BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd, Catic Shenzhen Co. and Shenzhen Tianma Microelectronics Co. Ltd, for instance, have recently invested in new 4.5G production lines—the second, third and fourth of its kind in mainland China.

The number of 4.5G TFT LCD production lines in the region is expected to reach eight or 10 in the next five years. The production line’s low technology barriers and lesser investment capital requirement are said to be the main reason why some TFT LCD makers are paying more attention to 4.5G lines rather than 6G, 7G or 9G lines.

Tianma’s joint venture with Chengdu Industry Investment Group Co. Ltd and Chengdu Hi-tech Investment Group Co. Ltd will establish a new subsidiary company and a 4.5G panel production line in Chengdu, Sichuan. This $471.5 million-project will be mainland China’s fourth 4.5G TFT LCD production line and the company’s second. It will produce up to 30,000 units of 730x920mm substrates monthly.

The company’s first production line launched its operation in Shanghai in Q1 2008. It has 87,000sqm production and 50,000sqm living zones, including a production workshop area and a power ancillary facility.

BOE is building mainland China’s second 4.5G TFT LCD production line with $4.2 billion worth of investment. The plant is expected to be in full operation by late 2009.

Catic’s and Wuhan (Hubei) East Lake Hi-tech Development Zone’s joint venture launched in April is the mainland’s third 4.5G TFT LCD production line.

CE devices keep small- and medium-size TFT LCDs in demand

Small and medium-size TFT LCDs produced in 4.5G plants are used in 10.4in and smaller panels. These are made into 1.8in to 4in LCDs built in mobile phones, MP3/MP4 players, digital cameras, PDAs and video game consoles; as well as 5in to 10.4in LCDs for car navigation devices, portable DVD players, digital photo frames, ultramobile PCs (UMPCs) and laptops.

Currently, there are 57 small- and medium-size panel production lines in the world, four of which are 5G production lines in mainland China. This breakdown includes eight 4.5G, seven 4G, and 3G and below production lines.