Rich Fiscus
16 Oct 2007 20:40
LCD TV manufacturers are building new plants in an effort to streamline delivery to both European and North American customers. Most recently, Sony Corporation has begun building TVs in Slovakia, while Sharp has opened its first North American LCD manufacturing operation in Mexico. Other manufacturers, including Toshiba, are building facilities in Europe for LCD TV production.
Europeans seem to be adopting flat panel televisions more readily than any country besides Japan, where 99% TVs shipped during the second quarter of this year. During the same period 97% of all units shipped in Europe were flat panels. The U. S. lagged behind at only 88%.
With profit margins falling on LCD displays, and increased competition from manufacturers like Vizio targetting budget minded consumers, established companies are having to position themselves for stiff competition. Additionally, the conversion from analog to digital television in much of the world should ensure customers for years to come.
Source: PC World