EL SEGUNDO, CA - The large-sized TFT-LCD panel market is in shape for strong growth in the second half of 2006, according to iSuppli Corp. The research firm believes large-sized TFT-LCD panel unit shipments growth in the third quarter will rise 9% sequentially, while fourth-quarter unit shipments will grow 10.9%.

Strong demand has been reported for wide-format monitor panels, especially for the 19-, 20- and 22² sizes. The notebook market is already recovering and is transitioning to larger sizes and wider format.

While future quarters hold good news for panel suppliers, they may bring worry for panel buyers, iSuppli said. Some buyers are reportedly hedging by double-booking LCD orders, destabilizing the market and contributing to faster price increases.

The tight supply has pushed prices sharply higher on mainstream desktop PC monitor panels. iSuppli expects prices to increase for most desktop monitor and notebook panels throughout the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.