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Reports: Sony to buy LCD panels from Sharp

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

February 25, 2008, 5:53 PM

Continuing the trend among LCD TV makers to pool their resources, Sony said it will buy panels from competitor Sharp in order to keep up with demand.

Neither company is commenting on the report, which first surfaced in the Japanese media on Friday. However, Sharp is already working with another LCD TV manufacturer, using Toshiba's computer chips in its own sets.

In return, Toshiba purchased LCD TV panels from Sharp. It was not immediately clear what size LCD panels Sharp would be supplying Sony. Either way, analysts say the move is a good one for either company: It will further the president of Sharp's stated goal of bringing in more external customers to purchase its LCD panels. At the same time, Sony benefits from outsourcing a portion of its manufacture process to another company.

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By utomo

posted Feb 27, 2008 - 9:59 AM

we will see the wars begin soon:
Sharp Vs Samsung and others.

I hope this can make the price more affordable soon

Score: 0

By Mystiqq

edited Feb 26, 2008 - 11:25 PM

I've heard some talk about "lottery" with LCDs and no doubt this is the reason. Sony among others seem to think it's not important to mention what panel is used and if you are looking for something specific you can only hope of the best as the panels are randomly switched from one to another that is completely different.

So in other words, you read some nice reviews on certain display etc. and know its properties and whether it fits your needs or not, just to find out that its pure gamble whether you are able to get one or not.

This is bulls***. If the panel is not what it was BEFORE then the display should relabeled as a new product, because thats what it is. Fortunately i've managed to avoid this problem but the fact was i had to take this in consideration when making a decision.

Score: 0

By yourcat

posted Feb 25, 2008 - 9:07 PM

Who needs $ony, anyway?

Score: 0

By MikeTechno

posted Feb 25, 2008 - 7:19 PM

This is now totally common practice. LCD factories now cost BILLIONS of dollars to design, develop and build from scratch. You will likely see more of this type of arrangement going forward among these types of companies. Often times competitors are forced to cooperate behind the scenes or be forced out of a market simply for financial reasons.

Score: 0

By Jordanr05

posted Feb 25, 2008 - 6:41 PM

Doesn't Sony already use Sharp panels in some of their sets? I know they use Sharp screens in their PSP handheld.

Either way it's a good move - Sharp makes amazing LCD panels (as does Samsung).

Score: 0

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