Although LCD component suppliers are planning to expand their capacity, shortages in large-size glass substrates, TAC films and notebook-use CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) are likely to occur in the second half, DisplaySearch predicts.

Supply and demand for substrates will be pretty balanced in the first half of the year, but as soon as the new generation plants will be functional, supply of large-size glass substrates will be in shortage, according to DisplaySearch.

Regionally, record results were achieved in all regions. Europe gained share for the 3rd consecutive quarter, growing from 36% to 41% of the plasma TV market, Japan's share grew to 9.4%, North American plasma TV shipments lost share falling from 30% to 28% of the global plasma TV market, China's plasma TV shipments were lower than expected in Q4'05 falling from 10% to 8% and causing the region to lose share for the third consecutive quarter.

The top 6 brands dominate the plasma TV market accounting for an 83% share in Q4'05. Five of these six companies produce the plasma display modules internally or through sister divisions/companies. Panasonic continued to dominate the plasma TV market, earning a 26% share and remaining #1 in Japan, China and North America but slipped behind Philips for the top position in Europe. The #2 - #6 suppliers maintained their positions with Pioneer and Philips enjoying the fastest growth. LGE remained #1 in rest of world and overtook Panasonic.

The world's top two plasma TV brands, as well as Chairman Yoshihiko Yamada, the President of the Plasma Display Coalition and a number of market analysts will address the outlook for the plasma TV market at the upcoming DisplaySearch US FPD Conference from March 21-23 in San Diego, California.