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8Sharp Annual Report 2004
Ingredients for Success in Achieving Our Vision
System LCDs
System LCDs, which employ CG-Silicon
(Continuous Grain Silicon) technology that
Sharp developed in conjunction with
Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co.,
Ltd., are one of Sharp’s next-generation,
one-of-a-kind products. System LCDs
place peripheral ICs onto the same glass
substrate as the main LCD panel, in an inte-
grated system, to realize higher resolution
relative to conventional LCDs and to enable
an elevated level of freedom in design.
A diverse product line-up and leading-edge manufac-
turing technology make Sharp a leading company in
the LCD TV market. To evolutionize such LCD applied
products, we continue to bolster development and
production of LCD panels for TVs and mobile equipment.
Provided by Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Large-size LCDs and LCD TVs
The market for large-size LCDs for TVs continues to expand amid rising popularity for flat
panel display TVs. In response, Sharp manufactures premium, large-size LCDs at lower cost,
which has driven expansion of the LCD TV market. We will continue to strive to achieve our
goal of replacing conventional CRT TVs with LCD TVs.
At the new leading-edge Kameyama Plant, which commenced operations in January
2004, we employ the world’s largest substrates to enable the effective production of LCD
panels for optimal cuts for 30-inch class TVs. By considerably increasing production capacity
at the plant, we have ensured a stable supply of LCDs for TVs to television manufacturers,
thereby pushing up sales. While striving to boost production capacity, we will also strengthen
the development of our one-of-a-kind LCD technology to further improve the performance of
LCDs for TVs.
In the LCD TV business, we have built up a diverse AQUOS line, notably with the addition
of a 45V-inch* digital high-definition TV, a move which has propelled higher market share.
We plan to further improve LCD TV performance by accelerating the integration of our unique
LCD and imaging technologies, while also promoting cost-cutting measures such as compo-
nent standardization and reduction to sharpen competitive edge.
*
V-inch: The measure of the size of the flat television screen based on the diagonal dimension of the actual viewing area.
Small- and medium-size LCDs
Small- and medium-size LCDs embrace a wide array of applications. Customized items
are often required in the market, and this tests the comprehensive strength of each LCD
panel manufacturer. Sharp has technologies for three distinct areas, namely System LCDs,
TFT LCDs and STN LCDs. Efforts have culminated in high market share in each domain.
Led by the shift to higher resolution displays in mobile equipment such as mobile phones
and digital cameras, demand for System LCDs has skyrocketed. We therefore commenced
the production of System LCDs at the Mie No. 3 Plant (the first and second production phas-
es) in addition to the Tenri Plant. Future intentions are to expand production capacity and
increase sales of System LCDs.
We will continue to make System LCD capabilities even more advanced to carve out new
markets with thinner and lighter mobile equipment. We will also seek new possibilities in the
development of sheet computers and sheet televisions, a concept that was once thought
impossible.