Korea-based flat panel makers Samsung Electronics and LG Display will ramp up their capacity utilization rates to 80-85% in the fourth quarter to meet year-end holiday demand, while Taiwan-based rivals AU Optronics (AUO) and Chimei Innolux (CMI) are expected to run at 70-75% of their capacities during the quarter, according to industry sources.

Demand for LCD TVs has rebounded in North America, growing 5-10% on a weekly basis recently, said the sources, adding that the rebound indicates strong demand during the year-end buying season.

Samsung and LG Display will be able to enjoy relatively higher utilization rates in the fourth quarter due to demand for flat panels from their own-brand LCD TV business units, indicated the sources.

Meanwhile, the 5.3G LCD panel production line at Taiwan-based HannStar Display will run at over 90% of its capacity in the fourth quarter, while the 6G plant of fellow company Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) will operate at 70-80%. HannStar and CPT both focus on the production of small- to medium-size panels.