AU Optronics (AUO) and Chimei Innolux (CMI) are expected to release 39- and 50-inch LCD TV panels at the end of 2011 or in early 2012 following the successful launch of 43- and 48-inch TV panels by Samsung Electronics in the third quarter of 2011, according to industry sources.

The 39-inch panels will be produced at the makers' 6G production lines with each substrate to be cut into six panels, while the 50-inch models are to be processed at 7.5G lines with each substrate also cut into six panels, indicated the sources.

The 39-inch panels will be offered at a price range comparable to that for 37-inch models, therefore attracting TV vendors to take on the products, stated the sources, adding that the 50-inch panels are likely to be available at US$340-420, much cheaper than the US$490-570 quoted for 55-inch panels.

The production of 39- and 50-inch panels will help AUO and CMI ramp up capacity utilization rates at their 6G and 7.5G production lines, indicated the sources.