LCD Monitor Makers To Push Models In 20-inch Range

BenQ recently unveiled a 20-inch LCD wide-screen monitor (FP202W) with an 8ms response time, with the company claiming it is the world's fastest 20-inch model. The model will be one of several LCD monitor models in the 20-inch range released by vendors in the near future, as makers make a push into the higher-margin multimedia segment. The BenQ FP202W features a resolution of 1680×1050 and a contrast ratio of 600:1, while maximum brightness for the FP202W is 350 cd/m2. BenQ also claims that the wide-screen design (43cm) makes it easy for users to display and comfortably read two pages of text side-by-side. The product will be available worldwide in the fourth quarter.

BenQ is also reportedly planning to introduce a 23-inch model this year, while CMV will launch a 20.1-inch LCD monitor and Acer will launch 20-inch and 24-inch models in the fourth quarter. Korea-based Samsung recently announced its 20.1-inch SyncMaster 204t LCD monitor. Prices for the over 20-inch segment are expected to drop 20% in the fourth quarter, according to local Taiwan channel sources.
According to iSuppli, the 23- and 24-inch widescreen market represents one of the hottest growth opportunities in the second half of 2005, with Dell's aggressively priced entry into this space spurring price competition. Prices in the segment have dipped below US$1,500, the market research firm stated.