MCG Reports

BACKGROUND

Kodak and GE to Challenge 3M in BEF Film

With the expiration of 3M’s key BEF patent this year, a group of competitors are poised to enter the market and take share from 3M in BEF film. Kodak and GE are two major powerhouses, but smaller firms such as Reflexite and others are also already in the fray or about to enter. Competitive suppliers are forecasted to enjoy annual growth of 68% per year.

Meanwhile 3M maintains a strong position in polarization recycling or DBEF film. Both the market for DBEF film and BEF film are forecast to increase dramatically with the continuing growth of the LCD market, particularly spurred by increasing sales of LCD TVs.

The study is based on an industry survey of with LCD, backlight and film manufacturers in Japan, Korea and Taiwan as well as LCD branders in the US, Japan and Taiwan. The survey specifically addressed product concerns and requirements for BEF and DBEF.

WHO SHOULD BUY AND WHY

The report is a comprehensive tool for marketing and supply chain professionals to understand the timing and scope of emerging opportunities and develop their company’s response to those opportunities:

• LCD Panel and Backlight Makers – Understand price and performance trends through 2009 for BEF and DBEF, competitive positioning of supplier
• Optical Film Makers – Anticipate the emerging demand trends and position for success in BEF and DBEF with an understanding of key technology, performance and cost trends

SCOPE AND QUESTIONS ADDRESSED

The study covers all sales of BEF, BEF equivalents such as reverse prism film, and DBEF sales globally through 2009. The study also provides clear feedback from the LCD industry about the desired improvements and product requirements for BEF and DBEF. The study addresses questions such as:

• How will prices trend over time on BEF, BEF equivalents and DBEF?
• How fast will market share shift to new competitors and why?
• How will competition enter by market segment – handhelds, notebooks, monitors and TVs?
• What optical film configurations and combinations are being used in each market segment?
• How will optical film configurations shift over time by market segment?
• What key factors will affect the success of new competitive entrants?
• How will 3M react to the emerging competition?

Product Scope. The following optical films and brightness enhancement equivalents are included:

• BEF (Brightness Enhancement Film)
• BEF equivalents
• Reverse prism film and equivalents
• Oblique angle light guides
• Right angle light guides
• DBEF (Polarization Recycling Film)

Market Scope. Global film sales and film use configurations now and in 2009 by:

• Handhelds
• Notebooks
• Monitors
• TVs

CONTENTS

The 171-page study consists of 134 pages of analysis including text, color graphs and tables, plus 37 pages of product specifications, and includes:

• Forecast through 2009 for LCD by handhelds, notebooks, monitors and TVs
• Forecast of film use configurations by market segment (handhelds, etc.)
• Forecast through 2009 for BEF, BEF equivalents including reverse prism film and DBEF
• Forecast pricing and market shares for 3M and 3M competitors over time
• Detailed analysis of pricing strategy of 3M with analysis of impact on 3M profitability
• Detailed film customer survey feedback about requirements for BEF and DBEF film and present quality and other issues that customers want to see addressed by new suppliers
• Relevant patents
• Product specifications

To view the table of contents: mcgweb.com/reports/bef2005toc.htm

METHODOLOGY

The MCG study is based on a combination of sources. Information was gathered via an in-depth survey of LCD panel and backlight makers as well as LCD branders, particularly regarding product performance requirements and desired improvements. Information from other industry sources was also incorporated. Careful evaluation of 3M’s profitability and likely impact of BEF and DBEF pricing has been incorporated in the study. Recent industry, market and technology trends were also incorporated in the forecasts.

FORMAT

PDF file with site license when purchased.

SUPPORT FOR PURCHASERS OF REPORT

Available from the study’s principal researcher, Steve Marsland (contact info shown below).

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The report been developed with extensive technical and analytical support. Steve Marsland was the principal researcher and analyst. Carl Cobb was a supporting author and analyst in the study. Charles McLaughlin acted as senior author and final editor.

For more information contact: Steve Marsland stevemarsland@mcgweb.com 650 588-7558

SUBSCRIPTION

ORDER INFORMATION

Please use this PDF order form and fax it back to us as 650-319-1805 or contact Adrienne Hefter, info@mcgweb.com, telephone 650 323 1179. MCG office hours are 9-12 and 1-5 PST.