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Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are used to in flat-panel monitors and high-end flat-panel television. Recently, the market for LCDs has exploded as flat screen monitors and televisions have become popular consumer electronics devices. The manufacturing and sale of LCD devices has been profitable for a number of companies such as Chi Mei Optoelectronics, LG.Philips LCD, Samsung and Sharp Corporation (SHCAY) . However, continued competition has driven down panel prices and is threatening the profit margins on these displays at every point on the supply chain.

A number of companies depend on LCD panels for their earnings. They include

• Corning (GLW) which both manufacture specialized, ultra-pure glass panels that are used by LCD panel manufacturers to make LCD displays, and are a major component of the company's earnings.

• 3M Company (MMM) and Tyco International (TYC) both manufacture specialized films used in LCD production.

• Circuit City Stores (CC) and Best Buy (BBY) both rely on high profit margins for LCDs for their earnings.

• Dell (DELL) sells a large quantity of LCD monitors with their computers.

• Daktronics (DAKT), the leading manufacturer of digital signs and scoreboards, principally uses LCD screens.

• Sharp Corporation (SHCAY), which develops, manufacturers, and sells LCDs for TVs and mobile phones.

More information

See this [wikipedia article] for more detail on LCD technologies, and competing technologies which may affect the companies that rely on them.