Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels spiked to 7.8 million units in fourth-quarter 2011, up by 26% on quarter. As a result, total 3D TV panel shipments in 2011 reached 21.2 million, accounting for 10% of all LCD TV panels shipped according DisplaySearch. Panel makers are targeting very strong growth of 138% for 2012, which would lead to 3D LCD TV panel shipments of 50 million units, for a penetration rate of 21.6% of all LCD TV panel shipments, said DisplaySearch.

According to DisplaySearch, shutter glass technology use is still larger than patterned retarder technology, with 6.2% penetration in total LCD TV panel shipments in 2011, with patterned retarder accounting for 3.9%. DisplaySearch estimated 2012 penetration rates will increase to 11.6% for shutter glass type and 10.0% for pattern retarder type.

In addition to TV, panel makers are aggressively promoting 3D monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment and gaming PCs. In 3D LCD monitor panels, pattern retarder manufacturers are more aggressive than shutter glass makers. Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million units per quarter from second-quarter 2012 onward. This is up from 235,000 units in fourth-quarter 2011.