With LCD monitor panel prices expected to continue falling, most Taiwan-based LCD monitor makers are planning to instead launch new flat-panel TVs later this year, according to the companies.

Soaring Technology said it is developing car-use LCD TVs, as its clients have been delaying their LCD monitor orders due to projected panel price drops over the next few months.

Jean, a Taiwan-based LCD monitor maker, is also marketing 27-inch LCD TVs and has started shipping samples of its 32-inch LCD TVs. The company shipped a total of 50,000 LCD TVs from January to October and expects to ship 20,000 units this month and 30,000 next month.

MAG Technology also said it will launch 32-inch LCD TV models later this month.

Amtran Technology is test producing 42-inch PDP (plasma display panel) TVs and plans to ship the products in small volumes next month. The company is optimistic about the PDP TV market, as PDP prices, triggered by LCD TV panel price drops, have also started falling. For LCD TVs, Amtran expects to ship 35,000 units this month, up 16% sequentially, with sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches. The company said it has not yet invested in the over-30-inch LCD TV segment, as the market is still developing.