SANTA CLARA, CA – Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels spiked to 7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, up 26% sequentially. As a result, total 3D TV panel shipments in 2011 reached 21.2 million, accounting for 10% of all LCD TV panels shipped, says NPD DisplaySearch.

Advanced LED + 3D 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, the firm says.

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%. According to NPD DisplaySearch, 2012 penetration rates will increase to 11.6% for shutter glass type and 10% 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 per quarter from the second quarter of 2012 onward. This is up from 235,000 in the fourth quarter of last year.

ATLANTA -- Two more "chats" with leading industry experts have been scheduled, featuring outsourcing analyst Charlie Barnhart and industrial environment expert Kal Kawar.

SAN JOSE — Semiconductor fab equipment spending is expected to remain flat in 2012, then jump to record levels in 2013, according to the latest SEMI forecast.

WASHINGTON -- Implementation of a 2008 law mandating rear-view or "back-up" cameras on US vehicles has been delayed -- again -- but the rule ultimately will be a boon to electronics makers.