Microsemi Corporation
(
MSCC
) will now be offering LED backlighting solutions to
privately-held VIZIO, Inc. Based in California, this consumer
electronics company will fit Microsemi's LED backlight driver
LX27901 into its E-Series 60-inch and 70-inch Class Razor LED
Smart TVs.
VIZIO's focus area is LED-backlit LCD displays. It produces
other electronic devices such as High Definition (HD) Surround
Sound systems, LCD computer monitors and HDTV accessories. In
2011, it also launched mobile phones and tablets called Via Phone
and Via Tablet, respectively.
Light-Emitting Diode, or LED, is a popular display format now
and might replace all forms of lighting in the future. LED has
various advantages, such as lower maintenance cost, greater
operational efficiency and lower energy consumption. LEDs are
therefore used not just in consumer electronics devices, but also
in laboratory and electronics test equipment.
Thus, the adoption of Microsemi's LED products by such a key
player is surely a positive; particularly when industry leaders
incorporate its solutions into their products. The collaboration
with VIZIO will help Microsemi strengthen its LED product
portfolio and offer better solutions to equipment manufacturers.
We expect Microsemi to continue with its collaborations as there
is further growth opportunity in the LED segment. Technology
stalwarts, such as
Hewlett Packard
(
HPQ
) and
Philips Electronics
(
PHG
) also use this technology in various products.
Research conducted by MarketsandMarkets suggests that the LED
chips market is expected to reach $8.536 billion by 2014, growing
at a CAGR of 22.0% from 2009 to 2014. LED backlighting in LCD
panels will mostly lead the growth as LED chips have low
operating cost. LED bulbs are also leading the race.
Microsemi's revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was
$259.2 million, up 4.0% sequentially and 19.6% year over year.
The communications market was the largest contributor, making up
31.0% of sales. The defense & security market generated 28.0%
of sales and aerospace generated 21.0%. The defense, aerospace
and medical markets largely use Microsemi's high-reliability
chips, while the other markets use its analog/mixed signal
products.
Both Microsemi Corporation and Hewlett Packard have a Zacks #5
Rank, implying a short-term 'Strong Sell' rating. However,
Philips has a Zacks #1 Rank, implying a short-term 'Strong Buy'
rating.
HEWLETT PACKARD (HPQ): Free Stock Analysis
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MICROSEMI CORP (MSCC): Free Stock Analysis
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KONINKLIJKE PHL (PHG): Free Stock Analysis
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