Due to pressure from panel makers to cut prices amid falling panel prices, LCD key component and material makers are seeking methods to stay profitable by lowering costs, according to the makers. Cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) makers have been developing straight lamps with a high color rendition index (CRI) or U-shaped lamps, which allow fewer number of lamps and inverters to be used in a panel, to reduce costs of panels of various sizes, the sources said.

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