Samsung and LG Philips are to raise the price of their 15in and 17in LCD screens by 3-5 per cent, the Korea Herald reports, citing "informed industry sources".

The two Korean manufacturers together account for around 40 per cent of the LCD market. The move, apparently made in response to dwindling supply from smaller, Taiwanese manufactures, could provoke similar price rises from other manufacturers.

Unlike the big guns, the small producers have been forced to reduce production of current LCD panels while they transition to fifth-generation methods. Samsung and co. can more easily afford to develop next-generation plant in parallel with older lines.

According to the paper, 15in and 17in LCD prices are currently at a six- to seven-month high, at $185-190 and $270-275, respectively. ®

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