On February 21, Toshiba announced the possibility of postponing the spring 2006 release date for its next-generation flat-screen SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emission Display) TV until next year. Toshiba has worked with Canon to develop SED TV technology.

At a press conference on February 21, Satoshi Niikura, vice president of Toshiba’s digital media operations, said, “Because SED is still in the trial production stage, we are unable to secure a sufficient quantity of panels (key components).” The company will soon make a final decision regarding its strategy.

SED panels are currently being manufactured on a trial basis at a joint-venture factory in the city of Hiratsuka in Kanagawa prefecture at a rate of about 1000 units per month. Full-scale production is not expected until 2007.

[Source: Asahi Shimbun]