LCD prices have tumbled because demand for expensive flat-screen televisions has fallen short of the expectations of manufacturers.

Prices for computer LCDs are likely to recover sooner than those for televisions, said Michael Min, tech analyst at Dongwon Securities.

"We believe Samsung was focusing on price of LCDs for TV when it forecast a recovery in the fourth quarter," said Min. "For prices of LCDs for computer monitors and notebooks, the rebound should come earlier than that."

Samsung also said on Monday it had developed the world's largest LCD panel, an 82-inch screen, topping a 65-inch LCD TV unveiled by Japan's Sharp Corp. in October.

Samsung said it would be at least 18 months before it mass produced the new panel.

The world LCD TV market is growing fast. According to Display Search, LCDs already account for 31 percent of TVs of 28-inch screens and larger. They are expected to account for 45 percent this year and 60 percent by 2007.