I agree with Guy. I think it is important to remember that CREE has demonstrated a cost-efficient means of producing high brilliance Blue Green and White LEDs. This is a major accomplishment and should not be minimized. But there are many other producers of LEDs using technology simpler than SiC. Red LEDs have been around forever and are very, very cheap. So, for CREE to really maximize its cost and production advantages on Blue and White LEDs, it needs to help create demand for their use, in addition or conjunction with red LEDs, or as an alternative. I believe they are doing so, (see World Theatre as an example) and are working on many additional new market and product niches they can fill. If they can keep pushing the price downward while increasing volume production they can really make inroads in these markets.....and maybe someday make a real run at existing uses for cheap, functional red LEDs.
It all needs to be part of a major strategic initiative by the Company, along with similar but ultimately more lucrative plans for power devices, laser, etc. I believe CREE has such plans and is carrying them out. So, I remain long and optimistic. But, a stranglehold on the LED market? No, not yet anyway. |
