MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - July 15, 2003. High-brightness light-emitting diodes (HB LEDs) have been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal market for semiconductors and optical components of all types. While the markets for most electronic and optical components peaked in 2000 and have trended downward ever since, the HB LED market grew by 51% in 2002 to $1.84 billion, according to Silicon Valley market research firm Strategies Unlimited. The details of this market phenomenon are provided in the comp any's recently released report High-Brightness LED Market Review and Forecast - 2003.

High-brightness LEDs are used in a wide variety of applications that benefit from their high visibility (even in full sunlight conditions) and full-color spectrum, including white. The spectacular growth of 2002 was led by a dramatic ramp-up in the use of HB LEDs in mobile phones, including both backlighting for full-color LCD screens and keypad backlighting. However, other applications also contributed to this vibrant market. High-brightness LEDs are used extensively in the automotive secto r, both for instruments panel lighting and for external signaling. They are the enabling components for full-color outdoor video screens used in sports stadiums, outdoor advertising and rock concerts. Moreover, they have been widely adopted in red, green and yellow traffic signals, primarily in North America, as well as in highway signs and moving message panels. Illumination applications are the latest to benefit from the high efficiency and long lifetimes of high-brightness LEDs. Based on con tinuing positive trends in this dynamic industry, the market for HB LEDs is forecast to grow to $4.7 billion by 2007.

The high-brightness LED market is worldwide in scope, and is supported by manufacturers in several regions, including North America, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. The new Strategies Unlimited reported analyzes this market in depth, from both the supply side and the demand side. Detailed quantitative market analysis is provided, with breakouts by application and product type, in terms of both units and revenue. Five-year market forecasts are provided for each application.

High-Brightness LED Market Review and Forecast -- 2003 is available for immediate delivery from Strategies Unlimited for $4,950. More information on the report is available by contacting Tim Carli, Sales Manager, at +1 650 941-3438 ext. 23, or by email at tcarli@strategies-u.com.

Founded in 1979, Strategies Unlimited specializes in market research and strategic consulting directed at photovoltaic components and systems, optical networking, optoelectronic, and RF/wireless semiconductor industries. The company, based in Mountain View, California, is a research unit of PennWell Corporation.

PennWell Corporation, founded in 1910, is a highly diversified media and information company providing authoritative publications, conferences and exhibitions, databases, information products and Internet-based services to strategic markets worldwide. The company publishes over 45 periodicals including Laser Focus World, Lightwave, and Solid State Technology. These strategic markets include petroleum, electric power, electronics, communications, information-technology, water, fire services, manufacturing and healthcare. Its headquarters are in Nashua, NH, and Tulsa, OK, with remote offices and partners located around the globe.