In a plea deal with a federal court in San Francisco, LCD manufacturers Chunghwa, LG and Sharp have agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to drive up the prices of LCD displays used in everything from computers and televisions to mobile phones and gaming devices. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the companies engaged in communications to fix the prices of TF-LCD displays during periods ranging from early 2001 through the end of 2006. The companies allegedly held "crystal" meeting in which they set pre-determined prices for the displays and issued price quotes to manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Motorola based on those meetings. The companies are also alleged to have exchanged sales information in oder to monitor and enforce their pricing agreements.
