AU Optronics (AUO) is set to ship 46-inch LCD TV panels to Sony, according to a recent report from Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN).

AUO was unavailable to comment on the report prior to the publication.

Sony's 46-inch LCD TV panels used to only be supplied by S-LCD, a joint venture (JV) between Sony and Samsung Electronics, from its seventh-generation (7G) plant.

In April, AUO was reported to have landed orders for 40-inch TV panels from Sony, with delivery to start in May, according to sources.

AUO began to volume produce 46-inch LCD TVs at its 7.5G plant in February 2007, according to the company. The panel maker already ships 20-, 26-, 32-inch TV panels to the Japan-based company.

In addition to AUO, Sony also purchases TV panels from Taiwan's Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT). Nearly 30% of Sony's TV panels are sourced from Taiwan-based companies, noted industry sources.

Sony recently opened a logistics center in central Taiwan which will be used mainly for shipping TFT LCD panels from Taiwan to Bravia LCD TV assembly lines located elsewhere, according to the company.