The BenQ Group reportedly will launch own-brand LED lighting products in the first half of 2011, with BenQ focusing on the light bulb market, and Qisda on high-end LED lighting products.

BenQ has been planning for an LED lighting brand for a while and originally scheduled to launch own-brand products at the end of 2010. But sources from the company noted that it has recently moved back the launch to the first half of 2011.

It is understood that the BenQ Group's original plan was to let Lextar Electronics set up an LED lighting brand and develop LED light bulbs, light bars and other products. However, with Lextar being the OEM partner of several lighting vendors such as Royal Philips Electronics, the BenQ Group has decided to have BenQ run the LED lighting brand to avoid conflict with OEM clients.

The BenQ Group, which includes LCD panel maker Au Optronics (AUO), currently sees Qisda developing high-end LED lighting products and it has entered the high-end lighting supply chain in Europe. The BenQ Group expects Qisda's design center to support the development of BenQ's lighting products.

The Chi Mei Group is also developing the lighting market, and subsidiaries within the group can handle R&D and volume production for LED lamps. The Chi Mei Group will focus on the Taiwan market.