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Plasma Flies Off the Shelves
Sales of plasma TVs surged worldwide in the last quarter of 2004, according to flat panel display specialists DisplaySearch (FPD). Shipments soared 67% versus the 3rd quarter 173% versus Q4 of 2003, to a record 1.1 million TVs, of which just under three quarters have 42-43 inch screens.
On an annual basis, 2004 shipments were up 155% to 2.8m units. For the Q4 boom, the company cites strong holiday demand supported by lower pricing and rising interest in flat panel TVs and HDTVs. Mean 'blended' plasma TV prices were down more than 20% in the year from $4,299 to around $3,300.
Growth was strong in all world regions, China fastest with a 146% increase in Q4 and 526% year-on-year. Europe (now a 35% share) overtook North America (32%). Japan had by far the highest HD plasma TV penetration at 93% in Q4 2004, versus 42% for North America and 38% for Europe.
Smaller size screens gained ground very slightly relative to the 42-43 inch option but the latter remains comfortably the most popular size with a 74% share. 32 to 37 inch screens rose from 13% to 15% share and 46 inch and larger fell from 13% to 11% of the market. Panasonic remained the leading plasma TV brand with a 19% share, leading the market in Japan and North America, while LG Electronics remained number 2. Samsung, Philips (No.1 in Europe), Sony, Hitachi and Pioneer rounded out the top 7, with Dell getting a 3% share of the North American PDP TV market and a 10% share of the 42"-43" HD market in its first quarter of participation.
DisplaySearch's home page is at www.displaysearch.com
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