With LCD prices steadily on the decline, it seems odd that plasma display prices are increasing. But that's what's happening, according to IHS iSuppli, and the result is a declining share of plasma TV sales in the US.
Plasma's share of all TV types available at US retailers fell to 13.3 percent in July, down from 14.9 percent in June and from 15 percent in July 2011, the research firm said in a press release. The last time plasma accounted for such a small percentage of US television retail availability was the first quarter of 2011, when its share dipped to 11.6 percent, IHS reports. Edward Border, analyst for TV technology at IHS, said:
Despite a brief resurgence in popularity during the second half of last year, the U.S. plasma business is undoubtedly a market on the decline. While this deterioration is part of a long-term global trend, the drop in plasma sales in the U.S. in 2012 is also due to consistently elevated pricing. The decrease in sales has reduced plasma's market share, allowing LCD TVs -- plasma's traditional rivals -- to further their dominance in the overall U.S. TV space.
Plasma makers are focusing on larger screens, IHS said, and prices have climbed to an average of more than $1,600 in July. This is 1.4 percent higher than June's figure.
In the meantime, LCD prices fell in July -- part of an ongoing trend as evidenced by the difficulties faced by major LCD makers such as Japan's Sony and Sharp. Both companies reported losses in their recent fiscal quarters due in part to slow TV sales and declining LCD prices. At the start of the third quarter, prices declined for LCD TVs, which account for the majority of the flat-panel market, IHS reports. The declines applied to all types of LCDs, including 3D models, interactive and smart TV, HD sets and LED TVs. IHS adds:
Pricing drops were relatively small, reflecting no great sales or discounts, but instead were a consequence of natural erosion as stores competed with one another. More aggressive price declines occurred as the London Olympics geared up, with even more cutthroat competition to ensue among brands and retailers.
Overall, average retail pricing in July for all kinds of televisions in the American market fell to $1,171 -- down from $1,194 in June, but up from $1,149 the same time a year ago.
Nowadays if we need to buy a new TV, it is either an LCD or an LED.
@t.alex, Soon we will see flexible displays, microtiles, 360-degree displays, 3D, OLED, FOLED, holographic displays -- these are the possible future of display technology.
Plasma's share of all TV types available at US retailers fell to 13.3 percent in July, down from 14.9 percent in June and from 15 percent in July 2011
@Barbara, thanks for the post. I am curious to know if this trend is limited to US or is this happening in other countries as well ? And what will be the impact of introduction of Apple TV on this TV market?
I believe with the price reduction of LED tv's, recent advancements in picture quality improvements and very less power consumption has generated more demand for Led tv's. But the plasma on other side has disadvantages in terms of cost. And new technologies like AMOLED will coming bigway into the market during next two to three years.
A classic example of not synchronizing with the technology and technology is the main requirement of the users. If there is a demand for new stuff why do you lag and sell old technologgy ?
@t.alex, I am personally quite interested in Translucent LCD's. Translucent LCD displays are beginning to be tested by various owners using a variety of applications. These displays are etched into a clear glass. There is no backlight so the screen is transparent. So using Translucent LCD's banks/retail shops can display advertisements even on plain windows.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This