The growth in global TV shipments sees no sign of slowing down with a new consumer electronics industry report predicting acceleration to 280 million units, worth $160 billion, by 2012.
Understanding & Solutions says the global TV boom is being fuelled by demand for flat panel TV displays that are rapidly replacing the traditional CRT (cathode ray tube sets).
LCD is now rapidly growing to become the dominant display technology for television, replacing the plasma that had begun the move to flat panel, and accounting for 40% of shipments in 2007 and 64% of market value. By 2012, LCD will account for over 80% of the market.
Following a significant price decline during 2006, the rising cost of raw materials and the strong demand for LCD meant prices remained stable in 2007. Manufacturers costs are also increasing with the inclusion of digital tuners and high definition connectivity (HDMI), three such connections replacing the initial one on some models.