TV sales grow 28 percent

Overall TV shipments in North America after the second quarter, at over 9.3 million, represent a 28 percent increase from the same time period in 2007, according to a new DisplaySearch report. The report breaks down the number further by the type of TV technology, including flat-screen tube, LCD and Plasma, as well as by individual brands.

The company's findings represent the biggest year-to-year growth since it started tracking TV shipments in 2004. In the second quarter alone, TV sales were up 26 percent. Of the gains, LCDs saw the biggest boost, at 52 percent, and account for 7.5 million of the 9.3 million TV sales. Samsung had the biggest share of the LCD market in both quarters of 2008, and also saw the highest quarter-to-quarter growth. Sony was a close second, beating out Samsung in year-to-year increases, with LG Electronics, Sharp and Vizio rounding out the top five.

Flat-panel tube TV sales were similar to LCD numbers at the top, with Vizio, although falling, still taking the third spot in terms of unit share during the second quarter, followed by LG and Sharp.

Plasma TV sales were led by Panasonic, albeit with marginal increases from last year. Vizio saw more than a two-fold increase both in the quarter and year-to-date, with Samsung a close third only in terms of unit share in the second quarter. LG and Sanyo rounded out the top five, with all other brands accounting for 5.6 percent of total plasma TV sales.

By Electronista Staff