US TV shipments set to fall in 2012 for first time ever
updated 10:55 pm EDT, Wed March 28, 2012
iSuppli data signals change in flat-panel market
Sales numbers for flat-panel televisions distributed in the US may fall this year, for the first time on an annual basis, according to a forecast published by research firm iSuppli. Shipments are expected to decline to 37.1 million units, a five percent slide from the 39.1 million units that were shipped in 2011.
“The U.S. flat-panel television market has never declined on an annual basis, even at the height of the recession in 2008 and 2009,” said IHS analyst Lisa Hatamiya. "Sales in the United States now are being driven by consumers who are replacing their older flat-panel sets with new models boasting more advanced features."
Despite the decline in US sales, other global markets are still expected to continue positive growth through the next several years.
LED backlighting technology is expected to dominate the US television market, accounting for nearly three times as many sales as traditional CCFL models. Companies are also expected to continue pushing new technology to entice existing owners to upgrade, as the industry places more weight behind marketing emphasis on 3D, high refresh rates and connected features.
