Archive for the 'Video' Category

Ikea Shames the TV Industry

Author: DisplaySearch
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

120418_ikea_blog1.png

The announcement that Ikea will launch a TV range shows what is so wrong and right with the industry. It’s a cliché to say that the TV is more than a gadget but also a piece of furniture, but Ikea has really proved it.

The TV will be available in a variety of screen sizes, with a base unit incorporating a receiver module and disk player. As several screen sizes are available, it is likely that the screen part is a dumb HDMI monitor. Reportedly, TCL will be manufacturing the electronics.

That highlights what is wrong with the industry. While some consumers are likely to think twice before buying an Ikea TV, concerned about the quality of the image or other performance attributes, Ikea is offering a five year guarantee, which at least addresses reliability concerns. But any consumer encountering a Japanese name on the set would have felt instantly reassured and bought in even more confidence. So why was this opportunity missed by the Japanese? Without doubt, Ikea drives a hard bargain, but the inability to compete on cost (even with brand equity adding value) is surely important. So either Japanese setmakers couldn’t compete, or ignored the built-in furniture opportunity even though some of the Ikea TV furniture costs as much as a 32” TV!



NPD LED Supply

Santa Clara, California, February 16, 2012—In 2011, LED supply exceeded demand by 30% due to poor LED TV sales and slow growth in LED lighting. However, this gap is closing in 2012 due to recovering backlight demand and increasing demand for lighting. According to the recent NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Supply/Demand Market Forecast Report, the glut will be 19% in Q1’12 and will drop to 16% in Q2’12.

Key players such as Samsung LED, LGIT and Lextar rapidly increased their capacity for metal organic chemical vapor deposition in 2010, but found that they had overestimated market demand. In reaction to the oversupply, LED makers began to adjust utilization rates in late 2011, and the average utilization rate has dropped to 50%.

Two applications are forecast to drive LED demand in 2012. The first, the low-cost direct LED TV backlight, is likely to trigger LED demand because of its pricing. There is only a slight price difference between CCFL-backlit LCD TVs and low-cost direct LED-backlit TVs (approximately 5% for a 32” set).

The second, LED lighting, will also continue to gradually grow due to efficacy enhancements and cost reductions. For LED lighting products, the lumen per dollar is becoming closer to traditional light sources every day. Following the March 2011 Japan earthquake, LED lighting products saw sales increases in Japan due to electrical power shortages as well as a government incentive program. NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that sales will continue to rapidly increase in Japan in 2012. Other regions, such as China, the US and Korea, have aggressively promoted LED lighting.

Currently, LED backlights are used in all small/medium LCDs, and LED penetration in mobile PCs is nearly 100%. Penetration of LEDs in LCD monitors and LCD TVs continues to grow, while the number of LED packages per set is decreasing. Also, high growth is expected for low-cost direct LED TVs in 2012.

The NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Supply/Demand Market Forecast Report analyzes supply and demand on a quarterly basis for the entire LED industry. From chip prices to LED maker roadmaps, this report gives a clear outlook and reliable forecast of LED supply/demand, along with an analysis of the impacts on pricing. This report is delivered in PowerPoint and includes Excel-based data and tables. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.



Friday, December 23, 2011

Walmart.com: (Email Delivery) Apple iTunes $50 eGift Cards: Gift Cards

I’m sure you’ve seen the iTunes gift cards at Costco or Sam’s Club for a few dollars off. Sam’s has them for $10 off if you purchase $100 of a four pack of $25. That’s a pretty good deal on any Apple product as the Designed in Cupertino company rarely discounts anything in its catalog. But Sam’s Club parent, Wal-mart, has just gone one better and for half the initial cost, you will get double the percentage off. For $40 you can nab yourself $50 in an email delivered iTunes gift certificate. That’s a 20% discount which I have yet to see anywhere else and it’s an instant purchase!

If you want to treat yourself or you’ve forgotten a present or just need a bonus gift, this Wal-mart $50 iTunes gift certificate for $40 with instant delivery is your ticket to a Merry Christmas!



Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Pivotshare Console

YouTube has done a couple things for the Internet. It has shown us pretty much anything can find its way on to the Internet if a video camera is available. From cats playing pianos to dogs pulling elder men pants down, trash finds a way to be viewed. It has also highlighted some incredibly brilliant people with talent. Unfortunately, those are buried under the mass of junk found in YouTube.

The thinking, for the most part, is for quality films, one goes to Netflix for the streaming action. What if that guy with that awesome movie done on YouTube with an alien invasion in South America could turn his five minute feature into a full-fledged movie? And make money on it? And get collaboration? What if is called Pivotshare.

Think of Pivotshare as an Indie Netflix. Independents, anyone like you or me, starts a channel and allows other to join it. Together, everyone collaborates and makes magic. Every time that magic is viewed – and paid for – the community shares in the revenue. Like YouTube, there is no start-up costs or monthly fees and content creators earn funding either through subscriptions or pay-per-view. In short, you can make money for creativity and leverage social media such as Twitter to drive sales.

Take a look at the press release for more details and sign-up today and make some cash tomorrow.

View Press Release »

IRVINE, Calif. – December 13, 2011 – Pivotshare (www.pivotshare.com) today unveiled their new online content platform that gives publishers the power to distribute and monetize their digital media. The system was designed for valuable content that may not generate enough views to earn a sufficient income from advertising. The new start up provides an easy and powerful end-to-end solution that lets publishers offer monthly subscriptions or pay-per-view access to their audio and video content.

Pivotshare differentiates itself from other platforms by empowering publishers to distribute and sell access to their content without any monthly fees or startup costs. The company engages in a revenue sharing agreement with its publishers and provides them with all of the tools that they need to manage their channel. Pivotshare currently offers a web-based application and will be releasing apps for iOS, Android and smart TV platforms in the first half of next year. The company announced that they will be accepting applications for the service immediately at www.pivotshare.com.

Pivotshare’s publishing model is inherently social and allows independent content creators to band together to create a larger and more dynamic online presence. The founding publisher is the editor of the community and can invite new contributors. Also, interested parties can apply to contribute if the channel has been enabled to accept applications. The company uses their PlayGrade algorithm to determine the viewership and revenue of each contributor, and then pays out their respective earnings at the end of the month.

“We are very excited to offer publishers a new way to make money with online media”, said Adam Mosam, Founder of Pivotshare. “Organizations and publishers with media libraries can monetize their existing assets while independent content creators now have access to professional distribution without any upfront investment”.

With Pivotshare, publishers can:

- Quickly and easily create their own branded channel using Pivotshare’s turn-key solution

- Make money selling access to their audio and video content using subscriptions or pay-per-view

- Take advantage of world-class infrastructure to reach their audience around the world

- Leverage Twitter and Facebook integration to expand their audience

- Turn their content into a searchable reference library using media search marker capabilities

- Use the latest adaptive streaming technologies to improve quality of service and content security

- Administer their channel, manage their content and view detailed analytics with Pivotshare’s publisher console

Publishers and content creators are encouraged to apply now for access to the service at www.pivotshare.com.

About Pivotshare

Pivotshare aims to be the best way to make money from your digital media online. With a cutting-edge platform and innovative services, Pivotshare revolutionizes the way publishers sell access to their content.

Publishers are faced with rapid advances in digital media and an expanding device portfolio in which to push their content. Pivotshare will harness these new technologies, stay ahead of the curve and let the publishers worry about their core business, the content itself. The adoption of the Pivotshare platform will empower a new wave of content creators and help them capture the next generation of digital consumers.

For more information and to sign up, please visit http://www.pivotshare.com.



Monday, November 21, 2011

DisplaySearch LCD

 

Santa Clara, Calif., November 21, 2011—2011 has been a challenging year for the TV industry. Sluggish consumer demand in developed regions, like North America, Japan and Western Europe, has led to poor profitability on the part of TV set makers and panel makers. With supply chain inventory problems persisting well into mid-year, many TV brands cut back on their shipment plans for 2011 and reduced panel orders in Q3, which resulted in larger price declines for those core panels. The upside for consumers is more attractive retail set prices during the upcoming holiday season, particularly during Black Friday in the U.S.

“End-market demand has been weak in North America during most of 2011, with unit shipments falling around 4% Y/Y through the first three quarters of the year,” noted Paul Gagnon, Director of North America TV Research, DisplaySearch. “However, consumers, still quite sensitive to pricing, may be delaying purchases until the holidays when they expect to see the best deals. Consumers have learned this practice from observing previous holiday selling periods.”

According to the latest figures published in the DisplaySearch Advanced Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report, total TV market shipments were up 3.7% Y/Y in Q3’11 to 62M units, a 12% increase from Q2’11. This marks a healthy rebound from the 1% Y/Y shipment decline in Q2’11 and weak 1% Y/Y gain in Q1. However, orders for LCD and plasma panels used in the production of TV sets were both down in Q3’11, resulting in a somewhat lean inventory situation towards the end of the quarter. Many suppliers have taken a conservative approach to inventory for the holidays. Therefore, if demand is better than expected, there may not be much slack in the supply chain to fulfill restocking orders. This could potentially lead to some product shortages.

LCD TV shipments worldwide were about 1% better than forecasted, rising 12.9% Y/Y to 51.5M units compared to single-digit annual growth during Q1 and Q2’11. This is a good indication of improving demand in end markets. Retail prices for some LCD sizes are falling below key price levels, like $300 for 32” and $500 for 40-42”. The transition to LED backlights continues, but the rate of adoption has been slower than expected. LED-backlit models have not been able to pass the 50% level, accounting for 48% of total LCD TV shipments, with the vast majority of those being edge-lit models. Similarly, higher frame-rate models (120Hz or higher) have been mostly unchanged through 2011, representing about 22% of LCD shipments in the quarter. 3D grew to about 11% of LCD TVs, up from 9% in Q2. The slower growth of these two advanced features is indicative of a continuation of conservative consumer spending and reluctance to pay significant premiums.

Plasma TV shipments had shown increasing softness in recent quarters, declining 6% Y/Y in Q2’11 and falling 14% Y/Y in Q3’11 to 4.1M units. The decline in plasma TV shipments is the result of closer price competition with LCD models, leading to a transfer of market share at key sizes like 42” and 50”. In addition, poor profitability at plasma TV heavyweight Panasonic has led to a shift in focus to larger models and more richly-featured sets with less emphasis on price competition. Within plasma, 720p models account for about two thirds of unit shipments, but DisplaySearch forecasts a bigger shift to 1080p in the near future. Finally, 3D rose to about 27% of plasma TV shipments in Q3.

By region, China increased to more than 21% of all global TV shipments to become the clear leader in global TV demand. Shipments to China seasonally increase during Q3, ahead of October Golden Week promotions, but the level of share gain was substantial compared to previous years. The softness in consumer demand seen for developed regions led to much weaker growth than for emerging regions, with total unit shipments rising 12% Y/Y in emerging regions and falling 8% Y/Y in developed regions, and China is a major driver of the stronger growth in emerging regions. In addition, adoption of advanced features, like 3D, has performed better in China than any other region. In fact, China was the leading region for LED LCD TV shipments as well as for 3D LCD TVs.

3D Accounts for 11% of Total TV Units and 27% of Revenues

3D continued to see solid gains in shipment and revenue penetration worldwide, but the focus of those gains is somewhat surprising. Through the first three quarters of 2011, Western Europe and China were the leading adopters of 3D at 13% and 11% of total TV unit shipments, respectively. North America was initially forecast to be the leading market for 3D TV, but 3D accounted for only about 8.5% of total unit shipments. An unwillingness to pay much of a premium for 3D, and lower availability of low-cost 3D sets, compared to regions like China, have impacted uptake of 3D. During the upcoming holiday selling season in the U.S., 3D is not expected to be highly promoted. Instead, retailers will focus on large sizes with strong value pricing, but with lighter feature content.

Samsung Remains the #1 Global TV Brand, Leading in LCD and Plasma TV

Samsung’s global flat panel TV revenue share was up slightly in Q3’11 to 22.8%, a substantial lead over the #2 brand LGE. Samsung was the #1 brand on a revenue basis in every region, with the exception of Japan, where it does not sell TVs, and led LGE (a strong emerging market brand) in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Samsung was #1 in LCD and plasma TV revenues, #2 in CRT TV revenues, and was the only top 5 brand to post Y/Y growth in revenues.

LGE was the #2 brand worldwide at 13.1% with small Q/Q and Y/Y revenue declines. LGE was #2 in LCD TV and #3 in plasma TV, but continued to lead in CRT TV with more than double the revenue share of any other brand. Sony remained the #3 brand in global flat panel TV revenues during Q3’11, but saw a significant decrease in market share and posted a 13% Y/Y decline in total revenues. Panasonic and Sharp rounded out the top 5 with Sharp gaining revenue share on increased shipments of large sizes like 60”.

Samsung was the #1 global brand of 3D TV overall, accounting for all technologies, with 31% of revenues. Within the 3D LCD TV category, Samsung was #1 while Panasonic claimed the top 3D plasma TV revenue share.

DisplaySearch TV market intelligence, including panel and TV shipments, TV shipments by region, brand, size, resolution, frame rate and backlight type for nearly 60 brands, rolling 16-quarter forecasts, TV cost/price forecasts and design wins can be found in its Advanced Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report.

For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

About DisplaySearch
Since 1996, DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com/. Read our blog at http://www.displaysearchblog.com/ and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/ and http://www.npdgroupblog.com/. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.



Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Large-Area TFT LCD Shipments

SANTA CLARA, Calif., November 15, 2011—Shipments of large-area TFT LCD panels were 185.5 million in Q3’11, unchanged from Q2’11, but up 12% Y/Y. Revenues reached $19.2 billion, down 2% Q/Q and 11% Y/Y. According to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report, panel makers are targeting a very modest 2% growth in shipments for Q4’11, as downstream manufacturers and brands are expected to prepare for the holiday season. Revenues are not expected to grow, however, because panel prices are still not showing signs of a rebound.

The TFT LCD industry has been in over-supply for six quarters in a row, and while panel prices rebounded slightly in Q2’11, it was only short term,” noted David Hsieh, Vice President, Greater China Market, DisplaySearch. “Q3’11 panel shipment growth has been hampered by stagnant economic conditions, especially for IT products and TVs. Panel makers did not achieve their goal of growing Q3’11 shipments 7% Q/Q, and slow demand has been eroding panel prices in Q3’11.”

According to DisplaySearch estimates based on panel makers’ shipment targets in Q4’11, 209 million LCD TV panels will be shipped in 2011, 5% less than the 220.8 million shipped during 2010. This would make 2011 the first year that LCD TV panel shipments decreased.

In Q3’11, only notebook and tablet PCs panel shipments increased Q/Q. As in Q2’11, tablet PC demand showed the strongest momentum, up 21% Q/Q and 246% Y/Y, while notebook PC panel shipments grew by 4% and 22%, respectively. Monitor panel shipments fell by 5% Q/Q, LCD TV panel shipments were nearly flat, and mini-note panel shipments fell 30% Q/Q.

With the exception of notebook and tablet PC panels, revenues were down Q/Q for all applications due to panel price declines. Monitor, mini-note PC, and LCD TV panel revenues fell by 5%, 34%, and 2%, respectively. For mainstream LCD panels, prices have approached cash costs of the panel makers.

The DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report covers the entire range of large-area panels shipped worldwide and regionally. The report analyzes historical shipments and forecast projections with 100% coverage of panel makers. Authored by industry experts, the Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report provides some of the industry’s most detailed information and insights. It is delivered in PowerPoint and includes Excel-based data and tables. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

About DisplaySearch
Since 1996, DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com/. Read our blog at http://www.displaysearchblog.com/ and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/ and http://www.npdgroupblog.com/. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.

 



Thursday, November 10, 2011
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Figure 1: LCD TV Panel Shipment Plans (units in millions)

 

SANTA CLARA, Calif., November 10, 2011—Over the past few months, TFT LCD panel makers have been controlling production to minimize inventories and reduce losses. Despite this, the DisplaySearch MarketWise-LCD Industry Dynamics report shows an increase in loading rates in October, to 75% from 68% in September.

The uptick in October fab loading rates mainly came from Korean panel makers, who increased loading to 84-85%, aiming to fulfill demand in October (the peak month in the year). The increase mainly stemmed from TV panel production to meet increased LCD TV orders for Q4’11, especially for Samsung. In addition, both LG Display and Samsung are increasing shipments to Chinese customers, with consecutive monthly shipment growth in November and December.

Taiwanese panel makers also raised their fab loading rates in October, but are only at a 65% loading rate on average and plan to operate at the same level in Q4, reflecting the cautious outlook of their TV customers and a prioritization of finances over market share. Japanese panel makers are still struggling with inventory issues and have made further cuts in fab utilization for Q4’11.

Loading rates differ by fab generation, with Gen7/7.5 increasing to 86% in October, up from a record low of 76% in September, and Gen8/8.5 increasing from 64% to 72%.

Large-area panel shipments, particularly for LCD TVs, are likely to show a peak in October and decline by 2% M/M in November before scaling down significantly at the end of the year.

The planned increases in panel shipments in October were encouraged by healthy sell-through results during the Golden Week holidays in China. There were hopes that TV sales in China would surge before the China home appliance subsidy program ended in late November, and that inventory rebuilding may be stronger than after Golden Week last year.

According to Deborah Yang, Research Director of DisplaySearch, “There is a risk of oversupply as loading rates are based on panel makers’ sales targets and on optimistic expectations rather than on a realistic demand forecast.” Yang added, “A decline in large-area panel shipments is forecast for December 2011 and January 2012, as the holiday demand will already have been met.”

The DisplaySearch MarketWise-LCD Industry Dynamics report delivers concise, relevant information for decision-makers who need to quickly understand the entire large-area TFT LCD supply chain. Presented in a dashboard format, this report highlights the status of every aspect of the supply chain, from components to the end-market, covering the ever-changing dynamics of panels, brands, capacity, production, prices and more.

For more information about the report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452 or e-mail contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan or more information.

About DisplaySearch
Since 1996, DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge. In collaboration with the NPD Group, its parent company, DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at www.displaysearch.com. Read our blog at www.displaysearchblog.com and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit www.npd.com and www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Optoma USA HD33

Time to replace that first generation HDTV or maybe an older projector? Looking to upgrade your audio / video equipment to a true home theater experience? Wanna out do the local cineplex? Well, then start with the Optoma HD33 and prepare to impress yourself and your guests.

SvenOnTech received early delivery of the HD33, before it even hit the shelves at your local retailer, and we played with it for weeks. We enjoyed it so much that we forgot it was a review unit and not our unit. Needless to say, when it was time to send it back to Optoma, we mourned.

Give the review a read and see why we loved it so. Our feeling is that you will love it as much as we did. Probably more.



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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Source: DisplaySearch’ Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report

The forecast published by DisplaySearch in its Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report shows a further reduction in the demand outlook for TVs worldwide. Total TV shipments are not forecast to grow from 2010 to 2011, holding at 248 million units. LCD TVs will account for 206M and plasma TV for 17M. The forecast reduction is based on lower business targets for the year from TV manufacturers, and lower than expected demand for key TV components during the peak procurement period leading into the holiday season.

“Demand in regions like North America and Europe has fallen short of expectations as persistent economic problems have made consumers cautious in their spending and highly value-seeking,” noted Paul Gagnon, Director of North America TV Research for DisplaySearch. “Emerging markets continue to show good growth, but it is not strong enough to counteract the weaker demand in developed markets, and as a result, we have lowered our unit forecasts for LCD and plasma TV.”

Although total TV unit demand for 2011 looks to be flat, shipments of flat panel TVs, which excludes CRT and rear projection technologies, will increase about 6% Y/Y. This growth looks likely to improve to 9% in 2012, as the premium for advanced features continues to fall and manufacturers bring low-cost solutions to emerging markets in an effort spur faster replacement of CRT TVs.

LCD TV Will Remain the #1 TV Technology, as Backlights Shift from CCFL to LED

LCD shipments will rise from 192M in 2010 to 206M this year, which is less than the previous forecast of 211M and a key reason the overall TV market forecast was reduced.

Gagnon added, “LCD TVs account for more than 80% share of all global TV shipments. LCD TV supply chain participants—including panel makers, OEMs, and TV brands—have all lowered their outlook for 2011 demand, despite a recent drop in LCD panel prices. Long-term, we continue to forecast annual growth in demand for LCD TVs, although generally we expect less than 10% growth each year.”

LED and 3D Features Keep LCD TV Prices Stable

A growing share of new premium features, like LED backlights and 3D, are helping to keep the LCD TV category average prices very stable in 2011, falling just 7% Y/Y on a volume weighted basis. However, with the slower unit growth, total LCD TV revenues are expected to be flat this year. After increasing slightly in 2012, revenues should begin a gradual decline beginning in 2013. The forecast share of LED backlights in LCD TV shipments has been reduced slightly to 46% in 2011, but is still expected to become the dominant backlight technology for LCD in 2012 and reach nearly 100% of shipments by 2015.

Plasma TV Growth Slows

Plasma TV unit growth started slowing in Q2’11, declining 6% Y/Y, and is now expected to see a double-digit unit shipment decline each quarter through the middle of 2012. Because LCD TV prices are falling more quickly than plasma TV prices, the gap in pricing is narrowing and share is shifting away from plasma and towards LCD at several sizes. For example, in Q2’10 a 42” 1080p plasma TV was 32% cheaper than a competitive 42” 1080p 120 Hz LED LCD TV, but that gap fell to just 9% by Q2’11. Total plasma TV unit shipments are expected to fall 9% in 2011 to 17M units and around 5-6% each year thereafter.

OLED TVs Enter the Scene in Late 2012

OLED TV is set to debut around late 2012 as a contender in the 40”+ category, but will only grow to about 2.5% of the 40”+ segment by 2015 due to high prices and limited availability. Current projections are for OLED to debut at about 2-3X the price of a high-end LED-backlit LCD TV.

Emerging regions (China, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa) will have the strongest flat panel TV growth over the next four years, averaging 11% growth each year, while developed regions decline an average of 1% each year. The Asia Pacific region is positioned for strongest growth as the late-adopting India market begins to boom.

The worldwide forecast for 3D TVs was slightly increased through unexpected growth in emerging markets and Europe, although North America is growing slower than expected. 3D TVs are expected to account for 11% of total TV shipments in North America, but 14% of Western Europe and 12% of China TV shipments. Eventually though, North America will lead 3D adoption due to stronger preference for 40”+ sizes. 3D TV is expected to account for just over 22M in 2011, rising to more than 100M shipped by 2015.

The DisplaySearch Q3’11 Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report includes panel and TV shipments by region and by size for nearly 60 brands, and also includes rolling 16-quarter forecasts, TV cost/price forecasts ,and design wins. This report is delivered in PowerPoint and includes Excel-based data and tables. If you need further information or assistance please contact us at +1.408.418.1900 or sales@displaysearch.com or at the local DisplaySearch offices in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

PK120_In-hand.jpg

Optoma has squeezed in Texas Instrument’s new nHD DPL chipset to bring 18-lumen and high resolution into a feather light 5-ounce projector that easily fits in your hand. Additionally, the PK120 comes with 2GB of internal memory for storing graphic and video files and allows for further expansion up to 32GB via the microSD slot. The pico projector pushes out 640 x 360 pixels and newly includes 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Perfect for movies, photos, and Keynote slide presentations all retailing for $249.

View Press Release »

Fremont, Calif. | September 21, 2011 | Optoma®, the world leader in portable, hand-

held projectors, has once again laid down the competitive gauntlet with the all-new

PK120. Incorporating Texas Instrument’s new nHD DLP chipset for higher resolution,

the 18-lumen, 5-ounce, palm-sized projector packs a bounty of features and

improvements, including an all-new file viewer that delivers direct playback of MS Office

and PDF files, movies and photos. And with its 2GB of internal memory and microSD

card slot, which allows for memory expansion up to 32GB, users will have plenty of

storage space for movies, photos, PowerPoint presentations or other work documents.

The PK120 is available now from major retailers at a price of $249.

Links to images: www.roherpr.com/PK120-In-Hand.jpg
www.roherpr.com/PK120-Colors.jpg

“The technology and feature set included in the PK120 push it right to the head of

its class,” said Jon Grodem, Optoma’s senior director of product and marketing. “It’s not only

more powerful and versatile, but it’s also easier to use.”

The use of TI’s new nHD chipset not only increases the PK120’s native resolution to

640 x 360 pixels, but also introduces a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, increasing the amount

of information displayed on the image. The new projector also delivers improved clarity of

text or other black content by creating a smoother image than seen in other pixels.

To improve the PK120’s audio capabilities, Optoma has integrated two 0.5-watt

speakers into the projector, plus an audio-out port for connecting to external speakers. A

cable adapter is standard with the PK120 for easy connections to PCs and laptops, and

other cables are available for connecting to iPods, smartphones, digital cameras, or other

devices with video output.

“Customers made it clear that the best way to improve on the Pico concept was to add

convenience and connectivity options, especially VGA,” said Jon Grodem. “The new

improvements make Pico more versatile and more convenient for both personal and business

use. The internal memory can hold thousands of photos or several full-length movies.”

According to Grodem, Optoma also developed a new, more intuitive user interface for

the PK120 which supports PC-Free viewing of Office documents, and adds navigation features

such as zoom and scroll. Another new Pico feature is a dedicated power plug for faster battery

recharging.

The PK120 plays common picture and video formats along with office documents directly

from files stored internally or on microSD cards inserted into the onboard slot. The supported

video formats are H.264 (AVI, MOV, MP4, 3GP), MPEG4 (AVI, MOV, 3GP, WMV), M-JPEG

(AVI, MOV), Xvid (AVI, WMV). Supported picture formats include JPEG and BMP.

The PK120, which measures 4.6” long x 2.4” wide x 0.8” thick, combines Texas

Instruments’ latest DLP technology with the most advanced LED technology to produce an

image with 2000:1 high contrast ratio and enough brightness for users to project images up

to 70” (diagonal). The included, rechargeable, lithium ion battery will power the projector for

up to 90 minutes.

About Optoma Technology, Inc.

Optoma Technology, the number one supplier of DLP® projectors in North and South America, delivers
projectors and related accessories to consumers, businesses and educators, as well as professional
audio/video and Custom Installation channels. Optoma’s product portfolio features multimedia projectors
for mobile or fixed installations, as well as home theaters.

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