HDTV Market to Cross 50 Million Units by 2008, According to New Report

Global HDTV market is expected to cross the 50-million units mark by 2008. In the current digital scenario, traditional markets for entertainment and computer displays are being replaced with High-Definition Television (HDTV) that presents a completely new line of multimedia and interactive services and applications to the consumer.

San Jose, California — A new report titled HDTV: A Global Strategic Business Report, has been released by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. The report primarily focuses on HDTV capable sets (displays only) and integrated HDTV sets (displays & tuners). Major product groups analyzed include HDTV Capable Sets and Integrated HDTV Sets. Detailed analysis is provided for major geographic markets including United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and rest of world.

High-Definition televisions are available in four different display technologies – Projection, Directview Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Plasma. HDTV features sharper and clearer pictures than those displayed through the television most of us use today. HDTV technology, despite being around since early 1980s, has been slow to penetrate due to the high cost involved. However, HDTV has marked its presence in developed countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and Western Europe. Europe accounts for 45% of the global HDTV market. North America is expected to be the fastest growing HDTV market, registering CAGR of over 50%. Market for HDTV in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and rest of world, accounts for a miniscule 5-6% of the global market. Europe and North America dominate the HDTV capable sets market, accounting for over 75% of global sales. Europe, commanding nearly 50% of the global integrated HDTV sets market is likely to lose its market share over the period.

Major HDTV manufacturers introduced various projection and Flat-Panel TVs with multiple features, such as wide screen with HD Picture System; secure digital interfaces for seamless flow of high-resolution content; Interactive format control; and integrated DVD among others. Various factors identified as crucial to the growth and profitability of various players in the HDTV market, include pricing and marketing efforts, timing of product introductions, and ability of contract manufacturers to provide quality products and meet delivery schedules. Besides, legislative and regulatory factors as well as industry initiatives for planned or actual product features would determine market movement.

The report also offers profiles of leading players and presents recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, as well as other strategic industry activities. Major players in the market include Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Electronics, Sony Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Zenith Electronics Corporation and others.