2013 to be Breakout Year for 4Kx2K TV

Market Forecast to Reach 7M in 2016, NPD DisplaySearch Reports; China Forecast to Lead in 4Kx2K TV Adoption

SANTA CLARA, Calif — More than half a million 4Kx2K TVs are forecast to ship worldwide this year, growing to more than 7 million by 2016, according to the latest Quarterly TV Design and Features Report from NPD DisplaySearch. The 4Kx2K trend was first seen at IFA 2012 and continued at the 2013 International CES, as TV manufacturers search for the next technology transition to attract consumers to upgrade their current TVs.

The display industry is racing to launch more 4Kx2K screen sizes and to mobilize production in larger volumes, with even OLED 4Kx2K sets being demonstrated. Sony, LG, Samsung, and Sharp are all moving forward with this technology, along with other Japanese brands, the six leading Chinese brands, and value-oriented brands such as Vizio and Funai. In addition to vertical integration by the major players, merchant panel suppliers such as AUO and Innolux are working with several manufacturers on 4Kx2K. Initial efforts in test broadcasting and standardization are also underway.

“The efforts throughout the supply chain for 4Kx2K have begun to align,” said Paul Gray, Director of TV Electronics Research for NPD DisplaySearch. “Panel makers are producing 4Kx2K screen sizes ranging from 50-110″, and there is also a push to increase TV content. The availability of content is key to consumer adoption of 4Kx2K TVs, and TV manufacturers are anxious to prevent any potential delays that could stall adoption, as was the case with 3DTVs.”

Gray added, “As a result, investments are beginning to ensure that 4Kx2K content is readily available to consumers. Several announcements about proprietary 4Kx2K streaming and download services were made at CES; however, satellite and cable services from established providers will take some time.”

China is forecast to lead in demand for 4Kx2K TVs, with shipments forecast to grow from 333 thousand in 2013 to more than 2.6 million in 2016. North America is forecast to follow, with just over 2 million forecast to ship in 2016.

“Initially, we expect to see the highest 4Kx2K adoption in China, Japan and Western Europe, as these regions typically prefer the latest highly-featured products,” noted Gray. “On the other hand, North American consumers are generally more likely to delay purchases of new technology, like 4Kx2K, until prices fall. However, because demand is heavily skewed towards large screens in this market, there is a significant opportunity.”

Figure 1. 4Kx2K TV Shipment Forecast by Region (000s)

Source: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report

The NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report provides a quarterly update of TV shipments along with a forecast of the rapidly shifting TV feature developments. The report examines 4Kx2K TVs as well as smart and connected TV shipments by region, analyzing both industry and service trends. For more information about the report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, e-mail contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional NPD DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.