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April 21, 2008
Shift to Smaller TVs?
"Pacific Media Associates reported that unit sales for flat panel televisions under 35" in North America jumped in February. Their Consumer Flat Panel Display Sell-Through Tracking Service indicates that a lot of buyers are shifting their purchases to the smaller, lower priced models.
Total unit market share for 30" to 34" LCD televisions rose from 16% in January to 24% in February; that's nearly one out of every four flat panel televisions sold.
"The gains for the smaller sets came at the expense of mid-size models," according to Rosemary Abowd, Vice President with Pacific Media. "The 45" to 49" LCD segment dropped four unit share points from 18% to 14%, and the popular 40" to 44" 1080p segment (including LCD and plasma) lost two unit share points from 20% to 18%."
While the mid-size sales seemed to give way to smaller sizes, the larger sizes appeared untouched by the change. Both the unit market share and revenue share for models 50" and larger remained stable from January to February. It would appear that customers with the money to buy these larger sizes are not yet changing their buying patterns."
One month does not make a trend, but I called a few product managers at large consumer electronics companies and they are seeing the same shift in orders.
I think that there are a variety of reason for this shift:
- smaller sizes are getting more affordable, they are often at price points that almost make them an impulse purchase
- secondary locations, many families have a large display in the living room or family room and are now purchasing a smaller set for another location in the house..
- higher prices on gas, groceries and just about everything except consumer electronics are causing people to purchase smaller sets.
Comments?
Posted by Bob Gatton at April 21, 2008 2:04 PM
Comments
I too wanted a 30 to 34 or larger LCD T.V. for which my kids wanted to get me for my 54th birthday this month, but I discourage that ideal from their mines due to the price of getting any Lcd. I told them that the way gas,rent,bills,groceries,etc. they need their money for their homes and the price for Lcds was expensive. So I cook a family meal all can enjoy and had a cake too eat also. Watch dvds with my family on my old set was just fine. MAYBE in the future if I'm still around and the economy gets better and becomes affordable then they can.
Posted by: Vanessa at April 30, 2008 12:41 AM
I would love an LCD TV but the price to me is still way to expensive to justify it, even on the 32" models.
Posted by: Joe Sweet at April 30, 2008 7:52 AM
Sounds like Bob and Joe (above) are using their heads! Wake up America!
I just gave my big screen TV to my adult children w/the thought of getting a large LCD.
What I have discovered (in 4 days), is that I don't "NEED" TV at all! Didn't even have to go find out they are totally out of my price range.
Stepped out of the downward spiral.
Now, I can turn off e'thing but my cell phone and re-invent my life!!!! Got a greenhouse, new puppy, good book, and am focusing on being available to help w/grandchildren's learning skills.
Enjoying radio.
Posted by: Genna Davis at April 30, 2008 1:15 PM
