Meko’s latest data indicates that the Q1 2010 desktop monitor (DTM) market continued to build on its recovery after the recession. Analysis by the displays specialist shows that the market grew by 9% YoY to over 11.5 million units in EMEA during the quarter.
This improved performance in DTMs builds on the YoY increase of 6.6% in Q4 2009. Andy Barker, analyst director of Meko, said, “The monitor market is at last showing gradual recovery following the recession, but the increases are against poor trading periods in 2009 and we are doubtful that, in value terms, it will be positive. Brands saw an increase in corporate refresh rates as Windows 7 projects are now being implemented, plus we are seeing an increase in the attachment rate of monitors to mobile PCs. However, the recovery in the market is fragile and early indicators for Q2 suggest that trading conditions remain challenging, with signs that a price war is developing as brands try to maintain or grow their share”.
Brands that have done well in Q1 include AOC, LG, NEC, HP, Dell and Benq while brands such as Samsung, Acer, Hannspree and Fujitsu have seen YoY decreases. Barker continued, “The quarter has seen brands such as AOC record growth of over 150%, while other brands have performed quite poorly in testing conditions”.
Figures exclude multi-function monitors (MFMs) which are now tracked separately and which had sales in excess of 1.1 million units in Q1. The MFM market continues to perform strongly, building on the seasonally high Q4 result in 2009, when Meko recorded the market as being over 1.6 million units. “Feedback from our partners around the world indicate that the strength of the multi-function monitor segment is unique to the EMEA region. Other regions do not sell the concept as well to their IT channels and MFMs present a good opportunity for DTM brands which have the ability to deal with the technical complexities of producing monitors with TV capabilities for the EMEA market”, Barker added.
