What They Say
PMA Research said that its US distributor sell-through data for professional large-format flat panel displays (32″ and larger) and professional projectors (above 500 lumens) showed that sales improved in line with the recovery in Q2. Usually Q4 sales are softer than Q3, but this year volume was almost flat.
The trend from projection towards flat panels continued. However 2020 was generally down because of deferred projects and this impacted projection because entertainment and education are key categories for the technology.
Inexpensive professional TVs doubled market share in the 65″ and 75″ product segments. Pricing pressure forced even lower prices for professional TVs in the 60″ and 70″ categories. While monthly trends in 2020 mirrored the stops-and-starts of the economy through the pandemic shutdowns and re-openings, they also quantitatively confirmed the general industry consensus that there was a continued strengthening of the professional AV business as 2020 ended.
What We Think
It seems to me that there will be a big impact on the longer term development of the market. On the one hand, as things get back towards normal, there will be a big demand for people to go out and travel, which should mean a need and demand for more public displays and digital signage. However, many of those that might have invested, such as retailers and malls as well as aviation and other transport operators have been severely hit and will not have a lot of cash for investment. (BR)
