PMA Research (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on large displays, has published their latest sell-through tracking report on large-format (32-inch and larger) flat panel displays being sold by leading U.S. Distributors who typically serve commercial markets.
Total large-format flat panel display unit sales through the U.S. distribution channel fell by high single-digits in October after the strong finish to the third quarter. This dip was expected as October flat panel sales have been below September’s for the past five years. What was surprising, in this pandemic year, was that October 2020 unit sales slightly exceeded October 2019 sales offering a small amount of good news for the market. However, it is important to also note that revenues for October were down 5% year-over-year due to significant price declines.
The single largest year-over-year increase in units sold was for consumer televisions above 70-inches. These are likely to be a popular holiday item as wholesale prices for Consumer LCD TVs in this size segment dropped nearly 25% in just one month from September to October.
While every other Professional screen size experienced a notable unit sales decline in October, the largest 98-inch LCD displays also saw single-digit unit and revenue growth. Prices for 98-inch professional models have been down slightly since October 2019 but have held steady over the year compared to the big price declines for 75-inch and 86-inch LCD displays.
In the earlier months of 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, product categories with smaller screen sizes, such as desktop monitors and hospitality TV’s (with expanded use cases for these models into healthcare and education settings) saw sales outpacing traditional large-format flat panel displays. As we roll into the final quarter of 2020, sales of these larger displays are on the rise.
PMA’s monthly Flat Panel Distributor Tracking report offers timely sell-through data and analysis on unit sales and market trends of large-format displays sold by leading U.S. AV and IT Distributors. These reports are ideal for tracking product and channel trends.
About PMA Research
PMA Research (PMA) specializes in worldwide market information for the projector industry, including detailed and comprehensive coverage of High-End Projectors, Mainstream Projectors, and Pico Projectors. With a series of quarterly projector shipment and forecast reports along with monthly sales tracking, PMA publishes data-driven insights for projector manufacturers, component suppliers, accessory companies, and channel partners. Expanded coverage of the display industry includes market information on U.S. Professional Large-Format Flat Panel Displays. PMA’s Flat Panel Tracking Reports offer timely sell-through data and analysis on unit sales, revenues, and true volume-weighted selling prices of Professional Large-Format Flat Panel Displays sold by leading N. American dealers, systems integrators, and distributors.
PMA Research was formerly Pacific Media Associates, which was established by Dr. William Coggshall. Dr. Coggshall was a co-founder of Dataquest (now part of Gartner) and helped start the syndicated high-tech market information business. PMA Research has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
