PMA Research (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on large displays, recently published their latest reports tracking projector sales in the US Distribution, Pro AV and Retail channels. The March results showed solid sequential gains in all channels, with many bright spots – including 4,000+ lumen models, ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors, laser phosphor models, and home theater projectors.
On a channel basis, here are the projector market highlights from March.
In the Distribution channel, March unit sales were ahead 25% vs. February, with most of the gains attributed to the mainstream and high-end projector segments. Within those segments, there were several bright spots. Sales of 4,000+ Lumen, UST projectors and Home Theater projectors continued to over-perform and outpace the overall market. Laser Phosphor projector sales recovered from a slow February with volume up more than 80% sequentially, while Y/Y comparisons remained well above a 100% gain. Sell-through of Native 4K projectors for the Home Theater market also turned in an impressive gain during March.
In the Pro AV channel, overall unit sales posted a strong 22% increase over February, and revenues grew an impressive 36% over February. The faster revenue growth was due to robust sales of Laser Phosphor projectors as well as higher ASPs for most of the top-volume models. Also contributing to Pro AV growth over February was an increase in sales of 1080p and 4K Support models for the Home Entertainment and Home Theater projector segments.
In the Retail channel, projector sales emerged from their slow start to the year to post a strong finish to the first quarter. Sales of Mainstream professional and Home Theater projectors led the way on both a sequential and Y/Y basis. Total unit sales were ahead 22% over February, and revenues were up 26% vs. February. Y/Y same month comparisons improved to show their largest gain in more than a year as units rose 3% and revenues rose by 5% compared to March 2016.
PMA Research offers syndicated reporting for the Projector Industry, and gathers monthly sell-through data from a large panel of US Distributors, Pro AV Dealers and Retailers (including web resellers) to track and analyze the projector market.
