LG Electronics and Panasonic Now Offer 37 Different Plasma Models With Growing Appeal From New Features, Energy Efficiency and Affordability
Jun. 21, 2011 (Marketwire) --
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 06/21/11 -- With the second quarter of 2011 drawing to a close, sales trends look exceptionally positive for Plasma High-Definition TV. Plasma sales are accelerating as the result of 3D features in more models and "value for the inch" as compared to competing technologies such as CCFL and LED-backlit LCD products. The better performing Plasma TVs are not only selling at a faster clip, they're also leading the way with even greater energy efficiency than past years.
"While Plasma displays have long been the preferred screens in the test labs of industry reviewers, many home entertainment specialists also agree that Plasma HDTV provides outstanding picture performance through superior picture contrast, exceptionally deep black levels, and crisp resolution even in fast-motion scenes," said Jim Palumbo, President of the Plasma Display Coalition. "With the introduction of lifelike 3D Plasma displays coupled with more affordable products, Plasma HDTV is continuing to top the large-screen sales charts. Several 2011 Plasma HDTVs also meet the new more stringent ENERGY STAR 5.3 requirements, which recognize top performers in their size classes," he added.
Panasonic and LG Electronics, two members of the Plasma Display Coalition, are committed to the success of Plasma HDTV products. Panasonic currently offers 19 Plasma models, ranging from a 42-inch 720p set to a 65-inch Full HD 1080p 3D TV, while LG Electronics has 18 models now available, ranging from a 42-inch 720p set to a 60-inch Full HD 1080p 3D TV.
First Quarter Acceleration
Consumer electronics industry market research experts agree that Plasma is reaping the benefits of new technology and better "inch for inch" value.
"According to CEA's CE MarketMetrics program, U.S. shipments of Plasma TV sets between January and May 2011 topped one million units at a faster clip than last year. CEA's shipment data reports also show the exceptional strength of high-definition 720p technology, which currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of overall Plasma sales," said Steve Koenig, Director of Industry Analysis for the Consumer Electronics Association, which tracks sales from manufacturers into retail stores.
Tamaryn Pratt, Principal at Quixel Research, notes that "consumers continue to benefit from the affordability of Plasma models, in particular the very large 60-inch and larger category. The percentage of HDTV sets sold with Plasma technology is growing, not shrinking, with Plasma sales achieving a 12 percent year-over-year revenue gain in the first quarter.