TV screens sized 32 inches or smaller and high-definition TV-viewing PC monitors are proving to be a popular option for many price-conscious consumers in emerging markets, such as China, India and Russia.
This goes against the forecasts of LCD screen-makers who had expected premium 40-inch sets to be the biggest sellers and spent heavily in a race to build larger factories suited for larger panels.
However, it is 32-inch TVs that have proved to be the most popular model for those replacing conventional cathode-ray tubes, whose market size was around 100 million units in 2007, according to Lehman Brothers.
High-definition monitors adopting the wider TV screen format are increasingly sold for TV viewing, as new technology such as broadband TV has blurred the line between monitors and TVs.
Champ Shin, vice president in charge of TV screen sales at LG Display,
“As of now, 32-inch is almost one third of the market,” he told the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit.
“Up to now most LCD makers had focused on large screens only. But the growth rate of larger screens seems to be a bit slow.
“And there’s big demand for … TVs using monitor panels or smaller TV panels.”
This has led LG Display to switch some of its TV panel capacity to computer screen production, building a new line for smaller panels and strengthening ties with Chinese TV makers.
The company anticipates that the popularity of small-size TVs will continue for the next few quarters as the US economy stutters and the Chinese TV market takes off ahead of the Olympics.
And HB Chen, CEOof Taiwan’s AU Optronics Corp, said sales of monitor panel TVs – so-called “moniTVs” – sales could more than double in 2009 to top 50 million units.
“All these monitors can still provide very good TV performance. MoniTVs are a new segment to grow,” he said.
The entry-level 15-inch models are for students or emerging market consumers, while 19-inch is becoming a mainstream in the moniTV market.
However, Nigel Lee, a fund manager at Taiwan’s National Investment Trust, said he didn’t expect the popularity of the small-size TVs to last long.
He said aggressive price-cutting by TV makers would soon spur up demand for larger sets.
“Do you want to have that (a moni-TV) in your living room? I don’t think so. Large-size TVs will still be king in the future,” he said.
A looming panel oversupply in 2009 will only help make bigger TVs affordable sooner than expected.
After an industry-wide spending curb last year, new capacity from top makers such as Samsung and LG Display is set to hit the market early next year.
Analysts expect prices of 40-inch grade TVs in the US to fall below $1,000 by the 2008 fourth quarter, boosting demand.
Jeff Kim, analyst at Hyundai Securities, said: “Forty- and 42-inch TVs, along with the 32-inch model, will become the mainstream in the global market by 2010,” he said.
The phase-out of analog broadcasting in the US in early 2009 is also expected to speed up TV replacement demand.
," Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials Inc, said: “In the US, the sweet spot is quickly moving to 40 inches.
“It (TV size) is going to continue to move up for the next few generations. I don’t know where the limit is.”
Research firm iSuppli forecasts worldwide LCD TV sales volume to top 100 million this year and reach 194 million in 2012. LCD TV shipments were at 78.5 million units in 2007.
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Consumers in emerging markets favour smaller-screen models or TV-viewing PC monitors over large flat-panel LCDs
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Young adults aged between 16-27 are driving demand for HDTV, according to Motorola study
Research by Motorola shows that young adults have a huge influence on their parents’ buying decisions for HDTV sets and programming packages.
The “always-on” generation are hungry for more control over when and where they access rich content such as high-definition (HD) programming and cable TV, the study found.
The ability to time-shift with DVRs and have access to HD programming were both highly desirable features.
In fact, data from Motorola’s study demonstrates the growth opportunity for service providers in bringing these services to the so-called Millennial generation (young adults aged 16-27) who don’t already have them.
The survey of 1,000 young adults found they are not only looking for more rich media, they are also greatly influencing the buying decisions for the services and technologies in the home and on the go.
The research found that 62 per cent of Millennials have influence over which HDTV set and programming package to buy.
And 70 per cent feel their expectations and demands are far greater than their parents’ for rich media experiences (such as mobile TV or video) and on-the-go broadband access.
Eduardo Conrado, corporate vice president, global marketing and communications, Motorola Inc., said the study explores how the preferences and habits of today’s Millennials are shaping the future of content consumption.
“With the Millennial generation, connectivity is an absolute must-have, as they’ve grown up with technology and the Internet,” he said.
“Millennials are now looking to make their connectivity more personalized and take experiences from ‘primetime’ to ‘my time.’
“This study provides a clear barometer to share with our customers that shows the changes in demand and growth opportunities as these critical users continue to
Other findings were that: * 46 per cent of Millennials already have HDTV, while 43 percent indicate they would like to have it.
* 73 percent of Millennials with HDTV access “love” current HD programming, while 35 percent of those with HDTV are looking forward to having a broader selection of HD programming offered in the future. -
Samsung reveals first ultra HD 82-inch LCD panel
Samsung has unveiled the first ultra HD 82-inch LCD panel at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2008 International Symposium in the US.
The company rolled out the monster with an ultra definition (UD) resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate – double the pixel count of Full HD, which stands at 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Video is refreshed at 120Hz – currently the highest refresh rate on LCD TVs – which makes fast-moving video less blurry.
Kim Sang-soo, executive vice president of Samsung’s LCD Technology Center, said: “I personally hope the next-generation ultra-high definition level in the LCD panel market will open soon, with increasing consumer demand for clear viewing in households and public spaces, he said.
Samsung also exhibited an 82-inch LCD e-Board using Ultra-HD technology. -
WealthTV's HD channels will continue to be broadcast via Intelsat's Galaxy 13 satellite
19 May 2008
WealthTV’s HD channels will continue to be broadcast via Intelsat’s Galaxy 13 satellite
WealthTV, the luxury lifestyle and entertainment network, has signed a long-term extension of its transponder service agreement with Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services.
Under the terms of the agreement, Intelsat’s Galaxy 13 satellite will continue to deliver WealthTV’s digital and high definition feeds to US cable, telco, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers across North America.
Charles Herring, president of WealthTV, said Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet offered the premier high definition neighborhood for cable networks transmitting into the North American region.
“Our extension with Intelsat will let our distribution partners know that our feeds will remain available for years to come and the additional satellite capacity secured allows for future expansions,” he said.
WealthTV uplinks directly to Galaxy 13 from its headquarters and high definition production studios located in San Diego, California.
The on-site uplink of WealthTV provides direct control and avoids possible signal integrity loss associated with compression or transmission of the signal terrestrially over long distances.
Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales, said WealthTV was one of Galaxy’s original HD networks when it launched its services in June 2004. He said the extension demonstrated WealthTV’s continued confidence in the Galaxy fleet as the premier HD platform.
“As high definition programming services continue to grow, the Galaxy fleet is the source for efficient, high value satellite distribution across North America,” he said.
Intelsat’s Galaxy neighborhood offers satellite transmission services for HD and standard definition programming being distributed via cable, video, and DBS providers across North America.
Located at 127 degrees west in the US cable arc, Galaxy 13 is the premier HD neighborhood, featuring many of the top HD cable programming networks in the United States. -
US cable network leads the HD revolution
Innovation and focusing on the customer is ensuring the US cable network leads the digital and high-definition revolution, according to the president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Speaking on the eve of the 2008 Cable Show in New Orleans, Kyle McSlarrow said that in the space of a few years US viewers had gone from having just nine HD networks to more than 75 today.
“You realize that in the space of literally three years, this industry has positioned itself to lead with relentless innovation,” he said.
“Our entire industry is leading the digital and high definition revolution.”
McSlarrow said that by the time the association met next year the US would have completed the broadcasters’ digital transition.
Mr. Kyle McSlarrow He said he was confident the cable industry will have played a key role in the success of that change and added: “But we are also going through our own transition. When one considers that just a few years ago, most customers watched analog television…that there were only nine high definition networks and more than 75 today.
“That this year will see both the introduction of the tru2way platform and interactive televisions sold at retail, creating a national and open platform for innovation.”
As well as HDTV, McSlarrow pointed to the growth in broadband and digital phone services offered by NCTA’s members.
He said it was the industry’s willingness to listen to its customers and to the communities it served, to invest, to innovate, and to compete, that would drive and grow members’ businesses for years to come.
Even in the face of an uncertain economy and the most intense competition ever experienced, the cable industry was growing – and growing in a way that sets it apart.
“The value proposition we offer consumers is extraordinary and it gets better, not worse, year after year,” he said.
“Cable networks invest in better content and more high definition and consumers watch more of it.
“Cable operators invest in better platforms with faster speeds and more services, and consumers want more of it.” -
Play Station 3 outsells Xbox in the US for first time
Play Station 3 outsells Xbox in the US for first time
Sony’s Play Station 3 outsold Microsoft’s XBox 360 in the US during the first quarter, the first time that has ever happened.
The PS3 sold 806,000 units to the Xbox’s 746,000, according to the NPD Group, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper credits the rise in PS3 sales to a 20% decrease (it now starts at $399) and the end of the Blu-ray/HD DVD high-def disc format war.
The PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside while the XBox offered an HD DVD player attachment. (Toshiba pulled the plug on HD DVD in the first quarter.)
Despite PS3’s success, the video game console still trailed Nintendo’s Wii, which sold 1.4 million units in the US in the first quarter.
However, a year ago, Wii was outselling PS3 by a 4-1 margin while the XBox was winning by a 2-1 margin.
Thanks in part to the PS3, Sony yesterday reported a profit of $277 million in the last quarter.
Perhaps not surprising then, the company also said yesterday that it won’t cut PS3 prices any further this year.
Kazuo Hirai, president of Sony’s videogame division, told the WSJ: “We’re not looking to do that this year. It’s not in our plans right now.”
While some reports this month have indicated that standalone Blu-ray players are struggling at retail, the rise in PS3 sales should help boost the Blu-ray industry. However, some analysts question whether PS3 buyers will use the console for movies as well as games. -
Play Station 3 outsells Xbox in the US for first time
15 May 2008
Play Station 3 outsells Xbox in the US for first time
Sony’s Play Station 3 outsold Microsoft’s XBox 360 in the US during the first quarter, the first time that has ever happened.
The PS3 sold 806,000 units to the Xbox’s 746,000, according to the NPD Group, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper credits the rise in PS3 sales to a 20% decrease (it now starts at $399) and the end of the Blu-ray/HD DVD high-def disc format war.
The PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside while the XBox offered an HD DVD player attachment. (Toshiba pulled the plug on HD DVD in the first quarter.)
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Blue Ray Technologies expansion includes Hollywood plant to serve new BD and HD demand
Blue Ray Technologies expansion includes Hollywood plant to serve new BD and HD demand
Blue Ray Technologies is planning to open multiple Blu-Ray disc production facilities across the U.S, starting with a facility near Hollywood to be close to the indie and major studios that have now all adopted Blu-ray.
The new facilities are designed to be capable of handling the next generation of movie and game discs, Blue-ray 2.0, which gives an interactive web dimension to the consumer, and offer up to “five layers of entertainment”, according to BRT founder Erick Hansen.
Hansen, whose Hollywood move puts him closer to the studios he has worked with for years, has also been in negotiations with the major studios through an affiliated company for downloadable high definition content over the Internet.
While being a pioneer in DVD and now championing Blu-ray discs, Hansen also believes in delivering the best in movie and game content in whatever form the consumer wants it.
With the end of the format war, and 70% of the US having bought or buying HD screens (according to Nielsen figures) there is an “overwhelming” demand now for instant products in Blu-ray. Hansen says this is the present and future in the arena.
He said this means multiple production and shipping locations are needed to serve the demand, something never done before at this end of the industry.
Especially for TV shows, ranging from major sports reality TV shows, audiences want the programmes quickly.
The company is upgrading its Spokane, WA, plant and the new facilities will be closer to Hollywood studios and networks.
“We are looking for additional facilities in Southern California for the overwhelming demand for Blu-ray,” said Hansen.
He added: “We will be looking to add additional capacity in the Mid-West and East Coast.”
BRT’s expansion plans extend beyond the US: “By the end of the year, we will be working with strategic partnerships in Europe to build a world-class global digital distribution system.” -
Rising demand for HD video in China will play a part in increasing pressures on bandwidth.
User-generated video (UGV) is growing faster than expected fuelled by significant expansion in the Chinese market, according to a study by high-tech market research firm In-Stat.
The spiralling growth rates have led to forecasts for UGV use and revenue shifting upwards since last year.
Researchers at In-Stat found that total worldwide UGV revenue is expected to eclipse US$1.19 billion by 2012, with an estimated 160 billion UGV served videos forecast for 2012.
And with expectations of higher quality content, such as HD video, and increasing file size maximums, the demands on bandwidth are expected to continue growing at a faster rate than the number of files/videos served.
Michael Inouye, In-Stat analyst, said: “User-generated video (UGV) and the video sharing sites that exemplify this form of content have spread across the globe.
“China is a prime example of UGV’s global reach and appeal, capturing a significant portion of the world market, making it second only to the US.
“In general, viewing of online video has increased in the US in the past year, although participation is still stratified by age.”
The study, “User-Generated Video, A Global Stage for you”, also predicts that individuals who use mobile phones to participate in online video sites are most likely to contribute to the market (both financially and in terms of content). -
Sharp launches new line of professional LCD HD monitors
13 May 2008
Sharp launches new line of professional LCD HD monitors
Sharp has broadened its line of professional LCD monitors with the announcement of its latest HD resolution display.
The new TL Professional LCD Monitor line, a full 1920 x 1080 two-megapixel HD resolution, joins the high-end PN Monitor series.
Sony says the new offering provides an affordable complement for display and presentation opportunities requiring accurate and precise image reproduction.
The TL series, including the 52-inch class (52.03” diagonal) TL-M5200 and the 46-inch class (45.9” diagonal) TL-M4600, offers high image quality, features and performance.
Sony says they are ideal for use in a wide range of settings including teleconferencing, CAD/simulation, digital signage, corporate, educational, training, hospitality, sports arenas, entertainment and house-of-worship.
Dan Wynne, senior director of marketing, Professional Display Division, Sharp Information and Imaging Company of America, said: “The large-format display market continues to evolve, with increased needs for advanced functionality and connectivity in a reasonably priced package.
“With the addition of this affordable monitor series, Sharp will reach a broader audience while offering superior image quality and improved compatibility, for reliability in a wider range of commercial applications.”
The TL series features a new thin, lightweight cabinet design for easy installation as well as RJ-45 LAN Control for increased network connectivity.
To ensure reliable operation and backlight life, Sharp has optimized the internal cooling with a unique fanless design and backlight system.