Washington, D.C. (October 11, 2007) -- The 1080p High-Definition TV will outsell older models over the next year and could help boost related sales of 1080p products.

That's according to a new report from DisplaySearch, as reported by TWICE Magazine.

The 1080p HDTV, which purports to offer a better resolution than 720p and 1080i sets, was introduced more than a year ago.

But sales of the new model have jumped despite the fact that no cable or broadcast programming is now in 1080p; the only commercially available 1080p video are the high-def discs from Blu-ray and HD DVD.

But Ross Young, president of DisplaySearch, yesterday said at his group's annual HDTV conference that 1080p sets will lead in sales next year. He said retailers will be encouraged to stock more 1080p sets because they carry higher price tags.
 

“Prices are reaching increasingly attractive levels,” Young said, according to TWICE. "The retailers are focusing on 1080p where they can make more money."

He added: "And 1080p resolution offers the best picture — you can see more content with better detail. Additionally, even though most programming is offered in the 1080i format by broadcasters, it scales better to 1080p than 720p."

Young said the 1080p set could also boost sales of Blu-ray and HD DVD players as people seek out 1080p content to exhibit on their new sets.

TWICE reports that Young also predicts that HDTV prices will not fall at the level they did last holiday season.

"The difference between last year and this year is that panel supply has begun to tighten up, particularly below 40 inches in LCDs," he said. "So, we are not expecting to see the same level of price reductions over the next 12 months.”

However, he warned that some large retailers who are pushing more expensive 1080p sets could lose customers to discounters such as Wal-Mart.
 

"The strong emphasis on 1080p at the national chains at elevated price points we think has driven traffic to the warehouse clubs,” said Young. “If you look at Vizio’s growth in the clubs only, it is outstanding — more than 200 percent year-over-year at the clubs and Wal-Mart.”

But, that said, it will be a 1080p year, he predicted, TWICE reports.

“We are sure that 1080p TVs are the future due to better performance, rapid supply growth, healthy margins and a narrowing price gap with 720p. It’s not just about the TV,” said Young. “Prices and margins are falling rapidly and retailers are going to need to sell more attachments.”