Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2006)
-- The Plasma TV has become an American status symbol,
but a research firm says sales of the flat-panel set
could be declining.
DisplaySearch, based in Austin, Texas, says Plasma TV shipments jumped 47 percent during the third quarter. However, it says Plasma's growth has slowed and sales could slow even further in the fourth quarter.
Plasma TV shipments had soared from 73 to 170 percent in the last few years, compared to the 47 percent increase last quarter. But DisplaySearch said Plasma makers are being hurt by a decrease in manufacturing capacity and a rise in the number of flat-panel LCD TVs.
Many consumers looking to buy a stylish flat-panel TV are finding that a LCD TV may offer a better price and/or a better picture.
Still, DisplaySearch said the average Plasma price dropped 12 percent in the third quarter, compared to last year's third quarter.
The research firm also said LG Electronics has overtaken Matsushita as the leader in Plasma sales. LG's market share was 32.5 percent in the third quarter, compared to 30.4 percent for Matsushita, which makes the Panasonic brand. Samsung was third with 23.2 percent.
DisplaySearch, based in Austin, Texas, says Plasma TV shipments jumped 47 percent during the third quarter. However, it says Plasma's growth has slowed and sales could slow even further in the fourth quarter.
Plasma TV shipments had soared from 73 to 170 percent in the last few years, compared to the 47 percent increase last quarter. But DisplaySearch said Plasma makers are being hurt by a decrease in manufacturing capacity and a rise in the number of flat-panel LCD TVs.
Many consumers looking to buy a stylish flat-panel TV are finding that a LCD TV may offer a better price and/or a better picture.
Still, DisplaySearch said the average Plasma price dropped 12 percent in the third quarter, compared to last year's third quarter.
The research firm also said LG Electronics has overtaken Matsushita as the leader in Plasma sales. LG's market share was 32.5 percent in the third quarter, compared to 30.4 percent for Matsushita, which makes the Panasonic brand. Samsung was third with 23.2 percent.