IHS: Global LCD Shipments Defy Expectations
7 Aug, 2014 By: Chris Tribbey
Despite expectations that global shipments of LCD TVs would drop during the first half of the year, the segment actually saw a 3% rise to 118.7 million units, according to data from IHS Technology.
While the jump was less than the 9% expansion seen during the first half of 2013, demand for LCD HDTVs rose during the first half of 2014, partly thanks to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, according to Ricky Park, director for large displays at IHS.
“What a surprising result this was, as the television industry doubted that shipments could increase during this time,” Park said. “It was unclear whether any growth would occur because of signs earlier in the year that appeared to be discouraging. However, the market has righted itself, to everyone’s delight.”
The continuing improvement of the North American economy, a subsidy program initiated by the Mexican government for citizens to buy LCD HDTVs, and the continued phasing out of bulky analog TVs also contributed to the gains.