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DisplaySearch Reports Q4'04 Plasma TV Shipments Rose 173% Worldwide (25/2/2005)

DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in flat panel display (FPD) market research and consulting, reported in two recent reports that plasma TV shipments soared in Q4'04, rising 67% Q/Q and 173% Y/Y to a record 1.1M TVs. The remarkable growth can be attributed to strong holiday demand supported by lower pricing and rising interest in flat panel TVs and HDTVs. Blended plasma TV prices were down more than 20% Y/Y in Q4'04 to $3,315 from over $4,200 one year earlier. For the year, plasma TV shipments rose 155% to 2.8M units.

Plasma TV growth surged worldwide with record results earned in all regions. Plasma TV shipments rose at least 48% sequentially in all regions with China growing the fastest, up 146% Q/Q and 526% Y/Y. Europe overtook North America on 238% to 146% Y/Y growth to enjoy a 35% to 32% share advantage supported by lower penetration of rear and front projection TVs. Japan had the highest HD plasma TV penetration at 93% in Q4'04, significantly higher than North America at 42% and Europe at 38% with Japanese brands focusing on the higher resolution and higher margin formats.

By size, 42"-43" remained dominant, but its share fell from 75% to 74%. 32"-37" rose from 13% to 15% as price conscious holiday buyers opted for smaller sizes, particularly in Europe and Japan. 46" and larger plasma TVs fell from 13% to 11% of the market. 42" enhanced definition (ED, 852 x 480) remained the single most popular format, but declined from 53% to 51% of the market.

Panasonic remained the leading plasma TV brand with a 19% share. It led the plasma TV market in Japan and North America and held double-digit shares in Europe, China and rest of world (ROW). It had the highest share at 37" ED worldwide and was #2 at 37" HD, 42"-43" HD, 50" HD and 60"+.

LG Electronics remained #2 growing its share to 14.5%, leading in ROW and earning the #2 position in Europe. It was #1 in the dominant 42" ED market as well as at 60"+.

Samsung overtook Sony to become #3 with a 12% share on strong positions in all regions except Japan.

Philips jumped from #6 to #4 on over 100% Q/Q growth due to its strong position in Europe where it was the #1 plasma TV brand.

Sony, Hitachi and Pioneer rounded out the top 7. Sony led at 37" HD, Hitachi led at 32" and 55" and Pioneer was #1 at 42"-43" HD and 50".

In its first quarter of participation, Dell earned a 3% share of the North American PDP TV market supported by a 10% share of the 42"-43" HD market. Aggressive promotions and a disruptive 42" HD price ensured its strong start.

The top three plasma brands worldwide and five of the top seven brands all had internal production. Plasma TV shipments are provided for 26 different brands.

DisplaySearch's plasma TV shipment data and analysis can be found in its Quarterly PDP Module and TV Shipment and Forecast Report available from $5995 or its Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report which covers all TV technologies for $8995.

www.displaysearch.com