30W-inch to 32Winch LCD TVs led sales in Q3

Twice Magazine reports that 30W-inch to 32W-inch screen sizes represented the bulk of LCD TV sales for the first time, during the third quarter of 2005, quoting a new study from market research firm Quixel Research.

According to Quixel's “LCDTV Market Review for Q3 2005,” the screen size segment accounted for almost 21 percent of the LCD TV market in the period.

“After years of 15-inch and 20-inch products owning the LCDTV category, the larger screen-sized products are now having an impact,” said Tamaryn Pratt, Quixel's principal. “Prices have fallen dramatically, with manufacturers shaving off as much as $1,500 since the 30W- and 32W-inch products were first launched.”

Microdisplay rear-projection sets and plasma displays also made significant gains during the period, Quixel said, with microdisplays representing the bulk of advanced television sales, while high-definition models outsold enhanced-definition plasma displays for the first time.

The outlook for fourth-quarter LCD TV sales is also strong. Pratt said consumers are finding 32W-inch LCD TVs selling for as little as $1,299 during the holidays, with fully featured models typically selling for around $2,499.

According to Quixel, overall LCD TV revenues rose 45 percent over second-quarter 2005 levels, to $1.39 billion during the quarter, passing the $1 billion mark in a quarter for the first time. Third quarter unit sales reached 1.3 million, up 47 percent over the prior quarter and 184 percent year-to-year, Quixel said.

The firm forecasts LCD TV revenues to more than quadruple over the next four years, surpassing $11 billion by 2008.

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