DisplaySearch, an NPD Group Company and the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting, recently revealed data showing worldwide LCD desktop monitor shipments grew more than expected in Q35, rising 20% Q/Q and 68% Y/Y to 28.4M units. As Q405 final worldwide numbers are tallied from all channels and regions, an additional 11% growth in worldwide branded volume shipments is expected resulting in annual unit shipments of 106.2M with revenues reaching $35B. 2005 LCD monitor shipments are expected to rise 54% for 2005, the highest yearly growth rate since 2003 when the market was less than half its current size.

With this high unit volume growth, LCD monitors are expected to account for 74.1% of the total desktop monitors shipped in Q4’05,. leading many to question whether the world’s largest outlet for larger-size LCD technology is becoming saturated. With top producers indicating increased multiple monitor use for standard office applications as well as the growing acceptance of wide aspect ratios for office and home use, the desktop monitor market could be on the verge of its next replacement cycle. For more information on this topic go to www.displaysearch.com.