CE sales continue to rise with displays leading the pack

Total factory-to-dealer sales of consumer electronics will reach $140 billion in 2006, an 8 percent increase during 2005, according to recently released figures from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

Display technologies continue to be the frontrunner in the consumer electronics industry with revenues reaching $19 billion in 2005. That figure is expected to exceed $22 billion in 2006. According to association director of industry analysis Sean Wargo, shipment of digital sets will continue to accelerate as NTSC’s days are numbered.

The association’s semi-annual U.S. Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecasts Report released last week showed final year-end totals for factory-to-dealer sales of all consumer electronics reached $128 billion in 2005, marking 11 percent growth during 2004.

The CEA projects the DVD market is poised for resurgence throughout the coming years as DVD recorders and HD-DVD become widely available. CEA figures show DVD recorder prices have declined significantly. With the average price less than $100, shipments are expected to exceed 7 million units this year. High-definition DVD players — both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats — which entered the market this year, are expected to reach 1 million units next year.

For more information, visit: www.ce.org.