Samsung, Sony, Philips Lead LCD Sales

Samsung was the biggest shipper of LCD TV sets globally during the first quarter of 2007. Meanwhile, Sony surpassed Philips in the runner-up slot, according to a survey by market researcher iSuppli of El Segundo, Calif.

According to the data roundup, Samsung held nearly a 17 percent share of the LCD market in the first three months of the year. Sony captured just over 12.5 percent and Philips slightly over 12 percent, according to Dow Jones Market Watch.

As expected, all three firms’ market shares slipped from the final quarter of 2006 which comprised the holiday selling season--a downturn attributed to a decline in factory shipments because of less consumer demand at the retail level.

Worldwide LCD TV unit shipments were less than 14 million in the first quarter, down from more than 15 million in Q4 2006. According to iSuppli, Samsung’s top-spot success is due to its tight control over production costs and aggressive marketing campaigns.