Factory-to-dealer sales of consumer electronics are projected to exceed $155 billion in 2007, or seven percent growth, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). By comparison, the consumer electronics (CE) industry had revenues totaling $145 billion in 2006.
According to the CEA, the display category will continue to fuel industry growth in 2007. The TV market is setting all-time revenue records. CRT-based sets are giving way to flat panel displays. The successful ongoing transition to digital television is driving demand in this market space.
CEA projects that display technologies will continue to be the star category in the industry and account for $26 billion in revenues for 2007. All television sets manufactured today with an analog tuner must also contain a digital tuner, which is largely responsible for the vast increase in digital television sales. Unprecedented price declines in plasma and LCD displays are also contributing to growth. For 2007, these flat panel displays are expected to ship a combined 19 million units.
Next-generation consoles will make the video game market one to watch in 2007. An analysis of year-end game console sales reports for 2006 indicates that holiday sales will lift revenues in 2007 to $16 billion, a 23 percent increase.
MP3 players continue to drive the audio market. CEA projects that MP3 players will account for 90 percent of the $6 billion in revenues for the portable entertainment market. Thirty-four million MP3 players shipped in 2006 and an additional 41 million are expected to ship in 2007.
Driving the mobile electronics market are portable navigation and GPS devices, evidence that consumers are continually looking for products that will keep them safe and make their automotive travel easier. Two million units shipped in 2006, a 66 percent increase over 2005, and 2007 shipment volumes will continue to propel the market with three million units projected to be shipped, generating $1 billion in revenues.
Other product categories that will see substantial growth in 2007 are PCs, accessories and digital imaging devices. In 2006, shipment volumes of laptops eclipsed their desktop counterparts. CE accessory sales also will grow in 2007, to the tune of $11 billion, in large part due to an overall consumer emphasis on portability. Total digital imaging shipments are expected to exceed 32 million units, with revenues projected to reach $8 billion, making 2006 and 2007 the best revenue years for this category.
According to the CEA, the display category will continue to fuel industry growth in 2007. The TV market is setting all-time revenue records. CRT-based sets are giving way to flat panel displays. The successful ongoing transition to digital television is driving demand in this market space.
CEA projects that display technologies will continue to be the star category in the industry and account for $26 billion in revenues for 2007. All television sets manufactured today with an analog tuner must also contain a digital tuner, which is largely responsible for the vast increase in digital television sales. Unprecedented price declines in plasma and LCD displays are also contributing to growth. For 2007, these flat panel displays are expected to ship a combined 19 million units.
Next-generation consoles will make the video game market one to watch in 2007. An analysis of year-end game console sales reports for 2006 indicates that holiday sales will lift revenues in 2007 to $16 billion, a 23 percent increase.
MP3 players continue to drive the audio market. CEA projects that MP3 players will account for 90 percent of the $6 billion in revenues for the portable entertainment market. Thirty-four million MP3 players shipped in 2006 and an additional 41 million are expected to ship in 2007.
Driving the mobile electronics market are portable navigation and GPS devices, evidence that consumers are continually looking for products that will keep them safe and make their automotive travel easier. Two million units shipped in 2006, a 66 percent increase over 2005, and 2007 shipment volumes will continue to propel the market with three million units projected to be shipped, generating $1 billion in revenues.
Other product categories that will see substantial growth in 2007 are PCs, accessories and digital imaging devices. In 2006, shipment volumes of laptops eclipsed their desktop counterparts. CE accessory sales also will grow in 2007, to the tune of $11 billion, in large part due to an overall consumer emphasis on portability. Total digital imaging shipments are expected to exceed 32 million units, with revenues projected to reach $8 billion, making 2006 and 2007 the best revenue years for this category.