Emerging markets drive LCD TV growth: DisplaySearch

Market researcher DisplaySearch yesterday slightly raised its forecast for liquid-crystal-display (LCD) global TV shipments to about 105 million units, fueled by demand from emerging markets such as Brazil and China.

That represents an increase of about 7 percent from the 98 million units originally forecast for this year, the Austin, Texas-based researcher said.

"We are seeing quite resilient growth momentum for the LCD TVs this year, following a stronger-than-expected 2007," said David Hsieh (謝勤益), a DisplaySearch vice president.

"Demand outside the US market will grow faster, BRIC countries [Brazil, Russia, India and China] in particular, as they will not be affected by the US sub-prime credit crisis," Hsieh said.

On top of that, the penetration rate in the BRIC nations is under 20 percent, compared to 80 percent in Japan, Western Europe and 70 percent in North America, Hsieh said.

Last year, LCD TV shipments totaled 79 million units, a 73 percent spike from 2006, DisplaySearch said.