PMA Research (PMA) has published their latest report on large-format (32” and larger) displays sold by leading U.S. pro AV dealers and integrators who serve commercial markets. Unit sales in November of 60-inch-and-larger flat panel displays surged 24% over last year, according to PMA’s November 2014 U.S. Pro AV Flat Panel Display (FPD) Tracking Report.
Sales of both professional-grade and consumer-grade models into commercial applications registered strong growth in the +60-inch range. However, growth of consumer-grade glass in this segment increased at 2X the rate of professional-grade volume. Overall, revenue growth in the +60-inch range also registered double-digit gains on a year/year basis though that growth was milder than volume growth as average street prices fell 7% from last November.
“The shift to consumer-grade products in the commercial channel is an ongoing concern to the industry,” said PMA Senior Analyst Rosemary Abowd. “Manufacturers and dealers worry that end users are choosing the wrong product for their application, and may ultimately be disappointed if they are using consumer-grade product in heavier-use situations. However, price tags can be more easily understood than total cost-of-ownership (TCO). In fact, the TCO story is sometimes completely missing from the purchase decision.”
