Q3 720p Front-Projector Sales Grow

PORTLAND, ORE. — Sales of front projectors with native 720p resolution grew 43 percent in the third quarter of 2007 over the second quarter of the year, taking 40 percent of the total front-projector market in the period, according to a Quixel Research study.

The report, which is entitled "Quixel Research's Home Theater and Entertainment Front Projector Market Review," attributed the gains to "the great value" 720p models now offer to consumers.

"The residential front-projection market is very segmented," stated Tamaryn Pratt, Quixel's principal. "For all the buzz about 1080p in the projection industry, as well as the entire display industry, 720p at the right price is perfect for many consumers' needs. We saw the 720p category blossom in the third quarter — all the top sellers were 720p and they were all priced below $1,300. Many even included a screen."

Volume growth was offset by the reduced price points, as well as the lack of sales in the higher-end 720p sales, which limited revenue growth for the 720p segment to a 2 percent rise from the second quarter 2007 to third quarter 2007, or $49 million.

Unit shipments for the overall home entertainment projector category were up 3 percent from second quarter 2007 to the third quarter 2007, but revenue was down 19 percent year-to-year as the category battled all other advanced TV categories for mind share with consumers, Quixel said.

Overall revenues for the residential front-projection category were down 5 percent from the second quarter 2007 to the third quarter 2007, dropping from $148 million to $140 million quarter-to-quarter. Year-to-year the category was also down 44 percent.