CEA Reports 84K DTV Sales In May

Staff On Jun 25 2001 - 6:00am

May factory-to-dealer sales of digital television (DTV) products topped the 84,000 unit mark, a 193 percent increase from May 2000 figures, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reported.

Sales of DTV sets and monitors in May totaled 84,208 units, or factory dollar sales of more than $148 million.

"In April we celebrated the sale of the 1 millionth DTV product. Just one month later DTV sales have reached a highpoint for 2001. This clearly shows that consumers have made the choice for digital, with all the enhanced audio, video, multicasting and interactive services it brings to America's homes," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Consumer enthusiasm and demand for digital television products is the ultimate proof that manufacturers are right on track with the digital transition."

The association predicts continued strong gains for the category in 2001. Consumer dollar investment in DTV is projected to reach nearly $5 billion by the end of this year. CEA projects sales of DTV sets and displays to continue their rapid growth in the coming years, with unit sales of 1.1 million this year, 2.1 million in 2002, 4 million in 2003, 5.4 million in 2004, 8 million in 2005 and 10.5 million in 2006.