Dubai: Demand for LCD and plasma TVs in the Middle East are expected to more than double this year while the global LCD TV market is expected to surpass the 100-million mark, according to Ashraf Sajid, head of sales and marketing, digital media business, Samsung Electronics Gulf.
"Bigger screens are set to contribute more sales this year as the demand for smaller screens are getting saturated globally while customers are demanding more on design," he said after unveiling Sansung's latest line-up of Full HD and HDTVs in 4, 5 and 6 series.
He said LCD TVs contributed 85 per cent in sales and plasma 15 per cent in 2007, while LCD TVs are expected to contribute 90 per cent in sales and plasma 10 per cent this year.
Samsung also unveiled the first plasma TV with 3D ready function in 42-inch and 50-inch for movies and games.
Available in various sizes, Samsung claims to be the first in the industry to offer full 100Hz.According to research firm DisplaySearch, LCD units are expected to register a growth of 30 per cent this year and by 2009, 115.7 million units are expected to be sold registering a growth of 18 per cent.
Olympics boost
"LCD TV demand is likely to rise to a fever pitch this year as consumers across the world upgrade their televisions to enjoy the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing," Sweta Dash, director, LCD and projection research at iSuppli, said.
Sajid said Samsung sold 10 million LCD units in 2007 and expects to double its sales this year.
By Naushad K. Cherrayil
© Gulf News 2008
