30 Oct 2006
Dubai: Nearly 60,000 or 20 per cent of the Middle East's 300,000 high definition televisions (HDTV) currently under service is in the UAE, said a top industry official.
"And the number is growing due to strong demand," said Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony Gulf FZE.
"Due to the expanding market, there is room for growth for everyone. However, Sony's Bravia maintained the top position with 24 per cent in the flat panel segment and 35 per cent in the LCD TV market segment."
Globally, the size of the HDTV market is about 40 million.
"With an annual production of six million units, we are maintaining a 16 per cent market share and competing four other major players including Sharp, Samsung, Philips and LG," Tamagawa said.
His company yesterday launched a range of Bravia HDTVs from 26 inches to 70 inches, which Tamagawa said will boost its market share.
Sony Gulf, the Japanese electronic giant's regional subsidiary, will generate Dh3.67 billion in revenue, he said.
High definition is the biggest revolution that is transforming the entertainment and consumer electronics businesses. In Japan the household penetration of High Definition is 56 per cent, while, in the US is 39 per cent.
"The Middle East is new to the HD concept. However, we expect this to change in the coming years," Tamagawa said. "By next year, nearly 70 per cent of our products will be HDTV compatible. However, content providers are still not ready for the HD broadcast in the region."
Sony has invested about $2.4 billion in the production of the latest generation LCD panels.
By Saifur Rahman
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
