Global projector volumes still growing

Sales of diverse projector types to expand further in 2012-2013

Projector shipments are expected to grow 31 per cent to 12.4m units by the end of 2013, according to new figures from US projector market specialist Pacific Media Associates (PMA).

Michael Abramson, vice president of projector research at PMA, said that pico, personal and high-end projectors are in demand around the world despite a slowing of the market in 2011. That demand will fuel market expansion of about one-third through 2012 and into 2013.

"We can expect the second half of 2013 to mark the beginning of a more resilient projector demand, as we expect recessionary pressures to continue to plague Europe in 2012. And recovery in the US will also remain tempered for the coming year," said Abramson.

New-era (pico, personal, toy or gaming) projectors saw large unit gains in 2011, with sales of embedded models (in phones, cameras, and camcorders) on target to expand further in 2012.

"In the mainstream projector category, economic uncertainty will continue to hinder market recovery in 2012," said PMA.

Double-digit projector growth is expected in developing markets, but at a lower rate than in the previous PMA forecast. Overall, mainstream projector sales will grow eight per cent by volume.

High-end projector shipments are expected to rise 18 per cent worldwide through 2012.

Digital cinema projectors and home theatre projectors are also expected by PMA to be a bright spot in 2012.

Bill Coggshall, president and founder of PMA, said the figures are essentially based on a census of global projector manufacturers.

"While there are some smaller manufacturers that do not yet participate, essentially anyone who is anyone does participate in our census. We receive unit shipments data by model and by country for more than 60 countries directly from the manufacturers," said Coggshall. "It has taken a huge amount of work to get them all to cooperate."