Medium view projected for lasers and LED

Analyst outlines projection technologies expected to spur sales this year

Projectors with LED and laser illumination are expected to prove more popular in mainstream and pico, personal, toy or gaming categories over the next two years, according to quarterly research from front projection analyst Pacific Media Associates (PMA).

In what PMA calls the new era range (pico, personal and toy/game projectors), use of LED engines is expected to grow by 40 per cent this year and next; while in the mainstream range, sales of machines using laser and LED illumination are expected to surge in unit terms at least 50 per cent this year.

"Shipments of laser/LED hybrid models are forecast to grow modestly this year, and then are expected to grow by more than 40 per cent each year during 2013 to 2015," the analyst wrote in a press statement.

"Shipments of laser-illuminated units are expected to begin in 2013 for the high-end and digital cinema ranges. In 2014, PMA anticipates a growth rate of more than 80 per cent for the high-end laser models and nearly double for the digital cinema laser models."

Medium-throw and higher-resolution projectors would also spur sales in 2012.

"While outlook for ultra-short-throw projectors is still very promising, there are a lot more medium-throw projectors coming to market that allow big-screen viewing from up-close distances – in the office, in the classroom, and even in the home – all at budget-friendly prices," PMA said.

The analyst predicts unit shipments of medium-throw projectors will rise about 20 per cent each year from 2012 to 2014, with the average street price halving by 2016.