CE sales rose 5.2% in 1997 - CEMA

Television Digest with Consumer Electronics, Jan 12, 1998

News wasn't as good for CE industry's core categories, according to CEMA estimates of 1997 sales. Video products fell 4.5% to $14.5 billion from $15.2 billion, despite first-time inclusion of DVD players. CEMA said industry sold 350,000 players in 1997 worth estimated $170 million. Outlook for 1998 is for player shipments to more than double to 750,000 decks worth $326 million. Projection TV fell 3.4% to $1.43 billion, with relatively flat growth forecast for 1998. Direct-view color sets also declined, with further drops anticipated this year.

In audio, total shipments fell 1.4% to $5.95 billion, with home theater-in-a-box only rategory to post increases. At least moderate declines were estimated for all bread-and-butter audio products, including systems, separate components, portables, home radios.

For 1998, forecast is for another decline in audio shipments, CEMA predicting 2.4% drop to $5.73 billion. Slight upturn projected for 1998 camcorder sales, as well as DVD, set-top Internet devices and TV-PC combinations will push video market to scant 0.9% increase this year to $14.67 billion, CEMA said.

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