Taiwanese firm BenQ said total television shipments into Middle East and Africa (MEA) by top vendors is expected to grow over 121 per cent from 2.3 million units in 2008 to 5.1 million units by 2011, driven mainly by falling prices and consumer demand for flat screens and the high-definition (HD) format. “Any global sport event provides a big thrust and boost to consumer electronic products and the television sector is going to benefit the most. Within same manner, Beijing Olympics too will add a big cushion to TV sales globally where we do expect 66 per cent growth in units and 50 per cent enhancement in revenue,” said Manish Bakshi, managing director of BenQ MEA. Market revenue is expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2011 from $1.8 billion in 2008 while the average selling price (ASP) will fall to $578 by 2011 from $805 this year. He said smaller size TVs are picking up as cathode ray tube (CRT) TV sales are falling. The 40-inch and over panels will grow from six per cent in 2008 to 25 per cent by 2011 while 1080p resolution TVs will also grow from six per cent in 2008 to 25 per cent by 2011. “A drop in 40-inch plus TV segment has definitely acted as a boost to TV sales globally where not only 40-inch and above but even 32-inch has taken up the benefits. This is sure to have an effect that even 32-inch TVs are severely price pressurised. But in totality, it has lead to a good product mix worldwide,” Bakshi said. He said 32-inch TVs still holds 55 per cent market share in the region due to its affordability criterion. Also, this size is easy to be delivered and installed, so much so that a few vendors/retailers have started asking end-users to carry them by themselves. Space limitations in houses have also provided an edge to 32-inch compared to bigger sizes. In addition, it's accurate for being given out as gifts. Other accessories like wall mounts carry fewer burdens on 32-inch televisions when compared to 40-inch and above. BenQ MEA is aiming for about 35 per cent growth in profit this year compared to last year. “The first quarter has been one of the most successful quarters for the company as it registered about 30 per cent growth both in revenues and profits compared to the same period last year. For 2008, we are optimistic of 100 per cent growth on TVs and attaining fourth position for TV segment with eight per cent market share,” he said.
