More than one-fifth of all televisions purchased by U.S. consumers in the first quarter sported displays that were 50 inches or larger, representing an all-time-high level, according to IHS iSuppli research.

A total of 22.7 percent of American consumers bought the aforesaid TV sets during the three months from January to March 2011, compared to 19.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“The rising popularity of 50-inch-and-larger sets among U.S. consumers stems from pure market economics,” said Riddhi Patel, director for television systems and retail services at IHS, in a statement. “Televisions have become less expensive for the consumer, allowing even bigger sets previously considered beyond the reach of most consumers to become accessible.”

Average pricing for 50-inch-and-larger flat-panel TVs – i.e., liquid crystal display (LCD) and plasma – in the United States amounted to $1,582 in the first quarter of 2011, down 8 percent from $1,723 in the fourth quarter of 2010.

While sales of 50-inch-and-larger TVs are on the rise, smaller sets remain the most popular option for most consumers. Reigning as the preferred size range for U.S. consumers were TV sets sized 40-49 inches, capturing 39.5 percent of sales in the first quarter this year, IHS iSuppli data show.

The Daily

Subscribe
Friday–December 13

State of DEI: NAMIC, AIM Analyze Workforce Representation

At a time when investments in DEI efforts are being questioned, NAMIC is checking in to remind the industry of the tangible change these initiatives are making.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Apr 16
Cablefax 100 Awards Nominations Open November 13th, 2024.
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.