Over 1.2 million flat panel television sets sold in Malaysia in the last 12 months: GfK Malaysia
Malaysians are buying more television sets and a gradually growing proportion are reaching for those that come enhanced with LED backlit or Internet connectivity features, or even a combination of both, according to GfK Malaysia. Retail audit findings by the global leading market research company revealed these emerging trends in the fast growing USD629 million Malaysian TV market which registered 50 percent in volume and 17 percent in value growth in the last 12 months.
LED TVs are rising in popularity, as reflected by the consistent month-on-month growth over the last one year. Today, more than one in every three (37 percent) units sold in the country is an LED TV, as compared to one year ago where this segment only contributed 17 percent to the volume sales of all flat screen TVs.
“As technology continues to develop and advance, lowering prices have made LED TVs increasingly affordable and this is a key factor driving its escalating sales in the country,” explained Jennifer Chan, general manager of GfK Malaysia. “We are witnessing falling TV prices across the board. For instance, the price of a 42 inch LED TV averaged at USD973 a year ago but today cost 31 percent less, at just USD673.”
Internet connectivity is another feature of the latest TV range that is increasingly sought after by consumers. Take up rate of web-connected TVs has been steadily gaining momentum over the last 12 months, where nearly 215,000 units, or 17 percent of all flat panel TVs sold comes enabled with the ability to access content on the Internet. This reflects a 10 percent incremental share in over the previous period, which reported a mere 7 percent market share then.
“Internet access is an essential aspect of modern day technology in today’s developed society, as demonstrated by the latest popular gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, cameras and now TVs,” commented Chan. “Web-connected TV is currently experiencing strong growth in Malaysia and this is evidenced by the rapidly expanding repertoire available in the market to cater to tech savvy consumers eager to enjoy the latest cutting edge TV technology.”
While consumers a year ago only had around 50 models of TVs with the Internet connectivity function to choose from, their options have widened significantly today as they are presented with over 100 models of TVs with this innovative feature. Web-connected TVs form 17 percent of all TV models being offered in Malaysia.
GfK Malaysia findings also reveal rising number of consumers in Malaysia who are going for larger TV screen sizes, driven by its declining prices. Sales volume of 40 inch and above TVs has grown considerably to make up 44 percent of the total pie, an increase of 6 percent over the previous period.
“The technology of TV is always evolving; with innovative features constantly being introduced to create new buzz in the market,” observed Chan. “For instance, recently launched sensor motion and voice controls features may just be the future of TVs where remote controls become obsolete; taking consumers’ TV experience to a whole new level! There is always something exciting happening in the world of TV!”
The GfK Group
GfK is one of the world’s largest research companies, with more than 11,500 experts working to discover new insights into the way people live, think and shop, in over 100 markets, every day. GfK is constantly innovating and using the latest technologies and the most intelligent methodologies to give its clients the clearest understanding of the most important people in the world: their customers. In 2011, GfK’s sales amounted to euro 1.37 billion.
To find out more, visit www.gfk.com or or www.gfkrt.com/asia. Follow GfK on Twitter: www.twitter.com/gfk_group
*Notes:
· Survey period: May 11 – April 12
· Comparison period: May 11 – April 12 VS May 10 – April 11
Category: PRAsia
