Audio Video News

Shipments of digital television products in May almost doubled over the same period last year, according to figures released June 20 by the Consumer Electronics Association.

A total of 84,208 units—digital televisions and monitors—were shipped from factories to dealers during May 2001, amounting to more than $148 million in goods. The total value of digital television sets and displays sold through the month of April reached $560 million, an increase of 106% compared to last year's April total.

Sales of DVD players were also strong, increasing by 15% over the same period in 2000. DVD manufacturers shipped 523,000 units to dealers, compared with the 453,000 units shipped the previous May. Camcorders also continue to sell well, with a 6% increase in May 2001 over the same period last year.

"In April, we celebrated the sale of the one-millionth DTV product. Just one month later, DTV sales have reached a high point for 2001. This clearly shows that consumers have made the choice for digital, with all the enhanced audio, video, multicasting, and interactive services it brings to America's homes," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Digital video recorders, digital camcorders, DVD players, and DTV continue to amaze consumers and are driving interest and sales in the video category."

Industry analysts predict that consumers will have spent almost $5 billion on DTV products by the end of 2001. The CEA projects steady growth for DTV unit sales, with 1.1 million expected this year, 2.1 million in 2002, 4 million in 2003, 5.4 million in 2004, 8 million in 2005, and 10.5 million in 2006. "This interest and the resulting sales will only continue to grow as more and more Americans come in contact with digital entertainment," Shapiro stated.