CEA Projects Fourfold Jump in 4K Shipments This Year to 4 Million Sets

CEA is projecting more than a fourfold increase in factory unit shipments of Ultra HD TV sets this year to 4 million, the association said in its semi-annual forecast report released Tuesday on the opening day of CES. “Larger screen sizes and innovative display features have more consumers upgrading their video experience,” CEA said. “TV sales remain critical as the industry’s third-largest contributor” to total revenue, though factory dollar sales will decline 2 percent to $18.3 billion in 2015, it said. However, dollar shipments of Ultra HD sets are projected to climb 106 percent this year to exceed $5 billion, it said. CEA thinks overall CE industry factory sales will jump 3 percent this year, reaching a record $223.2 billion, it said. Other report highlights: (1) The “wearable device revolution is a key category to watch in the coming years, and especially in 2015,” CEA said. CEA projects overall wearable factory unit sales will climb 61 percent this year to 30.9 million and generate $5.1 billion in factory revenue, a 133 percent increase, it said. (2) Unit sales of tablets are projected to reach 80.7 million this year, a 3 percent increase from 2014. However, factory dollar shipments will decline 1 percent to $24.9 billion, CEA said. (3) Unit shipments of smartphones, the CE industry’s “sales leader,” will rise 6 percent to 169.3 million, CEA said. They’re expected to generate $51.3 billion factory revenue in 2015, a 5 percent increase from last year, it said. CEA forecasts “particular growth” in smartphones with screen sizes between 5.3 inches and 6.5 inches, it said.