As high as 35-40% dip in prices of LCDs in the last one-year has spurted the demand for the screens across the country. A higher product range and sales promotion schemes offered by various manufacturers is expected to further push the sales this year to over 100%.
LCDs registered sales of around 3.5 lakh units last year. The figure is expected to more than double up to 9 lakh units this year. Currently LCDs are priced between Rs 20,000 for a 19 inch and over Rs 3 lakh for 52-53 inch television.
According to the industry estimates, the LCD market in India grew by 131.5% between January to April this year, constituting 4.1% of the total television industry. This is expected to go up to over 7% by the end of current year with new launches and extensive offers lined up by various manufacturers.
?There has been substantial increase in consumer awareness even across tier-II towns. Also, the growing income levels and aesthetic value attached to the product is accelerating the growth of the segment,? says R Zutshi, deputy managing director, Samsung India.
Samsung India is offering home theatre or DVD player on purchase of Samsung LCD or plasma television and the company is upbeat that it would drive the sales further. ?Most consumers like to go in for a complete solution of an LCD TV with home theatre and the value addition being offered by Samsung will encourage more and more consumers to go in forLCD,? says Zutshi, adding that the company expects to gather up-to 45% market share in the country by the end of the year.
According to the ORG data from January to April, Samsung India is the market leader in LCDs with 40.4% market share followed by LG Electronics at 20.5%, Sony India at 16.9% and Philips Electronics India at 7%.
?July onwards, we will focus on the segment and will launch new products that will further boost the growth in the industry that is being driven by introduction of newer technology and greater exposure of people across all cities,? says Pranay Dhabhai, director, Haier India.
