Samsung Tops for HDTV Purchase Intent Among US Consumers

​Samsung captured the top position in US consumer HDTV purchase intent for the first half of 2012, passing Sony who previously had a commanding lead in the segment.  LG and Vizio also had notable increases over earlier surveys that further eroded Sony’s position.  Of the 25% of respondents who claimed interest in purchasing a HDTV in the first half of 2012, 20% cited Samsung, followed by 19% for Sony (previously 27%).  LG generated the largest increase, jumping from 6% of respondents to 12%, with Vizio claiming 11% (up from 8%). 

“Regardless how long-lasting this shift in consumer interest may be, Sony continues to face a difficult challenge with its TV business, as do many TV manufacturers,” says senior analyst Michael Inouye.  Consumers continue to place screen size, display technology, and above all, price, as the most vital features for future TV purchases – all of which conspire to make differentiation in the TV market increasingly difficult.”

Compounding this issue, new features like Internet connectivity, and 3D in particular, have not yet yielded the spark in demand TV manufacturers were counting on to help generate deeper margins.  In fact, 3D remains the least important feature cited by consumers when asked about TV purchase intent and a higher percentage (42% versus 39%) of respondents claimed to have no interest in a 3D-ready TV.

“Samsung has perhaps found the right balance between pricing, features, and form factor as the company continues to outpace the competition in the flat panel TV market,” adds Inouye.  “While 3D and Internet connectivity have not generated the boost to the bottom line as some had hoped, the latter at least remains an essential ingredient to best address the changing consumer landscape for CE.”

ABI Research’s Technology Barometer™: Connected Home and Computing surveys, “WAVE 3 US CE Purchase Intent” and “WAVE 3 US 3D TVs and Universal Remote Controls,” provide information on 2000 US consumers, including current ownership and next six month purchase intentions for consumer electronics.

These surveys are part of ABI Research’s Technology Barometer™: Connected Home and Computing Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.