Y-T-D Video Sales Up 13 Percent Over 1999, July Sales On Par With 1999

Camcorder And DVD Sales Continue Remarkable Growth, Consumer Interest In VCR Category Still Strong

15-Aug-00

July video sales for 2000 were on par with last July, with 4.7 million units shipped from manufacturers to dealers, according to figures released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Year-to-date sales are still going strong with all video categories showing increases, and total video units shipped this year (33.7 million units) up 13 percent over 1999 sales, though several categories saw monthly declines.Camcorders and DVD players both enjoyed increases in July - 18 percent and 65 percent respectively. In year-to-date calculations, camcorders stand 21 percent ahead of last year with 3.1 million units shipped, while shipments of DVD players are at 3.2 million units. Like June's year-to-date, July's seven-month total for DVD sales is about twice as high as sales for the same period last year.July's figures for VCR decks were even with July 1999 at 1.7 million units, while year-to-date statistics show VCRs 5 percent ahead with 11.8 million units. ""This has been an extraordinary year for VCR sales, demonstrating a continued interest in the technology even with the explosive growth of DVD,"" remarked Todd Thibodeaux, CEA's Vice President of Market Research. ""With more than $150 billion invested in video libraries, consumers are taking advantage of declining VCR prices and increased features. We can expect the VCR category to remain healthy, even while DVD sales continue to grow.""CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology(SM). All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.