Video Sales Start Off Strong In 2000

Manufacturer-to-dealer sales of video products in January grew by 8 percent over the first month of 1999 and totaled nearly 3.5 million units, according to figures issued today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Sales of DVD players, projection televisions and camcorders were the major factors contributing to this growth.Sales of analog projection televisions grew to a level of 92,000 units, 27 percent ahead of last January. Camcorders also contributed strongly to the month's growth, with shipments reaching 297,000 units, a 31 percent increase over last year.The strongest category, however, was DVD-Video players. Following on the heels of a record breaking 1999, DVD-Video players opened the year 2000 with 370,000 units shipped in January, a 195 percent increase over last January's shipments. CEA estimates that DVD-Video player sales will again be strong in 2000, reaching more than 6.5 million units.Sales of large-screen television sets (those measuring 29-inches and higher) rose by 16 percent over January 1999. This sub-category represents 18 percent of the 1.36 million sets sold so far this year, and points to a continuing trend of consumers' building home theatre environments.Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, commented, ""January's sales represent a great start for 2000. We look forward to a tremendous year in the video marketplace, with sales of new and exciting digital technologies such as DVD players, personal video recorders and digital television fueling growth across the category.""About The CEACEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing and connecting the industries that define the digital age. CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communication, information technology, multimedia and accessories products that are sold through consumer channels.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, product promotion, engineering standards development, market research and governmental and legal affairs support.

Source: Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)