Year-over-year large-format commercial LCD display shipments in the United States have increased for eight consecutive quarters. According to the latest NPD DisplaySearch Monthly Large Format Commercial Displays Sell Through Report, despite pressure from consumer televisions, hybrid displays, and other lower cost display alternatives, sell-through of commercial LCD displays has continued to increase modestly. Sell-through of 26-inch-and-larger displays, which have been specifically developed and marketed for commercial use, grew nearly 10 percent in 2012, 20 percent in 2013, and 33 percent in the first half of 2014.

“Consumer televisions comprise the majority of large-format display sell-through via business-to-business channels in the United States, mainly due to their lower acquisition price and limited usage requirements; however, there is a growing market that requires the functionality, design, and 24-hour performance of commercial displays,” said Todd Fender, senior analyst of professional and commercial displays at NPD DisplaySearch.

Figure 1: Large-Format Commercial LCD Display Sell-Through in the U.S.

Source: NPD DisplaySearch Monthly Large Format Commercial Displays Sell Through Report

Many features and functions have contributed to the increased demand for large-format commercial displays, including power and input lock out, remote diagnostics, control via RS232 inputs, and internal media players for digital signage content playback. Most are also backed by a three-year standard warranty. A subset of commercial displays, which are designed with super narrow bezels, also allow for scalability into large video wall installations.

With more businesses starting to invest in public signage, and as more digital-signage networks are deployed, the need for 24-hour, seven-day operation — under heavy demand and harsh outdoor environments—will continue to grow. Declining average selling prices, the availability of attention-grabbing large displays (i.e., 50 inches and larger) and higher resolutions have also helped increase demand. “There is a high correlation between shipments and sell-through, thus indicating the current growth trend should continue, as long as market variables stay consistent or improve,” according to Fender.

The NPD DisplaySearch Monthly Large Format Commercial Displays Sell Through Report captures and analyzes commercial sell-through data in the United States from both AV and IT reseller and distributor channels for large-format LCD and PDP displays. Leveraging information and expertise from both NPD DisplaySearch and the Commercial Technology Group at The NPD Group, the report covers digital signage, corporate conference rooms, public transportation and more.