Digital Is Up, Says CEA
Arlington, VA, 4/17/01 -- Manufacturer-to-dealer sales of video products are up two percent to 13.6 million units during the first quarter of 2001, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Sales of DVD players increased by a phenomenal 193 percent to 1.2 million units in March alone, with camcorders also posting strong growth, showing increases of 25 percent to just under 645,000 units for the month.
Total sales of video playing devices (VCRs and DVD players) were up three percent during the first quarter, with DVD player sales nearly doubling that of first quarter 2000 at 2.3 million units sold. Additionally, manufacturer-to-dealer sales of camcorders increased seven percent to 1.2 million units during the first quarter of 2001. Of those sold, nearly one-third were digital camcorders, compared to 20 percent in the first quarter of 2000.
"These first quarter numbers prove that consumers are embracing the digital transition," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "We should continue to expect growth in digital product sales as consumers continue to realize the high-quality performance benefits over analog, such as superior audio and video quality, associated with the digital experience."
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 625 U.S. companies involved in the design, 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 $70 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle TechnologySM. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
