Sony has been leading in sales of the new 4K – or Ultra HD – TVs since the introduction of the first Bravia 4K TVs last year, but Samsung is catching up to Sony. Panasonic and LG are far behind, according to DisplaySearch.

Sony leads global 4K TV sales
Many TV makers introduced their first mainstream 4K TVs in 2013, and 2014 is shaping up to be a battleground. Several new 4K TV ranges will be introduced this spring by first, second and even third-tier TV makers.

Sony has so far been the leader with its X9 and X8 TVs. In the second quarter of 2013, Sony commanded a 42.4% share of global 4K TV sales at a time when few other TV makers had introduced 4K TVs. Samsung introduced their F9000 range later in 2013.

Sony was still leading in the fourth quarter of 2013, but their lead is shrinking. In Q4 2013, Sony held an 18.2% share and Samsung is number two at 14.9 %. Chinese Skyworth, Changhong, and Hisense are ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, followed by LG and Sharp. Panasonic is a distant eight. See the graph below.



In Europe, Samsung is leading with a 40% share compared to Sony’s 30.3% share. In North America, Sony is still leading with 46.3% compared to Samsung’s 34.4%.

Samsung is the leading TV maker in overall sales, but Sony has made a commitment to focus on high-end 4K TVs from 2014, so it will be interesting to see how things will develop in 2014. Can Sony hold on to their lead in the 4K segment? And how long will 4K TVs remain high-end TVs?

- Source: DisplaySearch via Yonhap