The plasma TV market is a lot smaller than the LCD/LED market because the latter technology is more versatile and used in very small to very large screens. Despite this, a report by DisplaySearch says that the plasma TV market grew significantly in 2010 after a decline in 2009. Panasonic is still the market leader.
Plasma TV market on the rise
Plasma TVs are popular amongst picture quality enthusiasts. In 2010, a total of 19.1 million plasma TVs were sold compared to 14.8 million in 2009 and 15.1 million in 2008, DisplaySearch reports.
Panasonic is still market leader in the plasma TV segment with a market share of 40.7%. Samsung is number two with 33.7% and LG ranks third with 23.3%. However, Panasonic's market share has decreased compared to 2009. Samsung and LG’s market shares have increased.
In the end of 2009, and the beginning of 2010, we also saw a new Chinese player entering the plasma market called COC.
3D and large screens are drivers
The rise in 2010 was unexpected in a flat panel TV market that saw a small decline in 2010 compared to last year.
DisplaySearch points out that demand for larger screens and 3D have been the primary drivers. The plasma technology is considered to be the best for 3D picture quality and in 2011 the plasma manufacturers plan to launch even more 3D ready plasma-TVs.
In the 50-inch-and-above segment plasma TVs still have a price advantage, and DisplaySearch says that most manufacturers are expected to focus on 50 inches and larger in the future. In fact, nearly 41% of all plasma TVs that were sold in 2010 were 50 inches or larger. The 32-inch segment is not interesting for the plasma makers and in the 42-inch segment the price competition is expected to affect plasma markers.
No specific figures for 2011 have been detailed but it is expected that the plasma TV market will continue to grow.
Source: DisplaySearch
Plasma TV market on the rise 
