The Future is Clear – 4K Ultra High-Definition Continues to Build Positive Momentum
CEA sales forecast and research, 2015 International CES show floor underscore strong category growth ahead
Las Vegas, Nev.(05 Jan 2015)
4K Ultra High-Definition (4K UHD) television is poised for strong growth in the coming years according to new sales and forecast figures and consumer research to be released this week by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. Shipments of 4K UHD displays are projected to reach four million units in 2015, marking a 208 percent increase over 2014 according to CEA’s U.S. Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecasts, the semi-annual industry report to be released tomorrow at the 2015 International CES®. Produced by CEA, the 2015 International CES, the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, runs January 6-9.
CEA’s new research study released today, 4K Ultra HD Update: Consumer Adoption and Awareness, further underscores the marketplace growth and momentum for 4K UHD. The study finds one-third of consumers (33 percent) may purchase a 4K Ultra-High Definition TV within the next three years, while almost half of consumers (44 percent) indicate they are likely to purchase a “smart” or Internet-enabled TV, a function commonly available with 4K UHD televisions. When considering the top features that will drive their next television purchase, 27 percent ranked 4K UHD capability as the second most important feature, followed by picture quality (24 percent), a key benefit of 4K UHD TVs. For more than half of consumers (54 percent), price ranked as the most important aspect to consider when purchasing a TV.
“4K UHD is our future, and the future is now,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “Consumers recognize that 4K Ultra HD is the next step forward in a long line of outstanding high-definition televisions and displays. With new next-gen technologies and features being added by manufacturers that help improve the already outstanding picture quality and viewing experience, 4K UHD is set to become the next great success story in television technology.”
4K UHD stands as one of the spotlight product categories at this week’s CES with almost every major television manufacturer expected to display their latest 4K UHD products. 4K UHD manufacturers will show their next-generation displays during the 2015 CES, including some with early implementations of new technologies, including high dynamic range (HDR), wide color gamut and higher frame rates. These technical advances further enhance 4K UHD’s unparalleled viewing experience.
Also reflecting 4K UHD’s momentum is today’s announcement by CEA members and leading Hollywood studios, consumer electronics brands, content distributors and others in the 4K UHD ecosystem. Their intention to work together to ensure next-gen displays and video entertainment meet premium quality standards complements CEA’s Technology and Standards efforts on HDR and other pixel enhancements for 4K UHD going forward.
“It is great to see such positive progress for 4K UHD as the 4K value chain collaborates to improve and enhance the consumer experience in purchasing and viewing next-gen video entertainment,” said Brian Markwalter, CEA senior vice president for Research and Standards. “Close coordination among key stakeholders will be a key to 4K UHD’s long-term success. CEA looks forward to working closely with this new coalition and with all engaged in creating standards for this exciting new technology by leveraging CEA’s vast experience and expertise in standards development.”
4K UHD is the next generation of high-definition display technology for the home, offering consumers an incredibly immersive viewing experience with superior picture quality compared to current HD displays. 4K UHD displays provide the ultimate viewing experience with more than eight million pixels, four times the resolution of today’s high-definition televisions, meaning unparalleled picture quality. Your favorite movies, sporting events, TV programs and Blu-ray discs will look amazing and more lifelike than ever before. 4K UHD is the closest thing to bringing the 4K Digital Cinema experience from movie theaters to the home, offering consumers an incredibly immersive viewing experience with superior picture quality compared to current HD displays.
For more information, follow this Guide to 4K Ultra HD at the 2015 International CES.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $211 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at CE.org, DeclareInnovation.com.