Picture quality and screen size, are the two most important issues for TV buyers when they walk into a retail store. Also playing a role in the purchase decision is the research they do online prior to making a purchase.
Two research studies conducted by the NPD Group (3,000 consumers) and SmartHouse have revealed some interesting statistics concerning the buying habits of consumers when they come to buy a TV.
One-in-four consumers say they’ll most likely be making a new TV purchase in the next six months.
Screen size was cited as extremely or very important by 77 percent of consumers who said they would be making a new TV purchase. The average screen size being considered by consumers is 40 inches, but one-in-four consumers say they are considering a TV 50 inches or larger. Higher resolution was the second most important feature, with 71 percent of consumers citing it as extremely or very important.
SmartHouse Research also reveals that Plasma is still seen as the superior TV technology in larger screens and 50% of consumer’s researched in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne said that they will buy a 32″ or smaller TV as a second screen for use in a bedroom or study.
More than 80% said that visited an online site for information on brands and TV technology prior to making a visit to a retail store. The two most popular sites were C Net and SmartHouse.
It was also revealed that a gift of a PS3, XBox 360 or a Blu ray player was seen as a bigger incentive to purchase than a 3 year Warranty.
Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis at NPD said “Demand for digital television remains strong and consumers are taking advantage of greater affordability and buying more TVs with smaller screen sizes. However, many still aspire to larger TVs with higher resolution.”
Screen size continues to be a strong driver for consumers, which is good news in this price- conscious environment. With average prices falling dramatically over the past year, consumers can now get more for even less without having to sacrifice the features they want.
The average price of 40- and 42-inch flat-panels for the first nine months of 2009 have fallen by over 20% with all models set to fall further as the Australian dollar strengthens say analysts.