North American LCD TV market: Sharp regains number 1 spot from Vizio

The North American TV brand sell-in rankings were shaken up again in Q3 2007 with Sharp on top in LCD TVs for the first time since Q1 2005. Sharp led the North American LCD TV market with an 11.3% share, rising from #3 in Q2 2007, on 65% QTQ and 88% YTY growth. Vizio fell to #2 despite 334% YTY growth; it had the slowest QTQ growth of the top five. Its slower Q3 2007 sequential growth can be explained by the less seasonal nature of its primary sales channel: the warehouse club channel. Nonetheless, it was #1 in 32″ and larger volume and in LCD HDTV volume. It also led the 32″, 37″ and 42″ markets. Samsung fell from #2 to #3 despite 33% QTQ and 79% YTY growth. It was #2 in 40″+ volume. Sony had the fastest QTQ growth of the top five brands up 108% QTQ and 84% YTY, as it rolled out a number of compelling new products later in 2007 than in 2006, while also targeting mass merchants like Wal-Mart through the new M series. As a result, Sony’s unit ranking rose from #7 to #4, and it jumped from #3 to #1 in revenues. Sony had the highest focus on 40″ and larger LCD TVs which accounted for 67% of its volume. It led at 40- 42″ and 46-47″.