U.S. LCD digital signage takes off, up 41% Q/Q and 19% Y/Y

DisplaySearch, provider of display market research and consulting, indicated in its latest Monthly Large Format Commercial Displays Sell Through Report that large (26″+), non-consumer LCDs had their highest sell-through quarter ever in U.S. commercial distribution in Q3 ’09, with shipments up 41 percent quarter over quarter and 19 percent year over year. In addition, September sell-through was up 49 percent from August, and was the largest sell-through month on record for LCD commercial-use displays.

Sales of commercial-grade displays designed specifically for rugged public environments are not the only indicators showing growth in the digital signage infrastructure. Not all digital signage solutions use screens designed specifically for OOH environments, and many major brands offer standard TV products for commercial installations as well, especially if installed away from the reach of the general population (such as hanging from a ceiling). Thus, shipments of standard TV products (most with a PC interface) through commercial distributors are another indicator of growth in the OOH digital advertising sector’s inventory of available digital displays. September data shows that TVs shipped through commercial distribution channels also rose to record levels, with TVs selling commercially in Q3 ’09 up 85 percent year over year.