This IDC study looks at the worldwide market for plasma display panels (PDPs). At the end of our forecast period, we expect conditions within the global plasma market to somewhat mirror those faced now by the rear projection TV (RPTV) industry. Where RPTV has come under fire in the past few years from ever-larger and ever-cheaper flat panels, so, too, will plasmas will be locked in a battle with LCD TVs through 2010. The primary purchase attribute of both RPTV and plasma technologies prior to their expected unit slide is their comparatively low dollar-per-inch value proposition, with RPTV never more appealing than right now given that its average selling prices (ASPs) are currently falling like a rock.

"Both RPTV and plasma technologies will experience their golden years primarily in the U.S. marketplace because U.S. consumers are unique in their appreciation for cheap, large displays and fairly unconcerned with space constraints. The other regions covered in our forecast are expected to more aggressively gravitate toward LCD TV technology, topping out primarily in the 40-50in. size range, whereas U.S. TV buyers will account for the majority of 50, 60, 70, and even 80in.+ TVs produced by plasma and RPTV manufacturers." - Eric Haruki, research manager, Displays and Projectors