Arlington, VA—The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released Digital America 2012, an educational resource for the consumer electronics (CE) industry. The annual publication details the growth of the CE industry and offers insights, trends, market research, data and analysis on product categories, including digital imaging, accessories, audio, gaming, home networking, home theater, mobile in-vehicle electronics, video and wireless communications.
Combining CEA’s market research with third-party studies and industry analysis, Digital America 2012 charts growth areas and opportunities in the CE market, providing answers to questions such as these:
• How have smartphones impacted the digital imaging and home audio markets?
• How many flat-panel displays designed for cars are expected to ship in 2013?
• What percentage of U.S. broadband households use a home network?
The publication states, “Overall CE revenues surged 7.9% to an estimated $195.2 billion in 2011and will surpass $200 billion for the first time in 2012, according to CEA.” As for photo-imaging trends: “The digital imaging sector, which includes digital cameras, camcorders and digital photo frames, is facing market saturation and increasing competition from smartphones and other devices that double as cameras and camcorders. However consumer interest in photo books and merchandise, as well as the strong relationship between digital imaging and social media, mean there are opportunities for sector growth.”
The publication also states that despite competition from other devices, “Digital cameras continue to play a key role in the overall CE market. With current household penetration for digital cameras at 84%, the digital camera market is largely driven by replacement models and gifts. Yet the category seems to defy the critics. Despite a high household penetration rate, we continue to see some growth year after year.”
Other key digital imaging trends include: mirrorless models are on the rise; DSLRs are market leaders and CSCs are gaining attention; pro shooters show brand loyalty; camcorder sales continue to dip; flash memory is driving the blank media category; social networks are playing a major role; printing is shifting toward retail and online outlets; Generation Y is a growing digital demographic; and there is a rise in demand for consumer photo books.
Digital America 2012 also features a history of the CE industry, including a timeline of CE milestones and a directory of industry resources. This report is free for CEA members and can be found at the members-only website. Nonmembers can purchase the report for $995. For more information visit: store.CE.org/Digital-America-2012-PDF_p_447.html.
