Joined
·
1,363 Posts
I would appreciate some thoughts on the following overview of the $5-15k projector market at the moment. This is not meant to be comprehensive, but indicative of what I see happening. I also believe that in a technology environment that is changing so rapidly, there are very few people who want to pay more than $15k to see a new improved model come out 9 months later.
The market seems to have split into three groups.
The $5k price point - At $5000 there are some spectacular LCD bargains to be had. Most notably, the Sony VW12HT and Sanyo PLV70. They both have many fans and reviews suggest that they both produce stellar images. The big difference seems to be the brightness of the Sanyo.
Late last year the DLP market saw the arrival of the new TI Mustang 1280x720 chip. Most people see this as a significant innovation. Several manufacturers released product and they seem to have provided the other two price points that I think are important.
The $7-8k price point is the entry level for this new technology. The Sharp 10000 seems to win raves with special mention of its color management systems and the capability to fine tune. The In Focus 7200 is also at this price point. Both projectors have higher MSRP’s. However, the distribution strategies enable the significantly lower price points.
The $10k+ price point. Utilizing the same technology as the Sharp and InFocus we have Marantz, Dwin and Runco. All of these brands tend to be sold in more up market stores with higher gross margin requirements. However, the technology is in essence the same.
This brings me to my point.
Is it better to spend $5k today knowing that TI will have a new chip here in a few months?
How about the price differential between the Marantz and the Sharp?
From my perspective. The Runco’s, DWIN’s and others in that category will find it harder to protect their position in the future. The market is changing more rapidly due to the pace of new technology. The new technology is not proprietary and access is widespread.
It’s food for thought, that’s all. I just think that with Sony’s new SXRD arriving soon, and products like the Sanyo and Sharp on the shelves at great prices, it’s a very interesting time to be a consumer and a high end dealer. My hope is that the market grows fast enough to accommodate everyone profitably as Runco, DWIN and others are important.
Best regards
Rob
The market seems to have split into three groups.
The $5k price point - At $5000 there are some spectacular LCD bargains to be had. Most notably, the Sony VW12HT and Sanyo PLV70. They both have many fans and reviews suggest that they both produce stellar images. The big difference seems to be the brightness of the Sanyo.
Late last year the DLP market saw the arrival of the new TI Mustang 1280x720 chip. Most people see this as a significant innovation. Several manufacturers released product and they seem to have provided the other two price points that I think are important.
The $7-8k price point is the entry level for this new technology. The Sharp 10000 seems to win raves with special mention of its color management systems and the capability to fine tune. The In Focus 7200 is also at this price point. Both projectors have higher MSRP’s. However, the distribution strategies enable the significantly lower price points.
The $10k+ price point. Utilizing the same technology as the Sharp and InFocus we have Marantz, Dwin and Runco. All of these brands tend to be sold in more up market stores with higher gross margin requirements. However, the technology is in essence the same.
This brings me to my point.
Is it better to spend $5k today knowing that TI will have a new chip here in a few months?
How about the price differential between the Marantz and the Sharp?
From my perspective. The Runco’s, DWIN’s and others in that category will find it harder to protect their position in the future. The market is changing more rapidly due to the pace of new technology. The new technology is not proprietary and access is widespread.
It’s food for thought, that’s all. I just think that with Sony’s new SXRD arriving soon, and products like the Sanyo and Sharp on the shelves at great prices, it’s a very interesting time to be a consumer and a high end dealer. My hope is that the market grows fast enough to accommodate everyone profitably as Runco, DWIN and others are important.
Best regards
Rob