Ultra HD monitor shipments predicted to hit two million in 2014

Global shipments of 4K displays could reach two million in 2014, an analyst has predicted.

DisplaySearch forecast that despite total monitor shipments falling to 133 million units over the next year, Ultra HD format displays would continue to increase market share.

The firm added that by 2017, Ultra HD displays could occupy around eight per cent of the market, seeing over 56 per cent of demand in the regions of Japan, North America and Western Europe.

The growth in the format was attributed to falling prices, with the average selling price of an Ultra HD monitor predicted to drop from $1,347 (£826) in 2014 to $927 (£568) in 2017.

"Increased Ultra HD-class monitor shipment volume will depend on how far and how fast ASPs decline," said Hidetoshi Himuro, director of PC and IT research at DisplaySearch.

"Although makers hope to raise prices for Ultra HD-enabled monitors, price competition has already begun."

"During CES, Lenovo, LG Electronics, and Samsung Electronics all made Ultra HD monitor announcements, and we can expect several more from other brands in 2014, as well."

"Sharp, Innolux, LG Display, AU Optronics (AUO), and Samsung Display will be the leading Ultra HD monitor panel suppliers in 2014."