Television sets see pent-up demand, stock stock shortage a concern

NEW DELHI: Stuck-at-home Indians have helped push sales of large-screen smart TVs as a surge in content consumption via OTT platforms, and availability of low-priced smart TVs has stoked demand from first time buyers and even those looking to add a second screen at home.

“We have been seeing a huge demand for large screens (50inches and above) this season. Due to lockdown, work from home and limited theatre experience, trend was up for larger screens. We also saw increase in other sizes with people opting for second screens,” said Suguru Takamatsu, Divisional Head CSD, CE, Panasonic India.

However, most companies are now anticipating a shortage in stocks as demand has outstripped supply and imports remain constrained. Open cell panel prices—a key component used in the manufacturing of television sets and largely imported to India—have also jumped up by over 60%, said companies that assemble TV sets for in India.