By Martin Vedris
SYDNEY: LG Electronics Australia has confirmed that its first 32-inch plasma TV, the 32PC5RV, to be launched in Brazil this month and then in 27 nations worldwide by November, will not be introduced into the Australian market.
In a statement to the press, LG Electronics in Korea recently announced that it was launching the 32 inch plasma in response to industry research that the 32-inch wide flat panel TV is the fastest growing segment in the industry, as the large-size market is becoming saturated. LG quoted research from DisplaySearch, which indicated that the demand for 32-inch TVs has grown to comprise 24.9 percent of the overall TV market in 2007, and is expected to increase to 33.4 percent in 2008. In comparison, in 2005, 32-inch TV demand was just 5.8 per cent of the market.
However, LG Electronics Australia told Current.com.au that under the current marketing strategy, this model will not be introduced to the Australian market.
“We will not be bringing that model here in Australia,” said LG Electronics Australia’s Category Marketing Manager Audio Visual, Darren Goble.
“We are across both LCD and plasma and we think we’ve got the mix of sizes and technologies right in the market. Also, what we’re looking to offer the customer is an integrated television with built-in high definition tuner across all models in our range and I don’t think that 32 inch plasma has an in-built tuner.
“We’ve had a look at our product offering and for 42 inches and above our main focus will be on plasma and anything smaller than that will be on LCD.”