• by Wayne Friedman , January 3, 2011

While some reports continue to predict uneven results for the sale of 3D TVs, global overall production of TV sets will continue to climb. Santa Clara, Calif.-based researcher DisplaySearch says there was a 17% hike in global total TV shipments in 2010 over 2009 to 247 million units -- the best growth since flat-panel TVs were introduced.  

But it also notes that sales of 3D TVs will continue to suffer, amounting to just 3 million units worldwide.

While the worldwide market for TV sets is strong, it has been a tougher road for North America, rising just 0.4% through the first nine months of 2010. DisplaySearch says high unemployment numbers have contributed to weaker sales -- as well as consumer indecision about advanced TV technologies.

The group says average TV prices in North America will fall 6% in 2010 versus a 22% drop in 2009.

Flat-screen TVs -- LCD TV units -- will continue to dominate overall TV shipments worldwide. LCD TV shipments will rise to 215 million in 2011 from 190 million in 2010, per DisplaySearch.

A growing subset of LCD TV are LED TVs. These newer back-lit TV units will have a 20% climb in 2011, as the industry moves away from fluorescent backlighted TV sets.

Cheaper plasma TV sets climbed 28% in 2010 to 18 million units. The research group says consumers continue to look for strong value coming against these sets' price declines.