Average size of LCD TV panels increases by 2 inches in 12 months

The average TV panel diagonal has increased in size from 34.8″ in August 2011 to 36.8″ in August 2012, according to panel makers’ shipments reported in the Monthly TFT LCD Shipment Database from NPD DisplaySearch.

Sharp has the highest average screen size of TV panels shipped, and it grew significantly in the past year, from 39.1 to 48.3 inches.

Most other panel makers saw an increase of approximately 2 inches in screen size over the past year, with LG Display increasing from 36.2 to 38.9 inches and Samsung from 37 to 39.4 inches.

As consumers replace older LCD TVs, they tend to choose a larger size. Many consumers in North America originally had a 32 inch LCD TV in their bedroom and a 40-50 inch set in their living room, and are upgrading to a 39 or 40 inch in their bedroom and a 50 inch or larger set for the living room.