“While worldwide shipment volumes are much lower for professional graphics displays than for standard desktop IT displays, the profit potential for the display brands is much higher,” said Todd Fender, senior analyst of professional and commercial displays at NPD DisplaySearch. “Professional displays do not have to compete as a commodity product, where price is more important than performance.”

UHD (3840 × 2160) displays are expected to capture just 4% of the market in 2014; however, NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that these high-resolution displays will have an 18% share of the market by 2017. Display sizes of 31.1"+ are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 314% through 2017; the 19-22" range CAGR will decline by 41%, as users shift to 23- 24" displays.

“Average screen sizes are trending larger in many markets, including the professional graphics market, due to many factors, such as increased availability and lower price points,” according to Fender. “Higher resolutions over 3 megapixels are also becoming more commonplace, as LCD panel manufacturers shift production to these higher resolution panels.”

Based on data and analysis of historical shipments, revenues, and projection forecasts, the new Specialty Displays Report from NPD DisplaySearch is the display industry’s most in-depth look at the size and market potential of the markets for professional graphics displays, medical imaging, and broadcasting and production.

Figure I: Professional Graphics Display Market Share by Size