Product category hits new phase in lifecycle

Digital photo frames will transition from an emerging to mainstream product category in 2009, when it will exceed 25% penetration in U.S. broadband households this holiday season, according to Parks Associates.

The international research firm recently released Global Digital Photo Frame Market Update, part of its Digital Photo Frame Service, which reports that penetration in U.S. broadband households exceeded 20% in the first half of 2009, up from 7% in 2007.

Parks Associates states that in this new steady-growth stage, many early-growth drivers like expanded retail availability and price discounts and promotions will have less impact on the future growth of the product category.

Parks Associates started its Digital Photo Frame Service in 2007. Its latest report on this market summarizes sales data for the first half of 2009 by major regions, frame screen sizes, retail channels, and brand market share. It also provides industry growth forecasts through 2014.

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