Digital lifestyle leader BenQ has launched six projectors to consolidate its leadership of the digital display technology market in the Middle East.
Headlining the range is the CP120, the world’s smallest projector that weighs only 1.3 kg and delivers brightness of 1500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2000:1. This combination of high brightness, outstanding contrast, extensive input support, and portability makes the BenQ CP120 ideal for multi-use. The CP 220 is another light weight model that weighs just 1.8 kilograms and packs a lot of power, delivering a projected image rated with an exceptional brightness of 2200 ANSI lumens - making for presentations that are easily viewable, even in brightly lit rooms.
“These stylish projectors have a compact form factor and wireless connectivity to simplify setup,” said Manish Bakshi, general manager, BenQ Middle East and Africa. “The imaging market is peaking in terms of competitiveness and value creation for customers is a focal point for us. By introducing innovative, well-designed and affordable technology, we have been able to grow our business in the projection technology segment in the region. We are a dominant player in the regional projector market, and are targeting a 25 per cent growth in sales this year.”
In 2005, BenQ ranked fifth world wide in projector sales with a six per cent share of the market worth US$ 3 billion and sales of 4.1 million units. In the Asia Pacific region, the company ranked fourth with a nine per cent share of the market, estimated to be worth US$ 608 million and sales of 820,000 units. This represented an 18 per cent growth over 2004.
“We registered spectacular growth in projector sales last year in the Middle East and Africa region and notched up a 35-40 per cent increase in sales over 2004. Filtering to the GCC market, 65,000 units were sold last year and the market was worth around US$ 55 million. This represents a 25 per cent growth over 2004, according to research analysts Decision Tree Consulting. We have an 18 per cent market share in the GCC market and rank second overall. BenQ has a 12 per cent market share in the UAE and is the second most popular projector brand while we lead the market in Saudi Arabia with 26 per cent market share.”
Other models launched in the region include the BenQ MP770, a portable digital projector that features a brightness of 3200 ANSI lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, XGA native resolution of 1024 x 768 and versatile connectivity via an optional wireless feature and the BenQ W100 projector, a home theatre projector designed for high-end home theatre users. The projector offers 1080p High Definition image, high contrast ratio and comes equipped with BenQ’s proprietary ‘Senseye’ digital-enhancement technology that automatically and dynamically improves image quality, adjusts brightness and darkness levels, performs colour mapping procedures, and reduces jagged edges on images. Additionally, both the PB8253 and the 8263 also have high-resolution features to support ultra bright images in large venues.
Overall, BenQ registered significant growth in profits, revenue and brand positioning in the regional market in 2005.
“This year, we plan to increase our already substantial market share in the Middle East’ IT and consumer electronics segment,” added Bakshi.
According to research forecasts, sales of ‘pocket’ projectors will rapidly increase to more than 1.5m units by 2010. Pocket projector revenues over the same period are predicted to jump from $15m to $500m. While pocket projectors are still early in their development, we see enormous potential for these products. Though pocket projectors are currently used as standalone products, by 2008 they will be designed to attach directly to a range of mobile business and consumer devices.
The BenQ Group currently comprises ten companies that operate independently while sharing resources and leveraging synergies among them. The BenQ Group companies include AU Optronics Corporation, the world’s third largest manufacturer of LCD panels; Darfon Electronics Corporation; Daxon Technology Inc; Airoha Technology Corporation; Copax Photonics Corporation; Darly Venture Inc; BenQ Guru Software Co., Ltd; Philips BenQ Digital Storage; and Cando Corporation. 2004 revenues for BenQ Group exceeded US$10.8 billion dollars.
