By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: Flat panel TV sales are up a massive 40 per cent this Christmas, compared to the same period last year. This surge is part of an overall 6.5 per cent value growth year-on-year in the home entertainment categories.

For the period 26 October 2009 to 6 December 2009, premium industry analysts GfK reported the total value of the home entertainment market was $1.7 billion. This is a significant jump from last year’s corresponding figure, $1.57 billion.

Segments covered in this survey include audio systems, camcorders, satellite navigation, DVD players, digital cameras, notebooks, MP3 players and televisions.

The great showing from flat panels is attributed to the suppliers running attractive value added promotions throughout the survey period. These have included free games consoles, home theatre systems and second TVs.

Along with flat panel TVs, the other big winners have been notebook computers. Encouraged by the release of the well regarded Windows 7, and the release of a number of new product ranges, the notebook computer category is up 22 per cent.