Abstract
This IDC study quantifies the U.S. color page printer and color laser MFP
market by format size and engine type. It contains IDC's review and forecast of
the market for 1997-2009. Unit shipments, value of shipments, and average
selling value (ASV) information is presented. A 2004 year in review is
provided, with market shares for 2002, 2003, and 2004 by format and engine type
for units and shipment value. Data for 1997-2004 is actual, whereas data for
2005-2009 is projected. Key findings include:
- The U.S. color page market is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. printer market, with a 2004-2009 CAGR of 17%, compared with the total printer market compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1%.
- The U.S. color laser MFP market is increasing at a rapid rate, with a 2004-2009 CAGR of 29%. Color laser MFP growth is expected to come from the sub-$1,000 price points and substantially higher MFP activity from printer vendors. In addition, vendors are expected increasingly to emphasize the color office market opportunity, while maintaining their presence in the traditional print-for-pay and graphic arts color markets.
- The split between A3 and A4 color page printers has remained fairly stable, historically, but A4 penetration is expected to increase throughout the forecast period, reaching 96% by 2009.
- While shipments will move to multipass technology during the forecast period, IDC expects that, in the long term, the market will shift back to single-pass engines. The single-pass value of shipments makes up the majority of the market and is expected to grow as a percentage of the market throughout the forecast.
"Within the combined color page printer and color laser MFP market, the A4
multipass segment is the fastest growing, with a 2004-2009 shipment CAGR of
30%. Vendors will have to balance the race for lower price points with the need
for faster color speeds. In the end, as single-pass engines drop in speed,
vendors will be able to offer both speed and low prices to their customers." -
Alyson Frasco, director, Worldwide Hardcopy Trackers and Forecasts
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