According to respondents in TFCinfo's latest market research study, more than half of US churches are looking to purchase and expand upon their projection and video display systems. With over 350,000 churches and houses of worship in the US, many of them already heavy users of audiovisual equipment, it is clear to see the opportunities and potential that this market presents to manufacturers, dealers, consultants and integrators.
For over twelve years TFCinfo has been studying the worship market, and has recently released findings from their latest report entitled "The Use of Video Displays in American Churches 2016." This extensive end-user research study was conducted in conjunction with Church Production Magazine and Church Designer Magazine and explores the use of projectors, flat panels, LED video walls and other video displays in American churches.
The house of worship market continues to grow in all segments. Larger churches are buying more projectors and displays than in the past, and they are being used for a wider number of purposes including digital signage, satellite venues, and portable applications. Smaller churches are also becoming more technically sophisticated as display technologies have become more affordable and easier to use.
One of the many interesting trends that this recurring study tracks is equipment brand preference and the importance with which churches view name brand during their purchase process. “This research shows that nearly 60% of all respondents state that brand is extremely or very important to them in their purchasing process for projectors,” states Tanya Lippke, TFCinfo Director of Survey Market Research. “The importance of brand name during selection is even higher for flat panel displays with 65%. This means that manufacturers' efforts to solidify the brand image of their product line to the house of worship marketplace can have a significant impact, but only if the manufacturers make a concerted effort to learn how to reach this unique market that has different needs from most other segments in our industry.”
The top projector brands being most considered for purchase in the church market include: Barco, BenQ, Canon, Christie, Eiki, Epson, Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic, Sony, and Viewsonic. Some of the top flat panel display brands being most considered include LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio.
The results of this research, such as these brand rankings, are extensively analyzed and dissected by church size and geographic location, allowing readers to compare and contrast similarities and differences seen in churches across the US.
The religious market continues to grow, and churches are still waiting for more manufacturers and dealers to understand their needs and respond with appropriate solutions, support, and guidance. Manufacturers and dealers who establish a positive presence in this market, can benefit long term by virtue of how closely knit this market is. This 300-page report describes the following areas in detail:
-- Market Trends in American Churches
-- Projector Use, Purchasing, and Preferences
-- Flat Panel Display Use, Purchasing, and Preferences
-- LED Video Wall Use and Purchasing
-- Networked Displays, Future Purchases, and AV Budgets
-- Unique Needs in Houses of Worship
-- Knowledge of Brands and Those Considered For Purchase
-- Ways to Sell and to Whom
For a complete brochure and outline of this study, or for more information on purchasing, please contact Tanya Lippke, Director of Survey Market Research, at (207) 783-0055 or tmlippke@tfcinfo.net.
