-Taiwanese DSC (Digital Still Camera) shipments to brand-name vendors and regional channel players peaked in the third quarter of 2004, reaching approximately 5.9 million units. Although recording a 12.4% increase sequentially and a 19.2% rise year on year, this shipment volume failed to meet original expectations. Taiwanese DSC shipment value totaled approximately US$549 million in the third quarter, climbing 11% sequentially and 25.1% year on year. While inventory pile-ups began to ease off, ASP (Average Selling Price) remained on its downward course, reaching US$92.4 in the third quarter.
Share of 3MP (Megapixel) DSC shipments edged down to 35%, while 4MP and 5MP models saw their aggregate share go up to over 50%, evidence of the continual trend toward higher resolutions. Additionally, rollouts of high-resolution models adopting CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors were put on low gear; mass production is not expected until the first quarter of 2005. As a result, CCD (Charged Couple Device) DSC shipments expanded rapidly in the third quarter, accounting for over 80% of Taiwanese shipments.
In the fourth quarter of 2004, Taiwanese makers are anticipated to receive increased orders from brand-name channel players. Coupled with their healthy relationship with existing brand-name vendors, Taiwanese DSC shipments are expected to approach approximately 5.7 million units, falling 5% sequentially yet still growing 14.7% year on year. As oil prices continue to rise and the future condition of the global economy remains murky, consumer demand is likely to play a more determining role in fourth-quarter DSC shipments.