IMS: Audio and video door phones in Asia forecast to grow 9.8%

Large-scale projects of audio and video door phones in Asia are forecast to grow in excess of 9.8 percent from this year until 2017, according to a new report by IMS Research (an IHS company). Despite the weak economic climate worldwide, the global market for audio and video door phones will be bolstered by Asia, especially through the region's large-scale projects sector comprising of 50 or more indoor units.

"Growth, not just from the emerging markets but also the established markets in Asia, is expected until 2017," said Oliver Philippou, Author and Market Analyst for Video Surveillance and Security Services. "The expansion will be driven by the increasing rate of urbanization. As lower and middle-class populations move to the cities, cheap mass housing such as high-rise flats will be needed. Such types of buildings lend themselves well to audio and video door phones, resulting in an increase in large-scale projects for these markets."

The audio and video door phone market is closely linked to the construction industry, specifically the residential building sector. However, the tough global economic environment has negatively impacted the residential construction market worldwide with a knock-on effect spilling over onto the audio and video door phone business as well.

Economic instability has particularly impeded growth in the mature markets. Several markets within the Euro zone are expected to suffer negative growth during the forecast period, while Japan and North America are anticipated to see half the growth of the emerging markets.

"Although large residential markets in general are expected to see an expansion, the fastest-growing space will be the commercial market, driven by an increase in investment from the private sector as economies begin to improve. Even so, government-funded markets are very likely to experience tough times as austerity measures being imposed will inhibit growth, especially within the Euro zone," Philippou noted.