Larger displays with higher resolutions are leading growth in the global professional graphics display category. According to DisplaySearch, shipments are forecast to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% through 2017. Dell was the leading global brand for professional graphics displays based on shipments in 2013, with 34% of the market; however, on a revenue basis, Eizo led the category at US$22 million. The ASP of Eizo displays in 2013 was US$1,858 compared to $756 for Dell.

"While worldwide shipment volumes are much lower for professional graphics displays than for standard desktop IT displays, the profit potential for the display brands is much higher," said Todd Fender, senior analyst of professional and commercial displays at DisplaySearch. "Professional displays do not have to compete as a commodity product, where price is more important than performance."

Ultra HD displays are expected to capture just 4% of the market in 2014; however, DisplaySearch forecasts that these high-resolution displays will have an 18% share of the market by 2017. Display sizes of 31.1-inch and above are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 314% through 2017; the 19- to 22-inch range CAGR will decline by 41%, as users shift to 23- to 24-inch displays.

"Average screen sizes are trending larger in many markets, including the professional graphics market, due to many factors, such as increased availability and lower price points," according to Fender. "Higher resolutions over 3-megapixel are also becoming more commonplace, as LCD panel manufacturers shift production to these higher resolution panels."