Meko Press Releases |
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Video Duty Warning for Monitor Vendors
DATE: 30th January 2004
European Market Research Consultancy, Meko, is warning monitor suppliers that new customs rules could mean higher duty on all DVI-capable displays. The publisher of Display Monitor is encouraging vendors to work together to oppose the regulations. New guidance from customs authorities indicates that computer monitors 'must be capable of displaying signals from a computer and no other source'. Customs have already interpreted this to mean that any Plasma monitor with DVI will be liable for the higher 14% video monitor duty as some set-top boxes and DVD players have DVI outputs. Plasma monitors with expansion slots, ports or internal space for adding video or DVI boards will also be classified as video monitors. Customs have said that they will be targeting LCDs next. "This is a very significant issue for the computer industry," cautioned Bob Raikes of Meko. "The DVI digital interface is the future of monitors, with almost a third of all monitors worldwide already using the technology. DVI delivers better image quality and easier set-up to users. Furthermore, the monitor is often the most expensive component in a personal computer. Adding 14% duty will either penalise those in Europe that want to invest in a desktop computer, or force European buyers to do without the ergonomic advantages of digital interfaces. The EU wants to encourage high technology to help Europe to be a serious competitor in world technology markets. Adding significant cost to PCs doesn't seem to be a step in the right direction". Industry insiders have warned that that this could only be the start, with the possibility of higher duty eventually being extended to all monitors. As there is no association of monitor suppliers in Europe, Meko has taken the lead in organising a meeting of vendors to discuss the issue and see if any common action can be taken. Experts in the field will be present to advise vendors how to proceed. ViewSonic has kindly agreed to host this meeting. To book a place at the meeting or find out more, call Meko on +44 (0)1276 22677 or e-mail lindan@meko.co.uk Meko is a specialist market research consultancy and publisher providing advice and data for the European displays market. For information on its range of reports and the Display Monitor newsletter call +44 (0)1276 22677, e-mail sales@meko.co.uk or visit http://www.meko.co.uk. ends Notes for editors: DVI is the standard digital interface used to send images from desktop PCs to monitors. It was supported by Intel and other companies and details can be found at http://www.ddwg.org For more information about Meko contact: E-mail: bobr@meko.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1276 22677 http://www.meko.co.uk If you would like to receive press releases from Meko as soon as they are available, please send a blank email to: ListServer@meko.co.uk, with the subject line 'Subscribe MekoNews'. |