LAS VEGAS, United States, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Factory-to-dealer sales of consumer electronics in the United States are projected to exceed 155 billion U.S. dollars in 2007, or a 7 percent growth year-on-year, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) forecast on Saturday.

    The semi-annual industry forecast came out on the eve of the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the world's largest consumer technology trade show.

    "The consumer electronics industry has outdone itself once again, with revenues totaling 145 billion dollars in 2006, and we're on track for another year of healthy growth," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro.

    "We surpassed original projections for the second year in a row, and the industry outlook is proof positive that Americans can't do without their beloved consumer electronics."

    CEA projected that display technologies will continue to be the star category in the industry and account for 26 billion dollars in revenues for 2007.

    Todd Thibodeaux, CEA's senior vice president of industry relations, said the display category will continue to fuel industry growth in 2007.

    "The TV market is setting all-time revenue records. CRT (Cathode-ray tube) -based sets are giving way to flat panel displays. The successful ongoing transition to digital television is driving demand in this market space," he said.

    Next-generation consoles will make the video game market one to watch in 2007. MP3 players continue to drive the audio market. CEA projected that MP3 players will account for 90 percent of the 6 billion dollars in revenues for the portable entertainment market. Thirty-four million MP3 players shipped in 2006 and an additional 41 million are expected to ship in 2007.

    Driving the mobile electronics market are portable navigation and GPS devices, evidence that consumers are continually looking for products that will keep them safe and make their automotive travel easier.

    Other product categories that will see substantial growth in 2007 are PCs, accessories and digital imaging devices. In 2006, shipment volumes of laptops eclipsed their desktop counterparts.

    Consumer electronics accessory sales also will grow in 2007, to the tune of 11 billion dollars, due in large part to an overall consumer emphasis on portability.

    Total digital imaging shipments are expected to exceed 32 million units, with revenues projected to reach 8 billion dollars, making 2006 and 2007 the best revenue years for this category.