Key Takeaways
- First-quarter 2026 direct-view LED (DVLED) revenue rose 2% from a year earlier
- PMA Research reports growth slowed but remained positive early in 2026
- Other display categories declined against a tariff-driven spike in first-quarter 2025
- Distribution sales shifted toward all-in-one models, while Pro AV favored custom systems
PMA Research, the San Juan Capistrano, Calif,-based, information firm covering large-screen displays, reports that North American direct-view LED (DVLED) revenue increased 2% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, extending growth even as the pace slowed.
The company, which was recently acquired by Apogee Insights, released the findings in its March 2026 Direct-View LED Tracking Report, which measures sell-through activity from North American distributors, pro AV dealers and systems integrators serving commercial markets.
What does PMA Research’s latest DVLED report show?
PMA Research’s latest DVLED report shows that revenue continued to grow in the first quarter of 2026, though at a slower rate than earlier periods. According to PMA, DVLED sales remained on a positive path while several other display categories posted year-over-year declines.
PMA attributes part of that comparison to elevated sales in the first quarter of 2025, when buyers accelerated purchases because of tariff concerns and possible price increases.
Courtesy / PMA Research
Why did other display categories decline year over year?
Other display categories declined year over year because they were measured against unusually high first-quarter 2025 sales. PMA reports that the earlier period was inflated by tariff-driven buying as customers moved quickly to avoid possible cost increases.
That dynamic created a tougher comparison for early 2026 results across display segments outside direct-view LED.
How did the distribution channel change in early 2026?
The distribution channel shifted further toward all-in-one DVLED models in early 2026. PMA reports that all-in-one products accounted for 53% of year-to-date distribution revenue, up from 49% in the first quarter of 2025.
In March, DVLED revenue in the distribution channel also increased by low single digits from the previous month, according to the report.
What happened in the Pro AV channel?
The pro AV channel favored custom DVLED configurations in March. PMA reports that custom setups generated more than 50% of DVLED revenue in that channel, surpassing all-in-one systems.
The report notes that custom DVLED walls typically require the design, configuration and installation skills of systems integrators, which helps explain the channel mix.
