UK CPIH annual rate: audio-visual equipment
UK CPIH annual rate: audio-visual equipment stood at 0.9% in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Consumer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1989 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Consumer price inflation table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPIH annual rate by group | |||||||||||
| Audio-visual equipment and related products | 0.9 | 3 | 1.2 | -1.5 | 0.1 | -4.2 | -2.4 | -1.8 | -1.8 | 2.7 | |
| Other recreational items, gardens and pets | 0.6 | -0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | 1.4 | -0.3 | -1.2 | 0.4 | 0.6 |
Understanding UK CPIH annual rate: audio-visual equipment
Evaluating twelve-month consumer price shifts for electronic entertainment hardware across the United Kingdom, this metric covers television sets, photographic equipment, sound systems, and recording media. Included are high-definition displays, cameras, portable audio players, and blank recording media purchased at retail. Excluded are broadcasting subscription fees, cinema tickets, and computing hardware such as desktop PCs and tablets. This series measures the tangible devices used for capturing and playing back sound and vision.
Technological advancement and rapid product obsolescence create persistent deflationary pressures in this category, requiring hedonic quality adjustments by statisticians. Annual comparisons are necessary to interpret price movements fairly against a background of improving product specifications at stable nominal price points. Analysts should be cautious when comparing these goods with service-based media fees, as hardware prices often trend downward while subscription costs rise.
Frequently asked questions
- What items fall under audio-visual equipment and related products?
- Televisions, cameras, speakers, headphones, and media recording devices purchased by consumers are included.
- Are streaming subscriptions and television licences part of this series?
- No, broadcasting licences and digital streaming fees are categorised under recreational services.
- How do quality improvements affect this index over time?
- Quality adjustments account for enhanced technical features, ensuring price comparisons reflect genuine cost changes rather than upgrades.