LCD TV Prices to Dive Even Lower in 2008

by Will Safer — Dec 27th 2007 at 1:48PM

Sharp Aquos LCD TV

While all the focus in consumer tech is on Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD let's not forget the other ongoing format war: LCD vs. plasma TV. While the high-definition disc war makes trouble for consumers (which format to choose?) the competition in flat panel displays only helps us because continued efficiencies in manufacturing processes make these TVs more affordable.

Look no further than the report by research firm DisplaySearch on the expected drop in prices for larger-size LCD panels in the coming years. To this point, the plasma TV makers, and primarily Panasonic, have counted on LCD being too expensive in the larger screen sizes, basically 37 inches diagonally and above. Now, if DisplaySearch is right, by 2010 production costs for a 32-inch HD LCD TV will drop below $400, a 42-inch full HD panel to below $600 and a 52-inch full HD panel to below $1,000. (Note: production costs don't necessary equate to final costs on the retail store shelves.)

Plasma TV proponents have maintained that for screen sizes 37 inches and above their technology is the best – both in terms of cost and quality. LCD has dominated the smaller screen sizes – meaning everything from small screens on digital cameras and cell phones to TVs measuring up to 32-inches diagonally – but the real test is to go large.

Companies like Sharp are counting on diving LCD prices and expansion into the larger sizes – and ultimately into consumers' homes. Sony stopped marketing plasma TV in 2006, instead banking on LCD. Samsung and Panasonic, among others, market both kinds of devices – but it is no secret that Panasonic has bet its future on large plasma displays coming out on top.

If the plasma TV manufacturers are not able to similarly push their production costs down in the coming years, will this mark the end of their dominance in the larger screen sizes? Only time will tell.

We expect prices to drop for both technologies, whether due to manufacturing efficiency or retail competition. The consumer benefits. Stay tuned.

From DigiTimes

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

zahipedia said 12:45AM on 10-20-2008

I think it's a good news.

it will increase the people buying power.

Here is a similar article.

http://www.zahipedia.com/2008/10/19/falling-prices-for-lcd-screens-predicted/

mlbarnwell said 1:34PM on 6-15-2009

has anyone heard about toshiba going into bankruptcy? i wouldnt be sorry about it..just curious, and hoping it is true.

David said 6:11PM on 12-27-2007

Okay, so when are the PROGRAMS going to get better?

BTW: "You're Fired" is NOT a "classic TV catch phrase."

icewater199 said 11:33PM on 12-27-2007

You failed to mention DLP TV's, did they all of a sudden fall out of favor?

A D said 1:54PM on 12-28-2007

And OLED will trump all these technologies.

Too bad the lying bastards from Asia will screw us out of any chance that they can be made in the US. Don't think they are liars? Look at the phony interest rates they've played with for the last few decades. Thanks to the phonies in elected office, they are looting this country while these "representatives" are getting thier pockets filled by the Asian liars.

NewLiFi from Panasonic said 3:30PM on 12-29-2007

I have been researching new plasmas, new LCD, Microdisplay, DLP, and finnaly after my son purchased 2 different plasmas(beware of the burn-in), one LCD(flickered in middle of screen when changing scenes of movies and games), I decided to go with the LiFI from Panasonic LCD TV. It is so great a tv so far. No CONS as of yet. Panasonic PT-56LCZ70, 56"diagonal 1080p LCD TV. A great number of features and uncompromised quailty for the price. Its only about 16.5' deep, while this isn't necessary a con, it isn't as deep as some of the predecessors nor nearly as heavy. Would recommend to anyone who needs or wants a large TV.

cme4brain said 8:05AM on 12-29-2007

Rear projection TV's, especially DLP, are great sets for the money, and have the best picture IMHO. However, the price drop of LCD and plasma have allowed flat screen prices to approach rear projection, and it appears that the public wants a poorer flat screen picture over a better, but larger, rear projection TV. The "gee whiz" factor of a wall mountable flat screen seems to be more of a purchase factor over picture quality.

Daniel Gaunt said 2:24PM on 12-30-2007

Technoloogy prices always fall! it's hardly big news. I'm waiting for the ps3 to come down in price around march 2008...

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richard Meacham said 2:28PM on 12-30-2007

I have a sony sxrd 50". Where does that fit in in the quality mix?
I have been quite happy with it for 1 1/2 yrs now.

Totoe said 3:48PM on 12-30-2007

Rear projection (DLP)has a hot projector lamp that requires a noisy fan. You will not like the noise. Also their angle of view is not good. When you stand up from your chair, the TV will look dimmer. I had one and returned it for a much more expensive plasma.

John American said 4:38PM on 12-30-2007

American corporations will continue to look for cheap labor in foreign lands thanks to the minorities in this country sueing for anything and everything !
FACT

John American said 4:43PM on 12-30-2007

We have a 60" LG plamma....WOW !!!!!!
Fantastic picture !!!!!!!

marion said 5:15PM on 12-30-2007

ANT NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF MINDLESS TO WATCH ON THESE OLD ONES.WHO WANTS TO PAY MORE TO WATCH IT!

j p said 5:44PM on 12-30-2007

Wheres DLP????

patrick said 5:47PM on 12-30-2007

I have a Panasonic HDTV and it really sucks. They do not make TV's that lasts longer enough for the money. Never will I buy Panasonic again

Ray said 5:55PM on 12-30-2007

I remember growing up my dad worked at Westinghouse. They made TV sets with tubes. They were made here in America. Those were good times when people had good paying jobs and they worked hard. Why do we have this free trade ? People right here can make things as good or better than in other countries. It is our fault and we are to blame every time we buy things that are not made in this Country

Liz said 6:09PM on 12-30-2007

I agree 100% with Ray !!!!!! Seems we share the same background.

debra said 6:13PM on 12-30-2007

I rememeber black and white with 3 channels to watch.Tv was free he we were happy.and the shows were much better.All this changing technogly .I can't keep up with it..and im 47.I don't reaaly like change ,.it drives me nuts.lol

bill b said 6:39PM on 12-30-2007

NOTHING WORTH WATCHING ON A 12 BLACK & WHITE WHY BUY A LARGE SCREEN TO WATCH JUNK???????????????????????

Jaques Benny said 6:47PM on 12-30-2007

The shows weren't any better back when there were only three chanels.....your memory is now that much worse. The fact that there are now 100 or more channels, with 95 crappy shows (per 100) just magnifies the stupidity that mass audiences crave.

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'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

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Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.

Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.

Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.

HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.

HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.

HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.

GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.

Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.

Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.

Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.

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