TV prices fall 22 percent in September
If you thought the days of massive price drops in HDTV prices were over, think again. According to a survey by DisplaySearch, average global Internet pricing across all TV categories fell by a whopping 22 percent in September compared with the same month last year.
TV prices have plummeted again, especially among big-screen models.
(Credit: CNET)The survey found that larger models experienced the biggest drops year-over-year. In one example, worldwide prices for 52-inch LCDs--the largest popular size--fell 30 percent since last September, while 20-inch LCDs only fell 4 percent. In the North American region, one of the four tracked by the survey, the drop in the 52-inch LCD size was 30 percent (from $2,791 to $1,951), while 40-inch models fell by a more modest 21 percent (from $1,915 to $1,508). In North America, the average price of a TV fell by 16 percent.
September's numbers are telling, but if past years are any indication, price drops should continue through the holiday season. In fact, for people who want to buy a new TV this year, the operative question, given retail price cuts in the face of impending recession, is how low they will go.
What do you think? Are falling prices enough to tempt you to get that new TV this holiday season? Or is economic uncertainty pushing a TV purchase toward the bottom of your priorities? Let us know in the comments section below.
(Via TWICE)
David Katzmaier reviews HDTVs for CNET. 
I waited 2 years, hoping to see a true 1080p with 50,000:1 in this range, and alas it came. I realize you'll probably write the same story next year about prices dropping further, however at some point you have to pick a good product and jump in, and i personally felt now was the time.
Brief review: product is spectacular. Yes, I realize you could spend $1,500 more and get the 9-series, 2,000,000:1 contrast, LED backlight, but for what I paid, I don't honestly believe there is a better product on the market. 4 HDMI, picture is fantastic, color options and e-mode presets are great and easy if you don't want to set it up yourself, good menu (although the remote is pretty much trash - the biggest downside, but who uses stock remotes anyway?).
I am not aware that there is an alternative but I welcome enlightenment.
Cheers Bill
Thanks
However, since my current 32" CRT is adequate and still pluggin' away, I will still hold out for a fairly priced 37-40" sized LED backlit LCD set with 1080p and 120 Hz refresh. I'll likely also wait to see how the initial models fare in reliability and energy consumption before making the plunge to flat panel.
by the way the TV has excellent HD and u don't need to spend an extra $500 for 1080p when shopping for anything 40" and lower.
"T"
I couldn't resist and took the Panasonic back and picked up the Samsung. I couldn't be happier as their is a noticeable difference between the Panasonic & the Samsung. The Samsung is outstanding especially at the price I bought it at. There are great deals out there if you have the dough right now which many people don't. I later found a deal on a Harmony 1 Remote for 150.00 from Dell.com. I couldn't be happier with my new heavily discounted Home Theater setup.
NOW- if I had a bigger place, I'd consider spending extra on a bigger TV.
Have you heard anything in terms of what we can expect to see in 2009? I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 50" Panasonic plasma, but would be willing to wait a few months if there's something worth waiting for.
I don't necessarily think the performance from 2007 to 2008 models was all that significant. It just seemed the list of standard features grew (slightly).
- by cldmello November 14, 2008 1:20 PM PST
- I bought my Toshiba HDTV during Christmas last year from Amazon. Had I bought it during the Black Friday sale, I would have spent atleast $1000 plus taxes for it. But waiting just one more month saved me close to $200 and I was able to get a home theater system with my savings.
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(18 Comments)So for those who just cant wait, go ahead and hope for the best deals. And for those with no immediate need for a TV, I think just around Christmas is the best time to buy! But dont wait too long, coz come New Year and the prices will be back to the regular levels.