Have flat-panel TV prices hit bottom?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

That's the claim of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council -- hardly an unbiased source, but certainly worth listening to -- which says that after a recent 50 percent drop in LCD screen prices, things may be headed back upward in the near future and that "now may be the best time to take advantage of low prices."Naturally the industry would love to get you to buy more of its products, but the numbers are compelling despite the marketing bluster. 32-inch LCD TVs are now available for as little as $350 online, and for (as I write this) about $430 at major retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon.

To put that in perspective, prices for similar-size TVs were in the $500 to $600 range, depending on the retailer, as recently as six months ago. Today's prices represent enormous discounts and are probably, as the TETDC states, due to start creeping back up as demand rises.

The Taiwan Trade Center's press release on the topic offers this gem: "LCD TV prices have fallen so much that even farmers in China can afford to buy them, according to Witsview’s Henry Wang. Demand from the more than 1.3 billion people in China is one of the factors that is likely to drive prices higher, he said." (Emphasis added.)

So, have prices really hit bottom? With margins essentially zero (or less) on TVs being sold today, it's hard to see much more downside for the business. If you've been sitting on the fence as you consider a new TV or an upgrade to a smaller set, now may indeed by the right time to buy. Assuming, of course, you still have a job...

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/142023

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I've seen 37" 1080 TVs going for around $700-$850. Prices haven't changed that a great deal imo.

Certainly not given how shitty the economy is right now.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I've seen 37" 1080 TVs going for around $700-$850. Prices haven't changed that a great deal imo.

Certainly not given how shitty the economy is right now.

I wish they'd just give them away.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If I found a 1080 res 37" for $500 - I'd buy it.

[GiGii 4]

They said that they'd be the lowest prices ever for Black friday in 08, and i was not pleased with any of the prices, hardly a "bottom" for me. Also a $400 flat screen that is some crappy rinky dinky brand is worthless to me.

[GaryC 7]

If I found a 1080 res 37" for $500 - I'd buy it.

This one is not quite $500 but it's close to it.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?...uct_id=10980680

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I've seen 37" 1080 TVs going for around $700-$850. Prices haven't changed that a great deal imo.

Certainly not given how shitty the economy is right now.

I wish they'd just give them away.

.....To illegal aliens so that it would be fair to all.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If I found a 1080 res 37" for $500 - I'd buy it.

This one is not quite $500 but it's close to it.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?...uct_id=10980680

I'd have to take a look - the picture quality seems to differ quite a lot between different sets.

Costco had a 37" Vizio that had amazing picture quality at that resolution - that was bout $600-$700. I thought that brand was a bit iffy - but the 1080 model had better picture quality than anything else they had on display.

I have the money - just need to convince the wife its a good idea :wink:

[spookyturtle 9,466]

If I found a 1080 res 37" for $500 - I'd buy it.

This one is not quite $500 but it's close to it.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?...uct_id=10980680

I'd have to take a look - the picture quality seems to differ quite a lot between different sets.

Costco had a 37" Vizio that had amazing picture quality at that resolution - that was bout $600-$700. I thought that brand was a bit iffy - but the 1080 model had better picture quality than anything else they had on display.

I have the money - just need to convince the wife its a good idea :wink:

Just ask that mothafvkin Barry to give you one.

[moni_calla 0]

Sears had a sale not too long ago and some of their 42" were on sale for $1080 (LG and Samsung), which was an amazing price!