Is the bottom falling out from under HDTV Prices?

[kexodusc]

You can also blame it on the "Wal-Mart" effect. As traditionally Non-Electronic retailers enter the market they are driving the prices down. Granted most knowledgeable A/V buyers are not going to be buying their HDTV/ AV equipment at either Target or Wal-Mart, but enough are being drawn like flies to a light that it is depressing margins at other more traditional outlets.

Look at CC, BB, and many idependants. Many are now on the ropes (CC) or are suffering profit/earnings issues because of Wal-Mart/Target depressing prices.

Also adding to the issue of price depression is a glut of supply. As MFGs race to fill the shelves of these stores, supply is piling up as consumers are running out of money to buy them. Consequently prices are cut even more to reduce growing inventory.

I read an article in I forget what a/v mag, that basically said the the newer technologies (DLP, Plasma, LCD) are cheaper to build and ship, and preserve better margins than the old CRT's did simply because the technologies are less fussy. If that's the case, prices could get a lot lower.

This is great. I think the HDTV thing for the first time in decades (probably since the introduction of color) is giving buyers a reason to get a new TV and ditch the old one.
What will be interesting to see is if these sales are sustainable over the next 5 - 10 years. We could be in a situation where future price cuts are used to lure consumers into upgrading sooner. Not unlike the car biz.

I think my mom and dad owned a Sears brand TV and a woodgrain RCA from the early 80's for 17 years - they've had 3 sets since that model. Since 2000, I've bought 2 primary sets myself. Could be we're seeing the whole planned obsolescence model enter the TV industry?

[Groundbeef]

I think my mom and dad owned a Sears brand TV and a woodgrain RCA from the early 80's for 17 years - they've had 3 sets since that model. Since 2000, I've bought 2 primary sets myself. Could be we're seeing the whole planned obsolescence model enter the TV industry?

My wife and I had a Mitsubishi 20" for about 14 years. It was doing well until the cleaning lady knocked it off the shelf (

I hope that new TV's last a long time. I've had my 37" Sony Plasma for 4 years now, and its still going strong. It better last about 6 more.