By Carl Laron on September 29, 2010 in
2010 hasn't been the jolliest of years so far for LCD TV makers, but the result might be a very happy holiday season for shoppers looking to put one of the sets under the tree. As CNNMoney.com reports, slower-than-expected LCD TV sales have resulted in an oversupply of LCD panels, which should translate to lower TV prices just in time for Christmas. How low could things go? No one's quite sure, but DisplaySearch says that at the bottom, prices should be about 12 percent lower than they were last year. In addition, during blowout sales like those on Black Friday, the price cuts could be even steeper.
Some LCD TV predictions for the holidays
Quoting a prediction from iSuppli, a market research firm, CNNMoney.com says that it's not unreasonable to expect to see 32-inch LCD TVs as cheap as $200, though most will retail for between $250 and $300. The article compares that with current selling prices that are about $100 higher.
If you're looking for something a bit larger, Dealnews.com has weighed in with its annual predictions for the biggest Black Friday bargains. Editors there say that the "best bang for your buck" will be for a 55-inch LCD TV, adding that a top-tier (LG, Toshiba or Vizio as opposed to Sony or Samsung, however) 120-Hz, 1080p model could be yours for as little as $800, give or take a buck.
Don't have the budget -- or the wall space -- for a 55-inch TV? No problem, as Dealnews.com says that 46-inch/47-inch class 1080p sets will see cuts that are nearly as drastic. The site predicts that those will be 20 percent cheaper than in 2009 and that a 120-Hz, 1080p 46-inch or 47-inch LCD TV could be found for about $500
Finally, Dealnews.com says that while margins won't let retailers sell 40-inch or 42-inch LCD TVs for discounts that are quite as large, you still should be able to find one for around $400. That's a good price, but not an extraordinary one as it's been reached a few times already this year, the site reports.
In the past, Dealnews.com has done pretty will with its holiday price forecasts, though its crystal ball does get a little cloudy on occasion. For example, Dealnews.com missed the mark on 40/42-inch sets by around 10 percent last year. On the other hand, the site nailed some of its other predictions (such as one for 52-inch LCD TVs) to the dollar. Dealnews.com also notes that its predictions are for the absolute lowest prices you might find, and might require dealing with mail-in rebates. Average prices could be a bit (or a lot) higher.
Note that market researchers don't expect these lower LCD TV prices to last for long. Paul Gagnon, director of TV research at DisplaySearch, says that once big discounts begin appearing, LCD TV sales should pick up. In addition, iSuppli reports that LCD panel makers have already severely cut back production. The result, CNNMoney.com says, is that prices should begin moving back up by the end of December or early next year.
By the way, if you're considering buying a new LCD TV for the holidays, don't forget to look at the ConsumerSearch report on LCD TVs. There, you'll find our take on the best performers overall, and the best LCD TVs for those on a budget.