Flat-panel TVs to Black Friday: We're back!

If you've held off buying an LCD or plasma TV in hopes of lower prices this holiday season, it looks like your gambit is going to pay off. According to several analysts, LCD and plasma TV prices once again will be significantly lower this year compared to last. That's especially true for Black Friday, which kicks off the weekend after Thanksgiving, when you might encounter some never-before-seen deals. Among the reasons for the price drops are an oversupply of LCDs and competition between LCD and plasma in more screen sizes.

According to Austin, Texas-based market research firm DisplaySearch, LCD TV prices will drop 15 to 20 percent on average below last year’s prices, while plasma sets could sell for 20 to 25 percent less than at this time last year.

You’ll find even bigger bargains in certain size categories. For example, DisplaySearch predicts the average selling price of 40-inch and larger LCD sets could drop by 25 to 30 percent. As a result, the average price of a 52-inch 1080p set will drop from about $2,800 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to just under $2,000 by the end of 2008, while a 46- or 47-inch 1080p sets will fall from about $1,800 to just over $1,350. The average price for a 40- or 42-inch 1080p set will drop from nearly $1,400 at the end of last year to $991 this year. Those looking for a smaller set could also be in for some bargains, as DisplaySearch sees prices falling about 23 percent for 32-inch TVs, and 21 percent for 26-inch models.

On the plasma front, look for price cuts in the 30-percent range overall, though a 50-inch 1080p set will drop about 36 percent to under $1,600 on average, down from about $2,500 last year, according to DisplaySearch. Another firm, Portland, Oregon-based Quixel Research, sees even more aggressive pricing during Black Friday promotions, with major brand sets of this type selling for $1,500—head to head with 52-inch LCD 1080p models—and secondary brands falling as low as $1,000. During 2009, Quixel forecasts, prices of 58-inch plasmas will fall below $2,500.

For the most aggressive Black Friday forecasts we’ve seen, visit DealNews.com  Among their predictions:

• a 42-inch 720p plasma set for $499
• a 50-inch 720p plasma TV for $699
• 42-inch 720p LCD TVs for $599
• 46- and 47-inch 1080p LCD sets for $799
• 52-inch 1080p LCD TVs for $1,199

And if you’re looking for the perfect accessory to complement that new TV, consider a Blu-ray player. DealNews.com believes that some models could hit $149, with player/movie bundles offered as low as $199. The site also says that top-tier Blu-ray movies could be available for under $10.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: John - 14 Nov - "Multiple Vizios ... what next..?"

Certainly NOT another one !

Return that latest one now, before any possible "issues" over which date controls their ( 90 ) days returns , etc.. Take a store credit / gift card etc., for whatever they will Not give you back as cash! Just get rid of that now.

Costco always has great promotions / sales on Toshiba & Panasonic from Thanksgiving thru New Year's ... even opens very early on Black Friday for super-specials, same as everyone else.

That's why you don't need to have the mess of returning while you might be trying to "snag" one of those others !

IF you don't want to bother with a D.I.Y. calibrating DVD, look at a TH-50PZ800U, which Does have an internal, one step "home" setting for certified THX coloring / shading!

Otherwise, a TH-50PZ80U or 85U is a safe bet. The ..80.. doesn't allow for P.C. Monitor usage.

Their least costly is on sale now at most stores ... TH-42PX80U ... $700, more or less.

Better Luck in future!

[John Kerr]

I bot two viso tv's One is a 62 inch plasma april 2006,And a 37 inch lcd,I have not used the 62 inch as much as the 37inch. But I just return It to costco. The lcd sreen had a dark shadow in the middle of the sreen. I Had it check out by costco concier and I was told it was no longer worth reparing.I Paid 1199.00,I was able to get back 832.00.But I was able to get back 832.00 But that for a costco instore credit. I Bot a new vizio 47 inch lcd for 500.oo more. I had not even monted it, and I found several problems with it. The top of the screen was showing wite lines,some channels would not fit the sreen the with and the top. You could strech the sreen but I was still unable to get the picture to fit. The tv had opption to widden the hv or the vertical but this would over size other chanel. I now have to take it back. I not sure what to do, because I need to replace it,but which tv do I get.Do I wait until the price drops in a few weeks. And what do I do for now & with the problems I have already a with larger 47 inch sreen with vizio.

[Tom]

I'm a CR subscriber and have found they like Samsung. Saw Samsung in the store and they are right - great pic. Saw a 46 at Sam's A540 for about $1500. Also I'm watching a site http://www.2008blackfridayads.com - they have a 52 Sony W4100 for $1999.

[Kent]

Here are some things to think about!

[lh]

I've had my LN46a650 for about two months now and i love it. Everyone that comes to my house and see this set comments on how great the picture is! Not one bad comment to make about this tv!

[James Willcox]

Hi, Robert—Thanks for the comment. Due to the number of TVs introduced each year, we can’t review every manufacturer’s set in every screen size. Our TV recommendations are based on models that we actually test in the lab. We typically find that models within the same series often have comparable image quality.

Both the A550 and A650 sets have consistently been high scorers in our Ratings. The 52-inch A650, which has 120Hz technology and excellent sound, is the highest-rated LCD we have. The A550 is also an excellent set that’s a bit less expensive, and which has a few less features. Based on our experience with Samsung’s sets, there’s a strong likelihood that the 46-inch A650 will perform similarly to its 52-inch sibling, though we can’t guarantee it since we didn’t review that set.

Hope this helps—and write back and let us know how you like your TV!--Jim Willcox

[Robert A,]

I've made earlier mistakes as a reader and advocate of CR. I bought similar models of TV's, but the same brand and screen size only later to find big difference in the value. They recommend in LCD TV's the Samsung model LN52a650, but the 550 in the 46" screen. I want to trade up to the 650 as it looks better in side by side comparison, especially watching fast moving sports.
It seems logical to assume the 650 is a better TV than the 550, but until CR says something you're on your own.
Also, the price difference is less than $200 for the upgrade. Does anybody have any experince with the LN46a650?

Thanks,
Robert

[J G]

Now if there was only something to watch on the new TV.

[alba]

Sweeeeeeet! I'm been watching LCD prices closely for the last few months waiting for a truly slick deal on a 46-incher. I just hope that the big name manufactures drop their prices too and not just the Syntax Olivia's and Vivio's of the world.