Plasma TVs quickly become affordable
Date: August 10, 2004
The prices of plasma TVs have fallen quickly over the last few years. Unlike the color television, which took 10 years from the time they were introduced to the time the masses could afford them, technology prices drop much more quickly these days. When first introduced, modern TVs – plasma, lcd or rear projection – are still out of reach of most consumers. But, within a year or two, their prices fall to much more reasonable values.
Plasma TVs should follow the path taken by other consumer electronics products. Six or seven years ago, the state-of-the-art DVD player sold in upwards of $1,100. These days, you can get one for $39. A recent report from the NPD Group Inc. showed prices for the 27 best selling consumer electronic goods fell to an overall value of $12,362 in May, 2004. That’s a decline of 3.1 percent since April, 2004 and more than $1,000 lower than at the beginning of 2004. When compared to May, 2003, that basket of goods is $2,600 lower.
Prices for televisions decline the fastest amongst electronics products. 50-inch Pioneer wide screen plasma TVs were selling for $14,000 a year ago at Best Buy. Today, a new set with comparable features is priced at $9,000. Part of the reason is the increase in supply as manufacturers try to meet consumer demand. Flat panel television manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic have ramped up production, increased quality and improved features on all their lines of television products. Thankfully, all this means more choices and lower prices for consumers and businesses looking to add a sleek new flat panel television to their family rooms or boardrooms.
Here's our advice on purchasing plasma TVs and other flat panel televisions: go for the model that was introduced six months or a year ago for the best prices. Chances are the feature sets haven't changed much but the prices have declined significantly.
More articles at our Flat Screen TV Articles page.
