14 DAY TRIAL // Television sets, those with flat panels at any rate, used to have quite hefty prices back in the second quarter of 2011, but that situation no longer applies.
In fact, not only does the situation no longer apply, but one might say it made a 180 degree-turn.
Due to a combination of economic uncertainty and frantic efforts by TV manufacturers to encourage year-end sales, the situation has been turned on its head.
Now, US flat-panel TVs are at their cheapest, or were during November, as far as the past eight months are concerned at any rate.
“The November low reflects the usual trend of television prices beginning their descent as the holiday season begins, punctuated by the major discounts seen during Black Friday,” said Lisa Hatamiya, research associate for displays at IHS.
“This is also the time of sharp price reductions in the channel, with brands eager to move shipments to meet revenue targets and pushing out sets with older features to make way for new models in the coming year.”
The unemployment rate in the United States made sure that demand was as weak as it could possibly be, or close enough to that level that the difference is negligible.
Thus, manufacturers resorted to a very intense competition, since there aren't enough customers to go around.
In other words, TVs have been the cause of what amounts to a genuine price war.
Flat-panel LCDs and plasma screens sold, on average, for $1,113.91 (853 Euro, give or take) in November, according to an IHS iSuppli U.S. TV Price & Specifications Tracker report from information and analysis provider IHS.
March is the closest month to now (December, 2011) when the price was lower ($1,086.64 / 832.41 Euro).
October seemed to paint a more promising picture, with the price growing slightly compared to September (to $1,152.55 / 883 Euro) but it was not meant to be.
US TV prices are expected to further drop in price this last month of 2011.