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Sep 16, 2008 -- Clark predicts outrageous flat-screen TV prices to come
This is now the third year in a row that Clark is crowing about great deals on HDTV flat-screens for the holiday season. But the deals this year will be so good that he wants to venture an outrageous prediction.
On Black Friday, Clark thinks we'll see lead prices of $499 on 42-inch flat-screens. He has no factual evidence or insider knowledge to support this belief. But there is an oversupply in the factory capacity for making the screens, so Clark believes he may be on the mark.
There will also be great deals on plasma TVs during the holidays. Plasmas have fallen out of favor even though they're often better than LCDs. If you have a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light, you might want to try a plasma screen.
Most of the deals you'll see will be on 720p resolution screens -- even though 1080p is being marketed as the "full" high-definition television experience. But the signal coming from your cable or satellite company is likely to be somewhere in the 480p-720p range. So there's no need to buy 1080p. You probably won't see much difference unless you're on a 50-inch screen or larger.
Meanwhile, Clark thinks Sony's tiny little OLED screen blows away anything that might wow you right now. So his core advice is to always buy current technology -- not the leading-edge state of the art stuff that always costs too much and will soon be outdated.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
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What others are saying
LCD vs. Plasma
Take it from a Graphic Artist who uses his TV as the Computer monitor and Television and DVD viewer. LCD is waaaaaaay better! My roommate has a new Panasonic Plasma and I could never use that for working on critical graphic projects. Movies look O.K. on his set but even sharper on mine. Of course I have a Sony XBR4 1080p which is one of the best LCD's.
Cheers.
LCD TVs: Resolution vs "Speed"
While 1080p is superior, another important consideration is the 'speed' (refresh rate)of the set. Especially for screens >40 in., and for viewing sports events, look for a 120 HZ (4 msec) processor! The older 60 HZ (8 msec)screens are the one mosts likely to be 'On Sale'.
Clark's Opinion
I'd like to hear Clark revisit his recommendation of plasma tv. I think he should consider ALL aspects of the technology - especially the power draw difference between plasma and lcd. Of course the new dlp led sets draw even less power.
Plasma TV
I must defend my position on Plasma vs LCD. Having purchased hundreds of screens for hotel chains and entertainment venues the most, repair issues have surfaced with Plasma sets. The cost of repairs also has been much higher with Plasmas when they fail - which was almost double the rate of lcd's. In side by side tests we do with potential purchasers who fall for the "plasma mystique" and status of owning a "plasma" started by sports fans --- only an occasional viewer can discern the difference between a plasma and lcd image - we even give individuals the opportunity to tweak the picture settings to their liking. In short and to summarize; Plasma is overrated as a technology, over priced in many instances, more expensive to repair, operates hotter than lcd and DEFINITELY draws more power during normal use. This is opinion based on purchasing experience and numerous disappointed clients who insisted on plasma only to convert to lcd as their final choice. Incidentally, Ive been in the business for more than 35 years and purchased millions in audio visual equipment for clients.
Plasma vs LCD
It always irks me when people give out bad information as if they are an expert on the subject. Robert Vargo is off of the mark with his comments. Yes plasmas can consume more power then an LCD. The average plasma runs at about 20% of its max operating power. However they are rated at their max power consumption and that is why you power consumption ratings are so biased towards LCD. I have been in the Home Theater industry for about 8 years and consider myself very knowledgeable on the subject. However dont take my word for it an independent research firm did a study in 2005 on Plasma vs. LCD and other technology. Most of the information is still dead on. The test was performed using Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) testing methods and standards. (the research was funded by Pioneer Electroncis)
Search Google for: Pioneer Plasma Mythbusting
The report is called the white pages and will be the first link.
I currently own 7 TV sets from 32-65 all within the last 5 years. Plasma is my favorite.
Plasma
I'm surprised that Clark does not refer to the enormous power plasma technology requires along with high temperature operating. LCD is a greener technology and seriously, very few can appreciate the black level difference touted for plasma. I specify purchasing for many hotels, resorts, entertainment venues. I steer clear of plasma and look to greener technology such as lcd and even the newer dlp sets.
content
I'm all in favor of improving the quality of life, but, honestly, is the current TV content really worth a big outlay? Listen to Clark and drive the prices down!
This is Great Info!
My hubby and I were looking at purchasing 1 - 4 HDTV flat screens to compliment home renovations we've done. We'll definitely be waiting for another few months thanks to Clark!
Thanks Clark!
1080p
I'd like to put to ease the thought that it's not worth to buy a 1080p television below (majority of people say 42", though the above poster said 50"). Resolution is all based on viewing distance. Sitting too far away (proportional to screen size) will make the image seem not as crisp. If you sit at the proper distance, 1080p is absolutely worth it. Check out this easy to read chart as a guide: http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html
Plasma/LCD TVs
I think that these should come down in price. Most do not have the same shelf life as the old tube tvs and are extremely expensive to repair. I;ve been waiting!
TV prices
I believe Clark may be right. On Black Friday I'm positive we will see prices at this mark. And there is absolutely no need for 1080p under 50 inches.