Just in time for the Super Bowl, a new batch of less expensive but extra large (read: 60- to 70-inch) high definition televisions unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month is pressuring prices in the large TV segment. And that will soon force 40- to 50-inch sets to come down in price too, according to NPD's Baker.
"It's a snowball effect, when larger screens are cheaper, it pushes smaller screens to a lower price point," explained Frank DeMartin, vice president of consumer product sales for Mitsubishi, which is now offering a 73-inch HDTV for less than $1,500. "That's good news for the consumer, bad new for us," he said.
Nearly everything from airfare to cotton clothing is going to cost more this year. So book your flights and buy your jeans now or else you'll be doling out some serious cash.
