HDTV pings
Posted on 11/17/2007 2:13:31 AM PST by Las Vegas Dave
Black Friday has traditionally treated early bird shoppers to a bonanza of great deals on High-Definition TVs and other products.
However, there are two reports today that suggest that the unofficial start of the holiday season may be a major disappointment -- for retailers and shoppers.
First, Gary Balter, a Credit Suisse analyst, issued a report today saying that retailers may not slash prices on high-def sets the way they did last year.
In 2006 on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, retailers cut prices on some HDTVs by as much as 30 percent, triggering a large boost in set sales.
But Balter says retailers, which lost money last year with the price cuts, are likely to be more careful this year.
"One of the larger bear arguments on consumer electronics retailer stocks is that the Black Friday massacre of 2006 will repeat itself this year," wrote Balter, according to Reuters. "Yet an analysis of the (Black Friday) ads as well as a look at LCD and plasma supply argue that this Black Friday will be less red and possibly even be black."
Several web sites have already leaked details of HDTV discounts at stores such as Costco, Sears and Wal-Mart. For instance, according to BlackFriday,info, Sears will sell a 42-inch LG Plasma HDTV for $899, a Panasonic 56-inch 1080p HDTV for $1,199 and a Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD player for $169.
But while retailers will cut prices on Black Friday this year, Balter cautions that the discounting won't be as deep as last year, perhaps leveling off at 23 percent.
"A Panasonic 50-inch plasma that was selling for $3,499 in September was offered for $1,699 and $1,899 on Black Friday in 2006," he said. "This led to widespread price declines across the market through Christmas, resulting in a significant decline in TV margins."
Meanwhile, the research firm ShopperTrak said today that holiday foot traffic on Black Friday and thereafter could fall 2.5 percent this year. He cites consumer concern over rising gas prices and the continued housing slump. "In terms of traffic, 2007 has been a rather slow year for retailers," said ShopperTrak's Bill Martin. "With rising gasoline prices and consumer confidence continuing to lag behind last year's levels, we don't see this trend changing during the holidays."
The pinged subjects will be those of HDTV technology, satellite/cable HD, OTA (over the air with various roof top and indoor antennas) HD reception. Broadcast specials, Blu-ray/HD-DVD, and any and all subjects relating to HD.
Las Vegas Dave
HDTV pings
But then, I'm one of those who makes a list and shops for 4 hours about two days before Christmas. Saves gas and money!!
From now to Christmas, there's a sale everyday. We've been re-programmed to shop early.
Years ago, Christmas was restocking wardrobes and giving the kids a treat. Life is different now. We do that all year round.
Good grief....Sellers make sales projections and if we don’t live up to that......we’ve doomed them. It’s a farce!!
Thanks for the ping.
Let’s see if I’ve got this right:
2006 had a “Black Friday massacre” because retailers and large discount stores took “deep” discounts on high-tech items, while this year they won’t offer discounts as deep and might even finish in the black. Hmmm. C’mon fella, you should be able to figure this one out, given enough time.
I’m remembering the NYT article where they tried to figure out why the crime rate was dropping despite “increased incarceration”, LOLOLOL!
Although I have to say that I’m just sick of articles every year that predict gloom and doom over the holiday season if people don’t max out their credit cards on Black Friday and buy, buy, buy the latest toys instead of exercising a little judgment and credit sense. People who are having hard times financially shouldn’t be buying big ticket items like this unless they get a pot of money for Christmas. And these gloom and doom articles always omit that internet sales are more than making up for any miniscule drop in foot traffic.
Okay, done ranting for now, LOL!
I was looking at TVs the other day, wishing. They sure look nice these days!
My TV picture is so dark.
If the scene is rather dark, all we see is pale flashes occasionally (arms, faces and such) we just go by the audio to tell what is happening. ha!
It’s not always like that. We see the picture if it’s really light and bright. But I long for the day when I can afford a new TV.
Life just wouldn't be worth living any more if retailers didn't take a hit and give their product away to those who WANT it and CAN'T afford it in the first place.
I have been celebrating the birth of Christ all my life and get confused with this concerning attitude toward spending money.
I need to reevaluate and focus more on fitting in with the majority who celebrate Christmas their way.
He asked about the problem. I explained that the left side exhibited a bright area now extending from bottom to top. It began as bright spots in the corner that now extended up the whole side. I wanted to ask Sharp about the problem
He sad.... bring it in, we’ll give you a new one.
I did and he did. He also told me Sharp does not have a general problem and have the reputation of the best in the LCD business
SONY
If your tv is a crt and the brightness control up front doesn’t help there is most likely a knob on the inside that will solve your problem.
It’s usually located on the Flyback transformer along with a Focus knob.
Keep in mind that there is 20,000 volts or higher inside a CRT television set so if you trek to resolve your issues with it, be careful. ; )
I’ve got it as bright and light and contrasted as it will go and I’m afraid to go inside it, especially now. ha. But thanks
Is the Toshiba HD-A3 the one Walmart and Best Buy are selling for $100, or are they selling the Toshiba HD-A2?
The malls need to set up charter flights of Canadian?euro shoppers...who are flooding our malls here in upstate NY satutating rheir money into the economy.
Whoops, I forgot about the 20,000 - 30,000 volt part.
Prob won’t kill you, There’s very low current But it sure will shock you though!!
Don’t touch or come close to anything metal. Especially around the tube.
I always drill a hole in the back case of my tv’s and monitors so i can always revisit the focus knob easily.
I’m a freak about focus and it pisses me off that they hide that knob. I can only imagine how many tv’s are thrown out because of lack of access to a simple adjustment.
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