Now it comes out that LG.Phillips, Samsung (and therefore Sony) and Sharps are now under investigation for price fixing. The U.S. Justice Department, the Korean Fair Trade Commission and the Japan Fair Trade Commission are all involved in this inquiry, which focuses on 2003-2004. Whether or not the inquiry finds evidence of price fixing, the hue and cry that Sony is attempting to raise about the unexpected price drop is likely to trigger a similar drop in sympathy from consumers.
If there is one thing to take out of this mess, it is that you might want to hold off buying a larger TV for a little while.
“Prices for 32-inch panels may fall below US$300 to US$290 in the third quarter of 2007, with quotes for 40-inch panels to also drop to nearly US$500 during the period, according to Displaybank. With the sharp drop in panel prices, second-tier panel makers may swing to a loss in 2007, Displaybank indicated.Prices for 32-inch panels have dropped 37% from US$572 a year ago to nearly US$360 now, according to Displaybank. Although the material costs for 32-inch panels have dropped to US$141 while depreciation and labor costs have also decreased around 30%, the profits of 32-inch panel production have reduced from US$22 a year ago to around US$5 now, Displaybank said. Should the average selling price (ASP) of the segment fall to US$290, panel makers will have losses, Displaybank indicated.”
Here are some more Display articles from around the web:
- The Future of Display Resolutions @ OSWeekly
- Hanns-G 191D 19′ widescreen TFT @ Tekbunker
- Samsung SyncMaster 960BF LCD Monitor Review @ The TechZone
- Westinghouse LCM-22W2 22″ LCD Monitor Review @ ReviewDesk
- Guide: Cleaning LCD displays @ DVHardware
- Holiday 2006 – Know your HDTV Options This Holiday Season @ Futurelooks
- Gateway FPD2485W 24in LCD Video Tour @ Digital Trends