Soaring LCD Sales Have Suppliers Scrambling

Pioneer, Vizio axe plasma production lines; retailers slash prices

(NEWSER) - TV buyers are increasingly choosing liquid-crystal-display over plasma as LCD manufacturers beef up the technological capabilities of their sets, the Wall Street Journal reports. With 30 million LCDs sold in North America in 2008, compared with 4 million plasmas, Pioneer and Vizio are discontinuing their plasma lines. The shift means consumers can find deep discounts on plasma sets, once a strictly luxury item. More»

Forbes picks the top 10, and busts a high-res myth

(NEWSER) - Forbes cuts through the confusion surrounding high-res flat-screens, picking 10 HDTVs that will give you a fab picture and a price tag to make you weep—with joy:

1. Sharp AQUOS 37" LCD LC-37D43U, $1,000
2. Olevia 42" LCD 342i, $1,000
3. Philips 42" Plasma 42PF7321D, $1,000

Clearer picture, wider viewing angle

(NEWSER) - Watch out, plasma TVs. A new kind of LCD screen in development at Samsung overcomes the weaknesses of ordinary LCD displays. A prototype of the blue-phase liquid crystal screen has a wider viewing angle and doesn’t blur fast-moving images as much. What’s more, it could wind up being less expensive than current LCDs, reports MIT Technology Review. More»

Say buyers will continue snapping up flat panels; investors not so sure

(NEWSER) - Who cares if there’s a recession? The Super Bowl’s on! Even after the worst retailing Christmas in years, the makers of flat-panel, high-definition TVs are confident their trendy product will keep selling, spurred by falling prices and prime tube-watching events like the Olympics. One market-research firm is predicting LCD sales will jump 27% worldwide. More»

Finds niche in developing countries, but boom may not last

(NEWSER) - Plasma TV's rollercoaster ride continues as the technology given up for dead more than a year ago has made a booming sales comeback, Reuters reports. Demand in the developing world, especially in China, is driving the upswing. LCD technology seemed until recently to have trampled plasma, but it turns out many consumers prefer plasma's crisper image quality. More»