In what is shaping up as a 200Hz LCD TV price war Sony has been forced to drop their prices after being constantly accused of price gouging. At a press conference today the Company announced a new 200Hz 52″ Bravia LCD TV for $5,199.
This is only $400 dearer than LG’s latest 200Hz 55″ LCD TV and only $199 dearer than Samsung’s B750, 200″ 52″ TV. In recent weeks Samsung Sony and LG have been chasing LCD TV market share despite a shortage of stock. In week 20 GFK data shows that on value Samsung had 35% of the market Sony 20% and LG 16%. In unit sales for the same week Samsung had 27.7%, LG 15% and Sony 9.9%.
Normally Sony Bravia LCD is significantly more expensive than both LG and Samsung with analysts now claiming that Sony will become more price competitive, as they move to third party manufacturers in China and Taiwan to make their Bravia LCD TV’s.
According to DisplaySearch 200Hz LCD TV panels are rapidly taking important positions in LCD TV panel makers’ product roadmaps and shipment plans. DisplaySearch reports that 2009 shipments of 200Hz models will reach 4.8 million units this year.
According to David Hsieh, Vice President of DisplaySearch, “As the LCD TV industry is looking for more differentiation, double and quadruple frame rates have been recognized as the ultimate solution to solve motion blur issues.” Hsieh added, “In 2008, penetration of double frame rate panels broke the 10% milestone. 2009 will see continued growth as double and quadruple frame rate panels will reach 17.1% penetration, and quadruple frame rate panels 4.2%, in Q4’09 according to panel makers targets.”
