The group predicted that some "off-brand" 40-inch LCD HDTV will go for $300
"We've already seen some
basic 40-inch sets from
secondary brands in the
$330 to $350 range
during pre-Black Friday
sales events, so it's
likely a few could hit a
promotional price of
$299 during the weekend,
leaving room for a major
brand to come in at
$350. But at this price,
these will be fairly
bare-bone sets without
many—or any—extra
features," the group
said.
In the 42-inch category,
Consumer Reports said
some sets will be
available for $400 while
50-inch sets will go for
roughly $500.
But arguably, Consumer
Reports' most exciting
prediction is that big
sets -- 55-inches and
above -- could go for as
low as $700.
"If you'll consider an
off-brand, house brand,
or perhaps even a
better-known brand that
acts as retailer's house
brand, we think you'll
see basic 55-inch 1080p
LCD sets for as low as
$700. For those looking
for even bigger sets, we
expect to see 60-inch
TVs from Sharp (in its
entry-level series) and
perhaps Westinghouse for
$900 or even less,"
Consumer Reports wrote.