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Within reach: A Samsung’s LCD television model.

Bindu D.Menon

New Delhi, Oct. 28 The LCD and plasma television prices have dropped by nearly Rs 4,000-Rs 7,000 in the last three months, following a robust supply of panels from the import market and boost in sales volumes.

“Prices have come down due to stronger supply of panels from the Chinese and Thailand markets. We have, therefore, passed on the benefit to the consumers,” said Mr V. Ramachandran, Director, Sales and Marketing, LG India, said.

Industry leaders such as Samsung and LG have slashed prices in the last three months alone.

Durables firms import inputs such as pre-coated sheets, plastics and chemicals as well as custom-built units such as LCD and plasma televisions from markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and China. “LCD TV prices dropped by about 20 per cent in 2007 and this helped increase the volumes since more consumers were able to afford such products. Though input costs had pushed up prices, it is still the fastest growing segment,” industry body Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association said.

According to Mr R. Zutshi, Deputy Managing Director, Samsung India, “The prices have also eased due to pick up in the volumes of LCD and HD televisions. Besides, manufacturers are gaining efficiency, the benefit of which they are passing on to the consumers”.

LCD and Plasma TVs currently contribute a mere 1.8 per cent to the overall CTV market.

Against a de-growing of the conventional TV market, the flat TV market is growing by 47.7 per cent and contributes over 50 per cent of the CTV market.

“There is an exponential growth in the LCD television category and this is driven largely by consumers who have a conventional television set. We are witnessing a 70 per cent growth on a month to month basis in the LCD business alone,” said a Sony India spokesperson.

The market size for flat panel TVs (LCD and plasma) was 30,000 units in India last year.

This year, it is expected to grow to two lakh units — 1.5 lakh for LCDs and 0.5 lakh for plasma.

More Stories on : Trends | Television Sets

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