Get Ready For The Holiday Shopping Frenzy
Shopping for electronic gadgets isn't as easy as it used to be. A TV was a TV, a radio was a radio, and a stereo was a stereo. However, now there are LCD TVs, plasma TVs, 5, 6, and 7 channel surround sound receivers, speakers, subwoofers, and the choices go on and on and on.
The following a list and discussion of products that are either "Hot" or "Not" for home theater consumers this Holiday Shopping Season. For additional information on each product category, be sure to check out the links provided to additional resources within and at the end of this article.
1.Blu-ray Disc Players
Blu-ray disc players are popping up everywhere, from standalone units, as part of new home theater-in-box systems, and even being incorporated into TV combos. In addition, with prices of an increasing number of Blu-ray disc players now coming in below $200, this year may be a "blu christmas" for many. Watch for additional promotions that may include free Blu-ray disc movies with a purchase of select Blu-ray Disc players and also "buy an HDTV and get a free Blu-ray Disc Player" offers. It is expected that Blu-ray disc player and Blu-ray movie promotions will be abundant this holiday season.
Of course, if you don't have an HDTV, then you would just be buying an overly-expensive DVD player. If you do have an HDTV, Blu-ray will make your screen sparkle with true high definition resolution.
However, don't forget the price of the movies, which are anywhere from $5-10 more than a standard DVD. One comforting thought is that although Blu-ray will play standard DVDs, so your current DVD collection will not become obsolete. If you are looking for the latest high-tech gadget for the holidays, a Blu-ray Disc player may be just the ticket.
For more details on Blu-ray, check out the following resources:
Before You Buy a Blu-ray Disc Player
Also, for an analysis of current Blu-ray Disc player price and sales trends and what Blu-ray Disc Player manufacturers can do to insure a successful holiday shopping season, check out a report from Retrevo.
2. LCD and Plasma Flat Panel Televisions
Flat panel televisions are sure to be the most desired product this holiday season, especially now that the DTV Transition is providing an incentive for consumers to make the upgrade from their own analog TVs. LCD and Plasma flat panel televisions are hot, hot, hot! Prices have come down significantly this year, with many 32-inch size LCD and some 42-inch Plasma televisions selling below $999. You may see some extremely attractive door busters on LCD and Plasma sets the day after Thanksgiving.
Also, a new LCD feature that will be heavily promoted this holiday season, especially for higher-end consumers, is LED. However, don't get sucked into the hype that makes you think that "LED TVs" are a new type of TV. So-called "LED TVs" are actually LCD TVs that use a new type of backlight system powered by LED lamps. For more details, on this read my article: The Truth About "LED" TVs.
In addition, with the maturing of LCD technology and more efficient production methods, screen size availability of LCD televisions, once relegated to below 37-inches, are now quite common in sizes up to 52-inches, with some even larger. Large screen sizes in the 42-inch and up range was territory once dominated by Plasma televisions. As a result of these trends, LCD televisions are selling like hotcakes in the consumer market.
With Regards to Plasma Televisions, screen sizes over 50-inches are coming down in price, and you will see more in the below-$1,500 price range this holiday season.
With prices falling, performance going up, and more screen size options available, with LCD and Plasma televisions are quickly dominating the market; the traditional tube and, even projection television, has essentially disappeared off the shelf.
For information on what you need to know before you buy an LCD or Plasma television, as well as some suggestions, check out both my LCD Television FAQs and my current 40-inch and Larger LCD Television Top Picks, as well as my 32 and 37-inch and 26 and 27-inch LCD Television Top Picks.
For Plasma televisions, check out my Plasma TV FAQS and Top Picks.
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