TV makers eagerly show off their new sets at CES every year, hyping up thinner displays, 240Hz refresh rates, and, of course, "smart" everything. After CES we have to wait months for pricing and sometimes even longer for the TVs themselves to be released. Exact release dates for this year's crop of TVs are still under wraps, but the pricing details have already slipped out.
HDGuru knows what Sony and Sharp will be charging for their upcoming HDTVs and found prices for Panasonic's TVs. Sony's basic 1080p 60Hz sets will be affordable at $400-$800 for 32-inch, 40-inch and 46-inch LCDs. Sharp's focusing on the higher end with edge-lit and fully backlit LED displays that start around the $1000 range.
HDGuru also listed out Sony and Sharp's various TV models which we can match up to the leaked prices. It's easier to focus on the general pricing of each tier. Sony's high-end 3D models start at 46 inches and $1800; the mid-range EX costs $1000 and starts at 40 inches.
Sharp's TVs are divided up into a number of series, but their high-end 945 3DTVs with LED local dimming and 240Hz refresh rates cost $3500 and $4500 at 60 and 70 inches. Panasonic's best plasmas cost $3500 and $5000 at 55 and 65 inches. Its lower end TVs are far more affordable: a 60-inch UT50 goes for only $1800. All but one of Panasonic's plasmas are 3D capable.