Audio Video News

Data shows that 30-inch LCD TVs saw an upsurge in popularity from January to February, according to a New York Times report. The smallish sets went from 16% of sets sold to 24% of all sets sold, while 45-inch to 49-inch sets lost market share. Researchers are blaming the change in consumer habits on the economy - diminishing income and credit means smaller sets when it comes time to make a purchase, according to Pacific Media Associates researcher Alfred Poor.

Smaller HDTVs are a lot cheaper than larger ones, but does that mean consumers can no longer afford TVs in the 40-inch range? The same research shows that 50-inch and above sets haven't seen a decrease in sales, suggesting that it is possible that consumers have lost their appetites for the mid-size sets. Large sets are still in demand, and small sets - perhaps for an office, bedroom, or kitchen - are also in demand. What good, then, is a 40-incher? At this point, it is an awkward size that is too small for many people to consider in a home theater. - Rachel Rosmarin

The New York Times