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TVs sold faster in the first quarter of this year, reports DisplaySearch. And no wonder--prices are plummeting.

Though TV shipments were down in early 2009, they began to rebound at year-end, and continued to do so in the first quarter of 2010. Compared to the same quarter a year back, LCD shipments were up 50 percent, and plasmas 21 percent. On their way down are CRTs, at 22 percent; RPTVs, at 38 percent; and OLEDs, at 84 percent. (OLEDs are a nascent category so that number probably isn't meaningful.) The TV market as a whole was up 25 percent. See press release.

The erosion of prices is great for consumers albeit not so hot for manufacturers. Hence the stampede to go 3D. Reductions in the prices of panels drove LCD set prices down 24 percent in 2009 compared to the previous year. For plasmas, the figure was 21 percent. LCD prices are falling more slowly this year thanks to LED backlighting (which is well worth a price premium) and 3D. DisplaySearch forecasts a four percent drop in LCD prices for 2010. Thirty-two-inch sets may hit $300 by the end of the year. See press release.