Prices of low-level UHD TVs from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have fallen up to 40% in just 2 years. As prices are getting low, UHD TVs are becoming more popular faster.
According to industries on the 18th, price of Samsung Electronics’ low-level 55-inch TV dropped by $1,360 (1.61 million KRW) from $2,950 (3.50 million KRW) in 2014 to $1,590 (1.89 million KRW) in this year. Price of LG Electronics’ low-level 55-inch TV also dropped from $2,320 (2.75 million KRW) in 2014 to $1,380 (1.64 million KRW) in this year. Because small and medium TV manufacturers also jumped into markets for UHD TVs and selling 55-inch UHD TVs for $590 (700,000 KRW), prices of UHD TVs are dropping very fast.
Price of Samsung Electronics’ 40-inch UHD TV (UN40HU7000F) dropped from $1,520 (1.80 million KRW) in 2014 to $1,090 (1.29 million KRW (UN40JU6300F)) in 2015. Price of 50-inch UHD TV (UN50HU7000F) dropped from $1,690 (2.00 million KRW) in 2014 to $1,300 (1.54 million KRW (UN50KU6300FXKR)) in this year.
Prices of LG Electronics’ low-level UHD TVs have also dropped overall. Price of 42-inch UHD TV (42UB8300) fell from $1,180 (1.40 million KRW) in 2014 to $1,100 (1.30 million KRW (43UF6400) in 2015 to $876 (1.04 million KRW (43UH6420)) in this year. Price of 49-inch UHD TV (49UB8300) fell from $1,430 (1.70 million KRW) to $1,350 (1.60 million KRW (49UF6400)) to $1,000 (1.19 million KRW (49UH6420)) in this year.
“Lineup of low-level TVs increased by adding 6 series models to 7 series models of UHD TVs in 2015.” said a representative for Samsung Electronics. “We have expanded our lineups of UHD TVs by dividing them into ultra-premium level and low-grade level.”
Fact that small and medium TV manufacturers are jumping into markets for UHD TVs is also contributing into reduction of prices. Manu small and medium companies such as Smatra, Daewoo Lucoms, and Inkel are selling their UHD TVs at half price of TVs from large companies with online at the center.
Industries believe that expansion of lineups of low-level UHD TVs from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics is their strategies to secure market shares. Although premium products are good for securing profitability, low-level products are good for expanding corresponding markets. Samsung Electronics actually added new products from JU6800 to JU6300 this year while LG Electronics also greatly increased the number of UHD TVs from about 50 to about 90.
“While markets are TVs are making de-growth, markets for UHD TVs are growing very fast.” said a representative for an industry. “Prices have dropped as yield of panels for UHD TVs has improved and businesses are carrying out two-track strategies of increasing their profitability and market shares through ultra-premium products and low-level products respectively as level of satisfaction for consumers is continuously increasing.”
Staff Reporter Jung, Youngil | jung01@etnews.com