LCD closing price gaps with PDP in the 40-inch range, says TSR

Prices of 40-inch WXGA LCD panels are now nearly at the same level as that of 42-inch 720p PDP (plasma display panel), according to Japan-based research firm Techno Systems Research (TSR).

Prices of 40-inch LCD panels were US$850 while 42-inch PDPs were priced at US$720 in the first quarter of 2006, compared to a price gap of more than US$100 between the two before 2005. Prices for 40-inch LCD panels will drop to US$750 in the second quarter of 2006, compared to US$690 for 42-inch PDPs, the research firm said.