Smoother, Bigger LCDs Out at Gadget Show

Sharp's 108-inch LCD TV (Business Wire)

Sales of flat panel TVs in the United States are expected to total 13.5 million in 2006, with three-quarters made up of LCD TVs and the rest plasma, the group said. Total sales are expected to reach nearly 20 million this year and more than 25 million next year, with LCDs continuing to dominate.

But the price tag on gargantuan models still exceeds the average budget.

A 103-inch plasma TV by Panasonic retails for $70,000. LG's 71-inch plasma costs about $15,000 _ an 80 percent price reduction from a year ago.

Sharp's monster TV, which will be available in the summer, has not yet been priced, but the company said it was confident it would find a few customers.

"I'm sure we'll find people who will want to buy a 108-inch TV," said Sharp's senior vice president of marketing, Bob Scaglione. "Believe it or not, a lot of questions came out when we released a 65-inch LCD and now, I wouldn't call it a mainstream product, but it's available at retail at $10,999."

He said some companies might need large panels for signs, professional studios or conference rooms, and "it may trickle down to consumers in the future."

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