When do the 2009 ranges come out?

[admin_exported]

Ive been keeping an eye on the 40-42 inch flat screen tv market for a good few months now but am put off by all the problems from the leading manufacturers on this years models.

Sony 2008 models seem a bit risky - not entirely satisfied with the current Panasonic range - very little improvement over last years models and design wise they look dated next to the recent LCD's.

When can we normally expect to see the 2009 range of tvs. Im expecting some big improvements with next years ranges.

 

[Clare Newsome]

The main consumer TV ranges now seem to come out in two main phases - March-June and then September-November - with the more mass-market models being in the spring ranges and the higher-end designs tending to be the Autumn models. It may be different in 2009, but this is how it's settled down over the last 3 years.

Trends for 2009 include greater energy-efficiency, more slimline sets, and added network functionality (internet on your TV etc), plus first forays into wireless connectivity. Expect to see first commercially available bigger OLED screens (still small but v.pricey, though).

Some stories on 2009 sets we've already covered include these on:

Panasonic (including details of Pioneer arrangement - remember, Pioneer's plasmas will be made by Pana next year)

Sony

and this fresh-from-Korea news from LG.

Much, much more to come from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January, when all the main manufacturers unveil their plans for the year. We'll be reporting live from the Show with all the news and pics.