When will HDTV hit big?

When it comes to timing, THIS is the “the year” for finally getting into the HDTV (high definition television) market for consumers – which ever “this year” you might be talking about, that is.

In 2005, market experts were predicting that it was the best year for new purchases because of technological improvements and lowering prices. They are repeating the mantra in 2006.

Once again, the experts are saying that HDTV has reached its tipping point. The cost of flat panel HDTV sets has dropped 12 percent over the last three months, and even Consumer Reports, the consumer watchdog giant, is recommending HDTV for 2006 – the first time since it began covering the technology.

While the price of the HDTV sets are way down compared with the same sets just five years ago, the high definition is still more costly than the comparable standard sets.

Consumers are being enticed to invest in the new HDTV sets because of the picture quality, Dolby Digital surround sound, and wide screen imagery. They are also moving towards larger sets because of the improved technology. The average consumer is purchasing 50” screens or larger, or they are going with the rear – projection sets that produce a viewing area similar to that found in an art house movie theater.

Despite all the commotion being made by the industry experts this year, expect the same mantra to continue as technology continues to improve and prices continue to drop.