Samsung Raises MAPs $300 on Its 60-Inch LCD TVs

Samsung raised minimum advertised prices $300 across six 60-inch LCD TVs, from those quoted at CES, said retailers canvassed by Consumer Electronics Daily. But our survey of websites Friday showed most sets were still being promoted on pre-order near the previous MAP after “price breaks” ranging from $280 to $430.

The LED-backlit line, which mixes 120 Hz and 240 Hz panels, includes the Internet and 3D-capable 60-inch UN60D8000 that was listed at $3,867 on Crutchfield’s website packed with two pairs of 3D glasses and down from the $4,299 MAP. It contained a 240 Hz panel and four HDMI 1.4 connectors. The previous MAP was $3,999 and Samsung increased the retail after finding the 60-inch sets were priced too low in competition with comparable Sony models, retailers said. Samsung executives weren’t available for comment Friday.

The Internet and 3D-capable UN60D7000, which stepped down to a 15,000,000:1 contrast ratio from the UN60D8000’s 25,000,000:1 and wasn’t combined with glasses, carried a $3,419 retail at Crutchfield after a $380 “price break” from the $3,799 MAP. The entry-level set, the UN60D6000, which featured a 120 Hz panel and 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, was highlighted at $2,519, down from a $2,799 MAP.

"The price increases are sometimes based on demand and if there is a limited supply there is sometimes a higher price,” said Phil Hannon, general manager at Abt Electronics, which on Friday was promoting Samsung’s UN60D6400 60-inch set at $2,787, down from the $3,099 MAP. “It has happened in the past that if they get a large demand, a manufacturer might try to rachet up the price."

Sharp doesn’t plan to raise prices on its 60-inch LCD TVs, Chief Marketing Officer Robert Scaglione said. Sharp’s LC60LE835U Internet and 3D-capable 60-inch LCD TV was being promoted on Best Buy’s Web site at $2,519, down from $2,799 after $280 in “savings.” The set contained a 240 Hz panel and 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Sony’s top-end Bravia Internet- and 3D-capable KDL-60NX720 was promoted at $3,148 Friday on Crutchfield’s website with a 240 Hz panel, four HDMI connectors, two USB ports and a 10 watts x 2 speaker system. The similarly featured Samsung model had three USB ports and a 15 watts x 2 speaker system. LG and Sony officials weren’t available for comment.