First-tier LCD TV brand vendors such as Sony and Samsung Electronics have drastically reduced prices for some of their large-size LCD TVs, forcing other vendors to look at plasma display panel (PDP) TVs as a competitive solution.Sony, in order to retain its first place ranking and reach a goal of a 15-18% global market share in 2008, substantially reduced the price of its 40 and 32-inch LCD TVs in May, according to industry sources. In North America, the company’s 32-inch LCD TV is now selling for US$699, while its 40-inch LCD TV is selling for US$1,099.

As a way to combat the price cuts, US-based Vizio launched a 32-inch PDP TV in North America, which is now selling for US$547 at Wal-Mart.

Amtran Technology, the major contract manufacturer of Vizio-branded TVs, stated that the company’s flat-panel TV shipments in the first quarter reached 760,000 units, with 10-15% being for PDP TVs. Vizio’s 32-inch HD PDP TV in North America uses panels from LG Electronics and the TV’s price and design are very competitive and should be able to handle the price pressure from first-tier brand vendors, according to Amtran.

Industry sources stated that the price for a 32-inch PDP panel is cheaper than a 32-inch LCD panel which is why brand vendors were willing to launch 32-inch PDP TVs in North America.

Industry players believe that if Vizio’s sale strategy for 32-inch PDP TVs works, other new or second-tier companies may follow suit and that total shipments of PDP TVs may increase this year.

LG Electronics has rolled out five new home theater systems, each tuned by audio expert Mark Levinson. The systems range from slim, elegant designs intended to complement an existing room’s decor to simple, functional, no-fuss designs that make no pretensions about being furniture or art objects.

“LG’s latest home theater and audio systems were designed to meet consumers’ desire for advanced technology that doesn’t compromise the stylish design of their homes,” said LG USA’s sales and marketing VP Allan Jason, in a statement. “Our new systems offer consumers the best of both worlds and truly complement the entire entertainment experience.”

The LG LHT888 DVD Home Theater system features satellite speakers in the shape of champagne flutes, while offering 1080p up-conversion via HDMI, USB connectivity, and wireless rear speakers-along with 700 watts of 5.1 audio. The LHT874 5-Disc Home Theater system offers wireless rear speakers and iPod and USB connectivity along with 1080p upscaling, plus 155 watts to satellites and 225 watts to the subwoofer. The LHT854 offers a similar feature set, but does away with tall loudspeaker towers in favor of discrete satellite speakers.

For folks looking to put an audio system on a table or in shelves, the LDF850 tabletop system and LFA840 shelf CD audio system offer iPod connectivity, a vacuum-loading vertical CD slot, an AM/FM tuner, and USB media capabilities.

All five units are available now, with the LHT888 carrying a suggested price of $649.95. The LHT 874 and LHT854 are priced at $479.95 and $299.95, respectively, while the LFD850 and LFA840 audio systems are priced at $299.95 and $229.95, respectively.

LG Electronics (www.leg.com) launches its full HD PDP TVs ‘Xcanvas BoBos‘ in Korea market, which features simple screen without frame and invisible speaker system.

Supporting Smart Time Machine function, the Bobos lineup comes in three different sizes incuding 60-(model: 60PG70FHD), 50-(model: 50PG61RD) and 42-inch(model: 42PG61RD).