I am happy to know that Best Buy is doing its part to make TVs a zero margin item!  Seriously, when are we going to train customers to shop based on quality and longevity vs. price only?

As much as I wish price was only a small factor in choosing a HDtv, (Or anything else, for that Matter,) Its not. Yes quality and and longevity,  are factors, However in this economic mindset, price is still the main driver in choosing 99% of large ticket item, yes a HDTV bigger then then say a 26-32 inch is a very big ticket item, for many even a $379. 32” inch is a big ticket item.
    On the flip side as prices come down, one can afford to take the chance on a Lower tier model or brand as the investment is relativity small compared to what the same unit had cost several years ago. The difference of course, is, hopefully this new low end unit will preform at least a good or better then the old high end one several years ago, If it don’t last we’re not out as much as we were several years ago taking the same risk.

Best Buy needs to compete with not only on-line retailers like amazon, and Tiger Direct, which now own Curicuit City.com, and others, It also needs to compete with Wal-Mart, target, Penny’s,  Sears, and any other outlet with low end units be it HDTV, or MP3 players.

People that are knowledgeable and interested in quality still pay for it.  They are just a small subset, though, of all the HDTV consumers.

Nice to know that Best Buy is doing its part to make TVs a zero margin item!  Seriously, when are we going to train customers to shop based on quality and longevity vs. price only?  If this keeps up, Pioneer will not be the only casualty in this game.  I imagine we will get our choice of 5 different chinese models in a few years and the only difference will be in which ones dont use lead paint!

Most of these prices look to be matching authorized online prices (like Amazon, J&R;, Beach Camera, etc).  Good move on BB’s part to stay competitive.