SAN DIEGO – So far, only three large-format OLED TVs have been released among the stores in Gap Intelligence’s brick-and-mortar and dot-com store panel, but the high-priced new technology is getting critical exposure.
The first releases happened last August, when the LG 55EA9800 appeared online at BestBuy.com for $14,999, followed a month later by a price drop to $9,999 and an expansion to Amazon.com and Fry’s Electronics.
Around the same time as the price drop, the Samsung KN55S9 arrived at Amazon and Sears.com with a $1,000 price advantage at $8,999.
Over time, the LG model has experienced several price drops while the Samsung TV has retained a relatively steady price.
With the recent arrival of the LG 55EA8800 “gallery style” OLED TV, which offers a flat-screen format, highend picture-frame design and advanced internal audio system for $6,499, LG has strengthened its position as the “affordable” choice for OLED TVs on the market today.
The company plans to release a several other OLED models this year, giving the lineup a selection of 55-, 65- and 77-inch screen sizes.
The 77-inch model was widely showcased at International CES and other venues, and will deliver the first Ultra HD OLED screen to market.
