Over the last five or so years, the technology we find in TVs has made leaps and bounds, proving to leave behind decades of TV evolution in their dust as we seek out new tools and capabilities that we can pack into tomorrow’s model. As we travel this path, many prototype and limited run models sneak their way into the market that are typically acquired by the rich and wealthy–usually for business and showcase. Store shelves at retailers like Fry’s and RC Willey eventually replace some of these models with new generation models or alternative product.
The demand for those larger TVs isn’t strong enough to justify mass production. It probably has a lot to do with the ability to squeeze one of these through someone’s front door. Freight has always been an issue as well, as it costs a lot to ship one of these. I remember in an interview we had with Panasonic a few years ago, they mentioned that they had to ship the one they used for CES in on the nose of a cargo plane. Imagine how much shipping would cost for you, the buyer, if they had to ship that TV to you?
So today, these models still remain few and are rarely seen outside of a few stores and trade shows. At least until demand eventually does grow due to affordability and function (and the ability to get one through your front door).
For now, what happens to the ones that did find themselves into the market? They originally sell for $75,000-$150,000, you could always refinance your home for a new model. Or, you can also find them at a much better price used. Given, by a much better price, I mean not $150,000. They can be found in places like Amazon.com where resellers are liquidating store models and those used for similar function. You can get your hands on an LG 98UB9810 98-inch 4K LED Smart TV with 3D (an absolutely beautiful TV) on Amazon for around $30,000 or more. See? A lot less than they entered the market at.
So $30,000 may be a lot to you, but for someone with money who is wise with their spending, it is a lot less than what they could have dished out when the TV first received a price tag.
Hopefully these prices will continue to fall as technology improves, causing a greater demand so that we could also save up and upgrade the ones we have. For now, we will have the show and floor models floating around that we can skip buying a car in trade for. Or, we can stick to the awesome selection of TVs that are 75-inches and under, which carry a much better price tag.
