TVs are getting thinner, lighter, pricier

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January will feature thinner, lighter televisions than in previous years, electronics firms say. Although still mum about prices, two electronics firms in South Korea -- the first- and second-largest television makers in the world -- have said their latest models would be thinner and lighter. LG Electronics Co. on Friday said its newest 55-inch TV is less than a quarter inch thick -- 3/16 of an inch, to be precise -- and weighs 16.5 pounds. In an effort to stir new interest in a familiar product, Samsung Electronics Co. is also ready to display its lighter, thinner model at the trade show, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. Companies are expecting thinner and lighter will translate to heftier profits. NPD DisplaySearch estimated a trim, new 55-inch set will have an initial price of $8,000, which should drop to $4,000 by the end of 2013.