Aeon to sell small flat-panel TV for Y29,800

Saturday 15th August, 06:15 AM JST

TOKYO —

In another price-cutting move to stimulate consumption amid an economic slowdown, Japan’s largest retailer Aeon Co plans to offer 18.5-inch flat-screen digital television sets for 29,800 yen per unit, starting next Tuesday, company officials said Friday. The price is much lower than comparable TVs with a 19-inch liquid crystal display panel, which sell for just under 45,000 yen at big discount home appliance stores, analysts said.

Aeon will sell 10,000 units of the stripped-down TV, manufactured in South Korea by Tokyo-based audio-visual equipment maker Dynaconnective Co, at 300 Jusco, Saty and other outlets across Japan other than Okinawa Prefecture, according to the officials. The supermarket chain will procure more TVs form Dynaconnective if demand proves strong.

The TV is covered by the government program to give ‘‘eco points’’ for energy-efficient air conditioners, refrigerators and televisions that are capable of receiving high-quality terrestrial digital broadcasting. Under the program aimed at promoting Japan’s battle against global warning, up to 10,000 eco points, equivalent to 10,000 yen, will be given to buyers, lowering the effective price of the TV to as low as 19,800 yen.

According to market research firm GfK Marketing Services Japan Ltd, sales of 20-inch or smaller flat-screen TVs at major discount appliance store chains doubled in July over a year earlier. The average price of 19-inch TVs is 44,000 yen.

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Latest 15 of 16 Total Comments Show All

noborito at 09:09 AM JST - 15th August

30,000 yen is not cheap. Donki Hote and Costco are cheaper. In addition, I don't believe the claim that Aeon is Japan's largest retailier. Marketing spew... first thing in the morning.
Klein2 at 09:57 AM JST - 15th August

A television. Repeat for emphasis. A television.

What is a television?
Badsey at 10:48 AM JST - 15th August

You can get a 19-20" LCD monitor for about $99 now, add the HDTV converter box (free after coupon) and you now have a high-def 1080i TV. The portable 7-10" LCD HD-TV (usually a DVD player also) are the rage now. Sony should make a portable Watchman TV (HDTV) again.

Some of these laptops are getting close to 19" also.
Mark_McCracken at 11:49 AM JST - 15th August

I don't believe the claim that Aeon is Japan's largest retailier.

According to Forbes, AEON is the 13th largest retailer in the world, and the largest in Japan. Yamada Denki is listed as the next Japanese retailer, ranked as the 25th largest in the world.
telecasterplayer at 12:03 PM JST - 15th August

some of those lcd tvs have a weird "lag" in the picture, especially noticeable during action-heavy broadcasts. but then, some of them don't.
Disillusioned at 01:04 PM JST - 15th August

El'Cheapo televisions - guaranteed for five minutes or fifty feet.
PleasureGelf at 03:07 PM JST - 15th August

I'd consider it if the numbers were the other way round. A 29.8 inch TV for 18,500 yen.

Badsey, as yet, I haven't seen a 20" screen sporting 1080 resolution.
sharky1 at 10:43 PM JST - 15th August

Oh, and Okinawa is not good enough to get these discount TV's???
Badsey at 04:08 AM JST - 16th August

1650x1080 or better is 1080p = my iMac 20" can do that.

For TVs look at the Samsung TOC (touch of color) (TV and monitor in one + many options) 22". The smallest screen that has 1080p will have the best picture. =A big screen with only 1080p is not such a good idea. Gateway XHD3000 30" 2560x1600 (Samsung LCD, but has issues plus sucks power) bought as a refurb for parents. (had a 30" hole and a 26" LCD 1080p was sort of small, 28"Lcd are monitors and sort of off (new) brand) Best solution, only 1 HDMI though+ DVI.
Ranger_Miffy at 07:14 AM JST - 16th August

I also wonder what to replace my junk 13-in. tv with, since the digital deadline is in two years. 22" would be huge! And, don't I need an option for the English channels? B1 or something? ...a bit clueless, 'cause I am not a huge tv watcher. Maybe Aeon and others will spring for good deals over the next two years.
helloklitty at 10:48 AM JST - 16th August

Costco is the place to go.
japanbosse at 11:31 AM JST - 16th August

Aeon has a deal: Aeon doesn sell this cheap flat panel on Okinawa - we on Okinawa promise to not buy anything in Aeon outlets. We on Okinawa can certainly live without Aeon - Aeon will certainly die without us Okinawans.
neganip at 08:40 AM JST - 17th August

its south korean ... wow thats a huge change ....
societymike at 11:00 AM JST - 17th August

japanbosse at 11:31 AM JST - 16th August Aeon has a deal: Aeon doesn sell this cheap flat panel on Okinawa - we on Okinawa promise to not buy anything in Aeon outlets. We on Okinawa can certainly live without Aeon - Aeon will certainly die without us Okinawans.

Okinawa has a better deal, Aeon stores in Okinawa are selling a 32" for 38,000¥. (Jusco)
terebiko at 11:55 AM JST - 19th August

The reason Aeon doesn't seem so big is probably because they have a number of different chains. There is of course Aeon, then there's Jusco, the Big, etc... Lots of store names, but basically the same chain. I may get one of these as a second TV. Don't tell NHK, they might make me get another sticker or something....