While browsing through the latest Harvey Norman catalogue online, I spotted this on page 11:

It reads Price Breakthrough — Plasma TV below $1,000. Indeed, thanks to advancement in technology, manufacturing, the strong Aussie dollar and cheap Chinese labour and currency, Harvey Norman is now selling this 106 cm/42 inch “HD ready” plasma TV, branded “Celestial”, for merely $999! Those 42 inch beast used to cost 10 times the price! They were so expensive 4 years ago that even John Howard had to borrow one! Yes I know that there were only expensive brands like Sony and Panasonic back then, but I am still fascinated on how quick the price has dropped.

Apparently Harvey Norman is not the only one that breaks through the price. Actually if you find things sell this cheap in HN — you will probably find them cheaper elsewhere. Yesterday the new Big W catalogue came out, and the catchy item on the front page? AWA 42 inch/106cm Plasma TV for $998, and it is an everyday price, not even a promotional item. The same deal — High Definition ready, HDMI input, 1024×768 good for 720p, and good brightness and contrast that you normally get from plasma TVs.

It also emphasised “Made in Korea”, which I guess Big W is trying to distinguish it from other Chinese-made products.

Who said big plasma TV is a luxury item?