Wal-Mart lowers TV prices, could reopen price wars

Bentonville, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday that it will discount select in-stock flat-panel TVs at 8 a.m. Saturday for two days or as long as supplies last, leading some analysts to believe that an ensuing price war could result.

Wal-Mart said a 26-inch Vizio LED HDTV, which was selling most recently for $298, will be $198; a 32-inch Vizio LCD HDTV will drop from $348 to $298; and a 55-inch Vizio LCD HDTV TV that was selling for $1,098 will be $898.

Sharp Corp. and LG Electronics alerted investors recently that demand is dropping in the United States and other developed markets. Analysts reportedly expect TV sales to heat up this holiday season because of a worsening glut.