Memory prices affect TV costs

The rising prices of memory and semiconductor components are changing how televisions are priced. In particular, the main electronic board in small LCD televisions now costs more than the screen itself, and in 55-inch models, the cost is nearly equal to the screen.

Component costs have increased sharply

According to data from Omdia, shared by ETNews, the cost of the main board—containing the processor, DRAM memory, NAND storage, and Wi-Fi module—has exceeded the screen cost on some small LCD televisions. This is especially true for 32-inch HD models and 40 to 43-inch Full HD models.

Memory prices have risen dramatically

The cost of DRAM memory averaged 25 dollars in August 2026, up 4.5 times from a year earlier. NAND memory reached 30.50 dollars, nearly nine times its previous year's price. These increases are partly due to the growing demand for memory in artificial intelligence and data centers.

Larger TVs also feel the impact

For a 55-inch UHD LCD, the main board cost was estimated at 118.20 dollars in the third quarter of 2026, compared to 33.90 dollars a year earlier. This is a 3.5 times increase, and the board is now more expensive than the cheapest 55-inch LCD screens available.

Lower-end TVs are most affected

Entry-level and mid-range LCD models are the most vulnerable to these rising costs. These models have smaller profit margins and less room to absorb increased costs without raising prices. Even higher-end LCD models like MiniLED or RGB MiniLED TVs are affected, though their higher prices offer more flexibility.

Manufacturers are finding ways to cope

So far, manufacturers have managed to offset some of the rising costs through advertising revenue and integrated services in Smart TVs. However, if component costs keep rising, these strategies might not be enough to maintain current pricing.

OLED TVs are also impacted

OLED televisions are not immune to these price increases, as they also use DRAM, NAND storage, a system-on-chip, and network modules. However, OLED screen costs are decreasing, especially with the introduction of cheaper variants like OLED SE, which may help reduce the price gap with premium LCD models.

LCD panel manufacturers warn of price hikes

Chinese LCD panel manufacturers like BOE, TCL CSOT, and HKC have warned major TV makers like LG, Samsung, and Sony about potential price increases for LCD panels starting in September or October. This could lead to a gradual shift in available deals rather than an immediate overall price increase for TVs.