Samsung Electronics has made large reductions in the retail prices of Ultra HD LCD TVs in the North America market. Prices at Best Buy have been cut by US$700 from US$1,499 to US$799 for 50-inch models, by US$900 from US$2,199 to US$1,299 for 55-inch models and by US$1,300 from US$3,299 to US$1,999 for 65-inch models.

Vizio meanwhile is offering lower-priced 50-inch Ultra HD TVs for US$999 for purchase online from Walmart while Sony is offering a US$1,499 55-inch Ultra HD TV, down from US$2,999.

Industry sources said Ultra HD TV demand is continuing to increase and makers are working to lower costs so that vendors can slash pricing. Demand for 50-inch and above sizes is seeing some of the biggest increases.

Currently, Samsung holds about a 36% share in the Ultra HD TV market followed by LG Electronics at 15% and Hisense at 10%.

Vendors expect to see a 6% on-year increase in Ultra HD TV sales during the holiday period in North America and Europe at end of 2014, the sources added.