A Black Friday forecast from deal reporting site Dealnews predicts that Netflix-enabled Blu-ray players (a "must-have item" this year) will hit $69. Less full-featured BD players are expected to hit $49. On the software side, the site forecasts that older titles will be available for $5, whereas "relatively new releases" will be found for as little as $10. Blu-ray movies bundled with TVs are also expected.
Dealnews clarified that these are the best prices, not average. Additionally, they predict those deals to occur during "Black Friday Season" – in other words, between mid-November and a dealnews euphemism for mid-November to Cyber Monday. Dealnews editor Daniel de Grandpre explained to
Home Media Magazine that "the Black Friday shopping experience is no longer a one-time event" and that the deals will extend "well into December." He also expected online deals to be "the best and easiest way to save."
As regards TVs, the smaller sizes (up to 42", and even 46") have already hit their pricing floors and can't be expected to drop much in price. Thus, 40"-42" 1080p LCD HDTVs may go for $399, and 46"-47" for $499. That's why Dealnews recommends shopping for "a budget 55-inch 1080p LCD TV," a product class where prices are down 25% from one year ago. The prediction is that late this year you will be able to find a name-brand 55" TV with a refresh rate of 120Hz or 240Hz, for $799.
An interesting note is that while deals for no-name TVs are more plentiful in Black Friday proper, those shopping for high-end, name-brand displays should bear in mind that the best deals for that product class historically crop up later, in December or even January.