As the major markets wholly convert to flat panel sets and digital broadcasting, consumers are not upgrading to larger TV sets as quickly as manufacturers hope they would-- resulting in intense competition within the TV market.

DisplaySearch however suggests makers are missing an opportunity that could bring not only value to consumers but also an increase in prices-- LED-backlit LCD TVs.

Such a feature would offer energy consumption (and thus operating costs)-- a feature makers fail to push to customers, on the (wrong) assumption that the general public fails to understand such a concept.

According to DisplaySearch, the industry is "removed from its end-customers", with marketing assuming consumers only care about 3D when what they really care about is-- you've guessed it-- energy consumption.

As seen in the analyst's survey data, W. European customers (just as everywhere else in the world) show a much heavier consideration for energy consumption than 3D.

The TV industry has to change track and connect with its customers, quickly-- before it ends going the way of the gas-guzzling auto, and the terrible margins that go with it.

Go Energy and Cost Savings from LED-Backlit LCD TVs Not Communicated to Consumers