CES: Lots of new TVs you probably can't afford

Our own David Colker has been working the floor at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and he filed this dispatch about the new generation of televisions that manufacturers are showing off there.

The latest in television technology is on display at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, with super-thin screens, three-dimensional imagery, wireless connections and ultra-sharp picture quality.

Too bad you can't afford it.

All of this state-of-the-art TV tech -- much of it not yet available -- is extremely expensive, which is even more of a consideration for buyers in these recessionary times.

But it's fun to dream. Besides, prices for new consumer electronics products almost always plunge when (and if) the products become popular.

Only four years ago, a 46-inch LCD TV -- then considered exotic -- retailed for about $10,000. Now you can pick one up for about $1,000.

By the time this year's new products get down to an Earthly level, perhaps the economy will be bouncing back.

Read the full story for more details about 3-D displays, refresh rates, cord-free sets and more.

-- Chris Gaither

Photo: James Choi touches a concept 82-inch LED television at the Samsung booth at CES. Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images