interesting observation. i think, that gap will get smaller (although won't hit $400) in the next year or so and if you consider inflation/cost of living, the gap will likely vanish soon.

if you look back at what $400 bought in 1990, then i think you'd find the opposite gap...you wouldn't have gotten anything close to 34"

behind this there's some marketing geek with a chart depicting how they will migrate consumer expectation as to what is a 'standard' tv, and how much that costs, fueled by what every one else has, and how clunky the old tube looks. i feel the same way about jeans. to think, i used to think it was ridiculous to pay over $30 for jeans when joy was purchasing $80 tank tops (also sounds less ridiculous these days sadly). it's ok. now i pay $13.99 for jeans at ross!!! and they fit better too!!!

i don't think this eric taub guy is right.  i bought a 36" tube tv back in 2000 or 2001 (so it's 2" bigger), and even then, I got it second hand for $1100.