I bought a 42inch sharp lcd flat screen tv last christmas for around $5000 canadian, and this year, you can get a newer sharp model for around $2500 to $3000. That's 50% depreciation in one year. Shouldn't there be some sort of price protection. Still kind of upset. Curious as to whether anyone else have similar experiences.

My first thought is "welcome to the wonderful world of electronic$".

Being a pioneer in anything (compared to the general public) is always going to be expensive. My stuff has depreciated but it was expected. I just think it's the nature of the beast.

If the unit lasts for 20 years or beyond, depreciation is a moot point.
If you waited until this year to buy the tv, you may have looked at something else for 5k that you thought was better, and something that was not available last year.
There is an endless circle of 'newer technology, higher cost' vs 'older technology, half the price'. It will never end (my prediction). Well, at least not until we've reached a Star Trek like utopia of sorts.

As said, this just seems to be common place in the world of electronics. One area of exception however, are Axiom speakers- which have stayed fairly constant (rising just a little) over the years.

thanks for the commments. I guess it is a lesson learned.
I honestly didn't expect this kind of price drop. But definately good to see that axiom products don't depreciate like that.

best regards,