I'm not justifying that price, I also think it's a ripoff. I'm only saying we pay much more taxes than USA, and we have to take that into consideration.

This is no different from anything else. Cars, all types of electronics, services, etc.

Why fly first class when standard class gets you same place?
Why eat in a Michelin star restaurant when McDonalds fulls your stomach just as well?
Why buy a Bentley when a Yugo gets you from A to B?
Why buy iPhone when you can get an Android one free on contract?

People continue to do all the above so.....
Why buy this Sony TV when you can get one cheaper that does the same thing?

There are people with money that does all the above if most of you don't.

Sony is not aiming to sell this TV to some broke arsed consumer anymore than Ferrari or Rolex seek out the "poor" to buy their products.

The aim is not to take over the world with the TV, it is for the minority that can afford to pay for it.

Wow that's spendy! Europeans sure get the shaft when it comes to prices of things.

I hope you guys make more money than the rest of the world to make up for it.

Your analogy is valid except for one thing...this thing is crap. Its not a premium product at all. Its the Mcdonalds of 3D technology at a premium price.

You're better off buying one of these which work for all HDMI 1.4 devices and support Full 1080p PC 3D which Sony monitor doesn't.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/acer-brings-hn274h-and-hs244hq-3d-monitors-to-the-us-motorbikes/

There are other options too like this which support both technologies - http://www.viewsonic.com/products/v3d245.htm

Fair enough. My argument wasn't to do with the quality of the thing, it was simply to point out that because something is out of a particular person's budget doesn't mean that those with the cash that want it won't buy it.

But I can't argue with your point regarding HDMI 1.4 and the rest. You are right.

EVERYTHING is more expensive here in Mexico, heck when uncharted 3 comes out ill be paying around 800 pesos(about 75 dollars) but anything for the "game of the generation" =]

I see...yeah I agree as well. People will always pay more money for something which convinces them that it deserves a premium.

It is somewhat strange that the price of this almost doubled compared to US price...when taking currency exchange in to account. I am aware that Euro price uncludes the tax while the 499 us still needs tax added.

Could it be that Sony as a brand is considered more premium in Europe compared to USA and they can get away with charging more?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita

Wow most European countries are below the US...

Yep, exactly. You lucky Americans tend to make 12,000 more international dollars a year than us Brits.... and I don't think PPP factors in tax rates, so a higher percentage of our money also gets taken away.