[Jeffhs]

I see the same thing in my small town near Cleveland. Flat screens have become so inexpensive these days (the smaller sizes, anyway) that just about anyone can afford at least one without breaking the bank. What you are probably seeing in your town are very large HDTVs, with Internet connectivity and all, that do still cost an arm and a leg. I pass by a house in my town during my evening walks that has a very large flat screen right where anyone can see it from the living room window; sometimes I wonder if they worry someone might see it and try to steal it when they are away. I'm sure that set must have set them back at least $1k; if so, I would think they would have found a less conspicuous spot for it, where it would not be visible from the street.