THANKS to the rough economy, predictions are that high-definition DVD players are going to be selling for as little as $149 by Black Friday – and plasma TVs for $499.

Black Friday, the day after Thanskgivng, usually sees a lot of discounting. But the Web site Dealnews.com is predicting a deep price cutting on HD gear.

Right now, the cheapest HD DVD players are selling for about $400 and 42-inch plasma TVs are $680 and up.