New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Budget TVs never hog centre stage in glossy showrooms. Yet, in everyday Indian homes, they are the unsung protagonists. They slot into routines, empower diverse indulgences, and sidestep the space-and-cost dilemmas that come with flagship giants. While the marketing spotlight often illuminates the latest large-screen, feature-laden flagships from global giants like Samsung, LG, and Sony, the industry's true engine operates in a less glamorous but far larger segment. Here, mainstream affordable brands, legacy manufacturers, and scrappy startups battle for supremacy for an affordable telly.

What do we mean by "affordable"? As low a Rs.10,000 for a 32-inch TV going up to solid 50-inch options for under Rs.35,000. Once ...