HDTVs: Now Is the Best Time to Buy

Missed a great deal on an HDTV this past week? Don't sweat it.  

Experts say the best time to buy a new HDTV is usually after the Super Bowl when retailers cut prices on older models to make room for the new ones.

Over the long view, analysts at Pacific Media Associates say we can expect a 15.6% drop on flat panel display prices this year.

According to the research company, last year they saw a 14.7 percent price drop on HDTVs, which increased sales by 41 percent. If their estimates are correct, more than 113 million displays were sold worldwide instead of the 80 million units they had predicted.

There's no question this trend will continue in 2008, especially now that more people will consider buying a high definition TV before the big digital television switchover.

Even the optimistic folks over at NPD Group say manufacturers and retailers will try to entice consumers to upgrade to digital televisions this year, so it's very likely we'll either see tempting price drops or more bundled systems like the ones Consumer Reports noted on this article.

This year I believe older HDTV sets will face some stiff competition, especially when thinner, sexier displays, like Hitachi's ultra-thin 1.5 model, arrive in stores. Do expect to see bigger, sharper, greener, and even Internet-connected HDTV sets in 2008.

So dear readers, if you missed out on a great HDTV deal during Black Friday, Christmas, or even last week before the Super Bowl, do not fear. You're likely to get a better deal on an HDTV this year.

Oh, and if you already bought one, keep an eye on falling prices. You might be able to get a nice refund if the store has a 30-day price guarantee. Hope you saved your receipt .