DealWatch: Price trends on 1080p LCD HDTVs

42" 1080p LCD HDTVs

Overview: November and December are undoubtedly the best times to buy a new LCD HDTV. In any month, if you're strapped for cash, you can save roughly $100 if you choose to buy a 42" TV from an off-brand manufacturer. Brand name manufacturers like Sony and Samsung offered little deals; most sales came from Sharp (non-AQUOS), Toshiba's Regza line, and LG. Click here to see the latest deals on 42" 1080p LCD HDTVs.

46" - 47" 1080p LCD HDTVs

Overview:Deals on 46" and 47" LCDs have recently come down and are near the best we've seen. In addition, many of the deals we've seen on 46" and 47" sets have been for Sharps AQUOS and Samsung TVs, which are generally considered to be of better quality than most LGs or Toshibas, which made up the bulk of the 42" LCD deals. Click here to see the latest deals on 46" and 47" 1080p LCD HDTVs.

52" 1080p LCD HDTVs

Overview: Welcome to the plateau! The price difference between brand name and off-brand LCDs is practically non-existent when you're dealing with 52" sets, so we'd recommend sticking with brand name models. If you really want to save money on a 52" LCD, your best bet is to look at the refurbished models, which on average can save you about $150. Click here to see the latest deals on 52" 1080p LCD HDTVs.

Final Verdict
It's no surprise that the best time to buy a new TV is during the fall holidays. However, if you can't wait till November and must purchase today, we suggest buying a 46" or 47" LCD TV. Unlike their 42" and 52" counterparts, which have both plateaued in pricing, we're seeing deals on 46" and 47" sets that are close to lowest-ever prices.

Are you planning on buying or upgrading your current HDTV? To tell us what you're buying, ask us a follow up question, or something else, please send us a Letter to the Editors.

^{*Brand name models include Samsung, Sharp, Sony, LG, and Toshiba.
*Off-brand models include Vizio, Westinghouse, Sanyo, Philips, Magnavox, and Sceptre.
*Shipping costs (where applicable) were factored into the pricing in our data.}

Louis Ramirez is dealnews' Features editor.