Digital Conversion Deals, Save on a New TV

BUYING GUIDE.

Television stations across the nation are switching their broadcast signals from analog to digital Friday, giving bargain hunters a great excuse to take advantage of deals on flat screens and other TVs.

Whether you're prepared for the digital conversion (cable and satellite subscribers, don't have to do a thing) or not (those still using rabbit ears either need a new TV or a conversion box), now's a good time to buy. Plenty of manufacturers and retailers are using the event to clear TVs off their shelves by offering price breaks of 30% or more, says David Berman, spokesman for the Home Theater Specialists of America, an industry group.

“Father’s Day is always a pop in sales, and this year it’s strengthened by the digital transition,” says Shawn Schwegman, marketing director for web retailer AllAmericanDirect.com.

Another reason to act now: The deals being offered may be the best ones television shoppers will see in 2009, says Paul Gagnon, director of research for DisplaySearch.com, an electronics consulting group. Prices for the raw materials used to make televisions have increased in recent months, which could mean fewer or less-generous promotions during the second half of the year, he says.

Some of the best deals are showing up on 42-inch displays. “That’s a sweet spot for pricing,” says Berman. At that size, you'll find both LCDs and plasmas (go larger or smaller, and it's one or the other), which has led to more price competition among manufacturers.

Another deal trend: Blu-ray bundles. “Manufacturers are trying to get people to accept the new technology,” says David Wexler, co-owner of Little Guys Home Electronics in Chicago. LG, for example, is currently offering a free Blu-ray player (regularly $300) with purchase of its 47-inch 1080p LCD ($1,400) television.

Here’s where some of the best deals can be had:

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For more on retail outlets, check out our where to buy Bestsellers TV article.
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