HDTV - How To Get The Best Deal Online On An HDTV

Prices are continually coming down on HDTVs so now is a good time to buy and get the best deal online on an HDTV. Here are some tips on how to save money on HDTVs.

1. First of all use shopping bots. Many of the online shopping sites are actually one-stop shopping sites where you can check on the prices for specific high definition television sets that you have in mind at literally hundreds of online retailers. You can usually sort through the listings by the price including any taxes and shipping costs. You can also check the reader reviews and comments on HDTVs on various retailers.

2. You can set up price alerts at some of the bots. They will send you price alerts by e-mail. Let them know your target price or range for the model you want and they will send you an e-mail when it finds a store that is selling at your price. So if you aren't in any rush, just sign up for the alerts and just relax until you get the right price.

3. Buy your HDTV from an online retailer or brick-and-mortar retailer who will match or beat a lower price from any competitor. Head to the store when you know the price you want to pay and negotiate. Many stores, after a sale, will guarantee you a refund if they reduce the price on your HDTV within 30 days or so. Some may also give you a refund if you find the television set selling somewhere else for less.

Be careful to check the details and restrictions closely though. Some like Best Buy has a 60-day guarantee on HDTVs. Hold on to your sales receipt and keep checking all the other competitor ads after you've purchased it.

4. Don't buy the extended warranty. Buying an extended warranty on a high definition television set such as an LCD or plasma TV is a waste of money. Both of these types have a low rate of repairs during the first two years. Most of the required repairs cost less than $190. An extended warranty will cost at least that much if not more.

However if you buy a rear-projection micro display, they usually have repairs more often than the flat-panel HDTVs. Bulb replacement seems to be the most common repair. A bulb can cost between $210 and $340. You can easily replace it on your own. If you do decide to get an extended warranty a good figure to use would be about 15% of the cost of the HDTV or find out the cost of the bulb and use that as the maximum amount you would pay.

5. The reliability of the brands you choose should be a consideration. And different models within a brand can make a difference. Well-known brands may be a better choice rather than off-brands. The service for off-brands may be hard to find especially if the company doesn't have parts and service organizations affiliated with it for off-brand parts.

Some of the many TV brand names include Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Mitsubishi, Pioneer, JVC, Hitachi, Toshiba, Visio and Phillips, etc. While you're at it do your homework on indoor and outdoor antennas, receivers, tuners, converters, cable, resolution and satellite receivers.

To wrap up my tips for buying high definition television sets shop wisely and carefully and don't get into a rush. Take a little time to check out all the flat screen, plasma and LCD reviews, ratings, rankings, comparisons and forums both online and offline and you're sure to find the best HDTV, whether it's 32, 37, 42, 55 or 1080. Perhaps you'll even find a cheap HDTV. Then there is Comcast, DIRECTV and Dish Network to check for HD offers. In any event you will get the best deal online on an HDTV.