Digital Conversion Deals: Save on a New TV

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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 percent 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:

AllAmericanDirect.com
On a 46-inch Sharp 1080p LCD, pay $1,300 instead of the regular retail price of $2,200. Sale ends June 22. You'll save 41%.

Amazon.com
Pay $1,829 for a 46-inch Mitsubishi 1080p LCD (regularly $2,499). Plus, get free shipping. (No sale end date specified.) You'll save 27%.

Best Buy
Best Buy's web site is offering a 52-inch Sony Bravia XBR9 1080p LCD for $2,675, including delivery and hookup. You'll save $725, or 21%, off the regular $3,400 price tag. Sale ends June 13. You'll save 21%.

Newegg.com
During the site's Father's Day sale, get free shipping as well as discounts on select models. On a 58-inch Samsung 1080p plasma, pay $1,900 instead of the regular retail price of $4,000. (No sale end date specified.) You'll save 52%.

Sears
During Sears' "Dad Sale" (ends June 13), save $300 on a 42-inch Panasonic 720p plasma which is on sale for $600. The set regularly sells for $900. You'll save 33%.

Target
Save $100 on a 47-inch Philips 1080p LCD (regularly $1,100; now $1,000) and get free shipping. Sale ends June 13. You'll save 9%.