There is plenty of good news for those shopping for a new television. Prices on newer technology televisions such as plasma and LCD continued to drop through the end of last year while their performance has been enhanced: improved anti-burn in technology, higher resolution, larger screen sizes, and so forth. Still, with a price tag of up to $3,500 for a 40-46 inch plasma or LCD television, shopping for a bargain can be important.

For smart shoppers, bargains are certainly to be had; potentially saving them up to 50% on their purchase. For many consumers however, knowing some of the finer details of finding the ideal television buy might require a few tips.

The Basics

?Comparison shop- Never buy an item that has a large price tag without checking to see what other competitors offer. It is common that 3 or 4 competitors offer virtually the same price but yet another may offer a 20% savings. Use of newspaper ads, the phone, and, of course, the internet can be a quick and convenient way to comparison shop for a television.

?Shop sales- Often, having the patience to wait a few weeks or perhaps a few months for a sales event can net a buyer a significant savings as well. Sales are common during the summer and around the holidays but many stores, especially on line, offer specials on select models all year.

?Don't buy more than is wanted- Yes, experts tell everyone to get the biggest screen they can afford, but is this really what they want? In some cases, bigger doesn't really improve the viewing experience in some rooms. The same holds true for features and other attributes. If the buyer can't see the difference between 1080p and 720p, why pay for the higher resolution?

Don't Pay for the Extended Warranty

Most failures with a television will occur during the first year, when it is covered by the standard manufacturers warranty or several years later when any extended warranty is out of effect. Thus the price of the extended warranty, at least statistically speaking, is seldom worth the added cost. Even if a buyer decides they want the extended warranty several months later, they usually get the opportunity to purchase it before the standard warranty expires; in this way, the decision to buy it is made with less pressure from the salesperson.

Shop Online

There are often bargains to be had online. In some instances, the shipping fees however can outweigh the savings on the television; therefore, be sure to use a retailer that offers free shipping. In some instances, there are also savings online related to sales taxes.

Look for Model Closeouts, & Returns

Shoppers who don't get swept up in getting the latest gadgets fare better in getting the best bargain. Rapid technology changes result in new features constantly so recent models become somewhat dated quickly allowing buyers to get better deals. Checking for returned items can be wise too as some consumers simply rethink their decision to buy after a day or two. Either situation can provide prime picking at better than average prices for consumers.

Get a Price Guarantee

Whether buying a television online or not, a price guarantee can assure that the price paid is the best possible even if further mark downs occur within a few weeks.

Look for reliability

Buying unknown brands can sometimes save money; at least for the short term. However, if the television meets an early demise it may not be the less expensive option in the long run. Consumers considering any purchase are wise to check on the ratings for a particular manufacturer offered by credible sources such as Consumer Reports or customer feedback through organizations such as JD Power & Associates.

Certainly, with larger and more sophisticated televisions on the market the price tag for a new set is significant for many families. However, with a bit of patience and some research, most shoppers should be able to find the television they want at a price they can afford.