Staggering HDTV list prices typically don't stick around for long after new sets hit store shelves. Nowadays, though, that gradual sticker decline feels more like a nosedive. Even before Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and big-time sales, HDTV manufacturers started hacking away at prices of LCD and plasma TVs. In addition, the DTV switchover is fast approaching, which means that people will be upgrading to high-def sets—and that manufacturers have more reason to lower prices and move TVs. If you're a smart shopper, a little savvy online price comparison can save you a bundle—20, 40, even 50 percent—on a new HDTV.

Now you could let price and screen size make your set-purchasing decision for you, but you should also consider which screen type, LCD or plasma, is best for your room and viewing habits, in addition to your wallet. Now, as for performance and picture quality, most newer LCD sets can go blow-for-blow with plasmas, but they differ in a few key areas. Plasma screens, for example, typically have deeper black levels and faster response times and can be a better bet for fast-moving sports or action movies. If you're shopping for a TV that will be in a large room, the wider viewing angles that plasma screens provide might sway your decision.

That's not to say that LCD TVs don't have their strengths, too. In our testing, LCD sets consumed about 40 percent less power than similar-size plasmas. LCDs also don't need the same clear, glossy screen filter that plasmas do, so they produce less glare in brightly lit or sunny rooms. Oh, and LCD TVs generally have lower prices from the get-go, so you're now almost guaranteed to score a sweet deal.

No matter which screen you opt for, though, you'll find no shortage of cheap but solid sets to choose from. To give you a head start, we've pulled together the hottest HDTV deals on some of our highest-ranked sets. Our Editors' Choice 47-inch LG 47LG60 LCD TV, for one, costs nearly $1,900 less than it did when we first tested it this past spring. And, of course, there are the old faithful sets—the ones that produce quality video at consistently affordable prices—like Best Buy's $550 26-inch Insignia NS-LCD26-09. Either way, with deals like these out there, paying full price is insane!

Editors' Note: All listed prices are current as of the date of publication—and apt to change quickly and often.

Dynamite deals: HDTVs discounted by more than 35 percent

LG 47LG60

Set type: 47-inch LCD
Price as tested: $3,499.95
Current list price: $2,499.95
Find it for: $1,599.99
Savings: $1,899.96 (54.3 percent)
Our take: This 47-inch LCD HDTV from LG offers impressively accurate color and superb picture detail with HD sources. It's among the best LCD sets we've seen.

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Samsung LN52A750

Set type: 52-inch LCD
Price as tested: $3,999.99
Current list price: $2,899.99
Find it for: $2,014.99
Savings: $1,985.00 (49.6 percent)
Our take: As long as you don't plan on placing it in an overly bright room, the Samsung LN52A750's well-contrasted picture and excellent HD color quality add up to an impressive viewing experience.

Samsung LN52A550

Set type: 52-inch LCD
Price AS Tested: $2,999.99
Current list price: $2,199.99
Find it for: $1,575
Savings: $1,424.99 (47.7 percent)
Our take: The Samsung LN52A550's matte-finish screen delivers a detailed HD picture but stumbles in some fast-motion scenes. And color consistency within the darkest picture details is lacking when compared with that of the competition.

Sharp Aquos LC-32D44U

Set type: 32-inch LCD
Price as tested: $999.99
Current list price: $749.99
Find it for: $549.99
Savings: $450 (45 percent)
Our take: One of the company's least-expensive models, the 32-inch Sharp Aquos LC-32D44U delivers a detailed picture at an attractive price.

Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD

Set type: 50-inch plasma
Price as tested: $4,000
Current list price: $3,999.99
Find it for: $2,292.19
Savings: $1,707.81 (42.7 percent)
Our take: With its KURO PDP-5020FD plasma, Pioneer serves up the finest flat-panel HDTV picture quality we've ever seen.

Toshiba Regza 42XV540U

Set type: 42-inch LCD
Price as tested: $1,699.99
Current list price: $1,599.99
Find it for: $979.99
Savings: $720 (42.4 percent)
Our take: The Toshiba Regza 42XV540U delivers a detailed HD picture, but lackluster picture contrast makes it less impressive when viewed in a dimly lit environment.

Samsung PN50A650

Set type: 50-inch plasma
Price as tested: $2,499.99
Current list price: $2,299.99
Find it for: $1,562.18
Savings: $937.81 (37.5 percent)
Our take: The Samsung PN50A650 delivers a quality 1080p plasma picture at a competitive price.

Sony Bravia KDL-46Z4100

Set type: 46-inch LCD
Price as tested: $2,699.99
Current list price: $2,499.99
Find it for: $1,695
Savings: $1,004.99 (37.2 percent)
Our take: The Sony Bravia KDL-46Z4100 LCD HDTV offers a slimmed-down frame and a slick interface, but some picture-quality quirks detract from its otherwise solid performance.
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