How about a new HDTV for next season's shows?

Have you been wanting to buy an HDTV but are waiting for prices to settle before you move? That's understandable. Price erosion has defined the high-definition TV market for some time now and is projected to continue, especially for the biggest, costliest sets.

By the summer, prices of plasma TVs with 50-inch screens and LCD flat panels larger than 40 inches could fall by $500, according to estimates. (Sets of that size that Consumer Reports has tested were recently priced at $3,000 to $6,500.)

Similar cuts are expected for rear-projection microdisplays using LCD and DLP technology.

Prices for LCoSTV microdisplays could fall by as much as $1,000 as manufacturing ramps up.

Meanwhile, little change is likely for picture-tube TVs and CRT-based rear-projection sets.

CR's advice: Although you could save money on the largest-screen TVs by waiting a few months, there's little reason not to buy a smaller LCD or plasma set, or a tube-based TV, now.

Here are some things to consider as you shop — or wait.

• Decide where to shop. In a 2005 survey of Consumer Reports subscribers who purchased electronics, local independent stores and the nationwide Tweeter chain won top scores from high-end TV buyers for overall satisfaction.

Sears, Circuit City and Best Buy rated highly for overall satisfaction and product quality, but only average for service, price and selection.

Costco rated highly for overall satisfaction and product quality, and was best for low TV prices, yet the warehouse club has limited selection and service.

But unless you get a free-shipping deal, the charges can wipe out any savings. Also, some sites, including Amazon.com, don't accept big-TV returns.

• Weigh delivery and setup options. With big-screen TVs bought from a brick-and-mortar retailer, delivery is worth the cost. For a few hundred dollars more, you can have a pro hook up multiple video devices and a sound system.

Wall-mounting an LCD or plasma set and hiding wires takes skill and costs even bigger bucks. At Best Buy, it runs $400 to $900, plus the cost of mounting hardware, which starts at $50.

• Hold off on a sound system. Stores may say a new audio system is a must for your HDTV, but it's not. Many TV sets have decent speakers that are fine for TV programming. You'll get the most improvement by connecting a receiver and two front speakers to your TV.

Before you start shopping, see whether your credit cards offer free warranty extensions. American Express adds up to a year of protection to standard warranties. MasterCard and Visa may also, depending on the issuing bank and type of card. However, you might want to consider buying an extended warranty for LCD and plasma TVs, especially for off-brand and expensive models. (Pay no more than 15 percent to 20 percent of the TV's cost.) Picture-tube TVs and CRT-based rear-projection sets are another matter: Extended protection for these two types of HDTV is probably unnecessary.

Copyright 2006, Consumers Union