On Black Friday, televisions tend to be really inexpensive because they may not be the top-of-the-line, de Grandpre says. "You are getting kind of a trade-off," he says.
Prices for high-end televisions tend to drop in January, leading up to the Super Bowl, de Grandpre says. Historically, Dealnews research shows there have also been excellent sales on high-end models during mid-December. But that did not happen last year -- the best deals did not appear until January, he says.
If you're looking for the centerpiece for your home theater, "I think you want to shop both times," he says.
Part of the reason television prices fall in January stems from the seasonality of some products, says Marks. Traditionally, that's when new products are introduced and older models are being discontinued.
Even with the December/January high-end TV boon, DealNews is predicting record-low pricing for TVs on Black Friday. It estimates that some 42-inch LCD TVs could sell for as low as $189. This could potentially be a better deal than ones offered on smaller sets.
It's interesting to note that even with all these deals to be had, they aren't going to be under the Christmas tree. De Grandpre says people tend to buy TVs for themselves, not as gifts.