According to the leading market research company, GfK Retail and Technology, sales of flat panel TV's in the UK for the first three months of 2009 rose by 17.5%.

Although 2,462,700 flat screen TV's were sold in the first three months of 2009, the actual revenue generated from these sales was down 1% to £980m on the same period last year.

GfK representative, Nick Simon, commented that: "Prices have declined, particularly in the most important category, 32" LCD TV's, from £502 in April 2008 to £391 in April 2009,".

The decline in revenue can also be attributed to the current popularity of 19" and 22" TVs as consumers replace smaller "second" TV's. There has also been a general downward trend in the cost of flat panel TV's over the past few years with greater economies of scale along with technical innovation driving prices down.

The current climate is proving tough for many consumers, but for those of you who can afford the not inconsiderable expensive of a flat screen TV, now is a great time to buy.