flat screen TV

Vizio widened its lead in the U.S. liquid-crystal-display television market in the fourth quarter, according to a new report from research firm iSuppli. Samsung and Sony lost market share from a year ago, although Sony gained ground from the third quarter.

U.S. consumers spent 5% less on consumer electronics during the last holiday season compared to a year earlier, according to a new report from NPD Group. Even at discounted prices, Americans bought fewer flat-screen televisions and desktop computers, as well as lower-end digital cameras and MP3 players, according to the report.

By now, you may have purchased one of those sharp new flat-panel TV sets. After all, we all like new, shiny and skinny consumer electronics, don't we? What isn't told to you by that electronics sales clerk in most cases is how much that new 47" plasma TV will cost, electricity-wise.It's hard to...