What recession? LCD TV sales set to soar in Q4

Despite overall wallet-tightening and unemployment hitting the 10 percent mark, consumers will still flock to LCD TVs, according to a new report from iSupply.

Principal analyst Riddhi Patel predicts massive seasonal price cuts will spark buying, with 8 million units shipping in the fourth quarter – a 7.3 percent increase over the 2008 figures.

iSupply is looking for some good deals on Black Friday and beyond, predicting prices for HD sets will fall as low as $299 for some 32-inch models and $499 for 42-inch sets.

Deals aside, average pricing for 46- and 47-inch LCD sets should fall below $1,000, which will spur buying as well. And, it says, many consumer will want to upgrade their older LCD sets to premium models with LED backlighting, which results in a more vibrant picture.

It’s an optimistic prediction – and deal-watchers agree that LCDs will see some great holiday bargains this year – but given the still fragile state of the economy, take it with a grain of salt. Most folks are still hanging on tight to the money in their bank accounts – and it’s going to take some spectacularly low prices to loosen that grip.