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YONKERS, N.Y. -- Online retailers continue to outscore walk-in retailers according to Consumer Reports' latest survey of electronics stores -- Amazon.com, B&H (bhphotovideo.com), and Crutchfield.com were standouts in this year's ratings. The survey, based on more than 38,000 purchases of electronics including flat-screen TVs made between January 2007 and June 2008, found that online retailers offered better prices. The full report and Ratings of 36 electronics stores are featured in the magazine’s annual December Electronics issue and online at ConsumerReports.org.

Although no single retailer has it all, perennial standouts Amazon.com and Crutchfield.com came close. Both were among the highest-scoring retailers for electronics-each offering above-average selection. Newcomer, B&H (bhphotovideo.com) also scored well in Consumer Reports’ survey and like Amazon.com, was noted for its prices.

Despite Consumer Reports' findings, consumers shouldn't rule out brick-and mortar stores. If price is top priority, warehouse stores such as Costco and BJ's Wholesale stood out in the survey, but consumers shouldn't expect the best service or the widest selection. Independent retailers, Apple, Sony, Tweeter, Ultimate Electronics, Ritz Camera, P.C. Richard & Son and HH Gregg were noted for their attributes that made the store experience easier, including customer service, satisfying checkouts, and general shopping ease.

10 Ways to Save Money When Buying Electronics

Whether buying online or in a brick-and-mortar store, Consumer Reports recommends the following 10 money-savings secrets that can help consumers stick to their budget this holiday season.

Buying online can be better. The higher-rated electronics retailers in Consumer Reports annual reader survey are Web sites. Readers who bought online rated their overall satisfaction at 90 out of 100 - higher than those who bought in a store. Additionally, many Web merchants offer free shipping, even on TVs, which could spare the hassle of struggling to fit a bulky carton in the car or paying a local store for delivery.

Be wary of pricey add-ons. Retailers may push high-priced accessories such as premium video cables for a TV or ultra-high speed memory cards for a simple point-and-shoot camera. As a rule, Consumer Reports suggests choosing regular alternatives, since the fancy versions can cost twice as more and aren’t likely to give much performance benefit.

Skip the extended warranty. Consumer Reports' reliability data continues to indicate that repair rates on most electronics are low overall, though some brands have a worse reliability record than others. But even in the unlikely event that a repair is required after the manufacturer's warranty expires, the bill for the repair itself is often comparable with the typical cost of an extended warranty.