Users are indicating a preference for high-definition, flat-panel and plasma TVs this Christmas, rather than traditional festive gifts such as socks, perfume and sweaters.

According to a web poll conducted by trade association the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), high-tech gadgets have surged to the top of the list of most desirable Christmas presents.

Nearly a quarter of the 1,100 respondents said that a high-definition TV, flat-panel TV with LCD display, rear-projection TV or plasma TV is the high-tech 'toy' they would most like to receive this year.

The next most popular choices were digital cameras (15.6 per cent), MP3 or other digital music players (11.8 per cent) and wireless home networks (10.6 per cent).

Other wish-list products that made the holiday shopping list in the CompTIA survey included digital video recorders (8.1 per cent), smartphones and PDAs (7.9 per cent), tablet PCs (7.7 per cent), and portable media centres (2.2 per cent).

However, CompTIA warned that this explosion of digital entertainment options and home network tools brings with it increased levels of complexity when it comes to the installation, use and maintenance of these high-tech toys.

"Consumers interested in getting the most out of their investment in expensive consumer electronics and home networks would be wise to rely on a certified technician to turn their residence into a connected home," said John Venator, president and chief executive at CompTIA.