TV buying guide

Of course, your budget will affect all of your decisions. It's possible to find good TVs selling for a few hundred dollars, while others go for several thousand, and there are many sets that fall in between those extremes. Screen size, features, brands, and more affect the price. We can help you get the most bang for your buck, no matter how much or how little you want to spend.

If you're like most buyers, you've probably settled on a slim flat-panel TV, but you might not know whether to buy an LCD or plasma set. Though they look very similar on the outside, they use different technologies and the pictures have different characteristics. While LCDs outsell plasmas by a wide margin--in part because plasma sets are available only in screen sizes 42 inches and larger--don't automatically assume that LCDs are the way to go. It's worth considering both types, especially if you're looking for a 3D set. Flat panels have largely pushed rear-projection and picture-tube TVs to the sidelines; few of those sets are now being introduced or stocked by retailers. Front projectors are a great choice for home theaters but less practical for everyday use. 3D TVs are the newest game in town. With more new TVs now offering 3D capability, prices falling, and more 3D content arriving, 3D television is likely to attract more attention this year. Another hot feature: Internet capability. Many new LCD and plasma TVs are Internet-enabled sets that can stream online video and access popular websites.

Deciding what size TV to buy is one of the more enjoyable aspects of purchasing a new set. Most consumers tend to go bigger when replacing their old TV, because it enables them to fully appreciate the fine, sharp detail of HD content, making it more compelling and creating more of a theater-like experience. Note that you can't compare the screen size of a conventional squarish tube TV with a wide screen because the proportions differ. Stepping up from a 27-inch tube set to a 32-inch–wide screen won't give you an appreciably bigger picture, because the 32-inch screen is wider but not much taller than the 27-inch screen. As a result, "talking heads" on news shows will look about the same size; on the 32-incher you'll just see more of the scenery alongside the people.

Budget and room size permitting, we believe most consumers would be best served by at least a 40- to 42-inch screen for a primary TV that you'll watch often. A 46- or 50-inch set is often preferable in rooms where you'll be sitting 8 to 10 feet or so from the screen. Consider an even bigger set for very large family rooms. You want the screen to be large enough that you can see the detail that makes HD look so lifelike and enjoy the impact of a large image. Just don't buy a jumbo screen and sit right on top of it: If you sit too close to a TV screen you might notice the picture elements (pixels) that make up the images, graininess, or video noise--what you might consider "snow" or specks. Screens of about 26 to 32 inches are good for casual viewing in bedrooms, and even smaller screen sizes suit kitchens and home offices.

Resolution means the number of pixels, or picture elements, a screen contains. A 720p set displays 1024x768, 1280x720, or 1366x768 pixels. A set with 1080p resolution, sometimes advertised as "full HD," displays 1920x1080 pixels. The first number in each case indicates the number of pixels going across the screen from left to right; the second number is the number of pixels from the top of the screen to the bottom. That second number is often used as shorthand to describe the set's resolution, e.g., a 1080p screen has 1,080 pixels from top to bottom. Most new LCD and plasma TVs with screens 40 inches and up now have 1080p resolution, and the price difference between 720p and 1080p sets is shrinking.

A 1080p set has the potential to display finer detail than a 720p set, but resolution alone doesn't determine picture quality. Factors such as brightness, contrast, and color also come into play. You can best appreciate the finer detail of a 1080p screen on a 50-inch or larger TV, though you might see subtle improvements on a 40- to 47-inch screen, especially when viewed up close. In smaller sizes, the benefits of 1080p are less obvious. One exception: If you plan to use your TV as a computer display, 1080p resolution is a plus even on smaller screens. The higher resolution will let you see more content onscreen with greater clarity and finer detail than you would on a 720p set. (You might have to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI input to take full advantage of the 1080p resolution and to avoid cutting off outer edges of the image--otherwise known as overscan.)

What you're watching matters too. To fully enjoy the benefits of a 1080p TV, you need top-quality high-def content. You can get that from a Blu-ray disc, which contains true 1080p content. A 1080p set will convert HD signal formats (720p and 1080i signals from your cable box, for instance) to match its native screen resolution. If the quality of the programming is good and the TV does the job well, the picture quality can be outstanding. In fact, most 1080p HD sets can derive true 1080p performance from most film-based movies. But the quality of HD content varies considerably (especially on cable), so it might not fully exploit the potential of a 1080p display.

Other considerations include features and brand. We'll lead you through those choices and more, helping you to make the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.

Once you're in a store or shopping online, you'll have to decide whether to buy an extended warranty, how much to spend on cables, how to get the best price, and more. Our shopping tips will make you a savvy consumer and help you to save money and avoid hassles. What you'll watch on your new TV is an issue that will affect your enjoyment of your set, so you might be thinking of upgrading your TV service or switching to a new provider. See what cable, satellite, and phone companies have to offer before making a decision.

Good choice if you want a thin, lightweight TV that comes in a wide range of sizes and is well suited for viewing in a bright room.

Common screen sizes. 15 to 60 inches. Some 65- and 70-inch sets are available, and manufacturers have showcased sets larger than 100 inches. No matter how large the screen, most LCD TVs are only 2 or 3 inches thick, and some new ultra-slim sets are even thinner.

Typical selling prices. About $300 to $700 for a 32-inch model, $400 to $800 for a 37-inch set, $450 to $1,200 for a 40-to-42-inch set, $500 to $1,700 for a 46-to-47-inch set, and $800 to $3,000 for a 52-inch set. 3D capability can add several hundred dollars to the price. (With prices continually dropping and special promotions, you'll probably see some TVs--especially from secondary brands--selling for less than the prices indicated. And top-of-the-line sets loaded with all the newest features can sell for more.)

Key points. There are many more companies selling LCD than plasma TVs, and in a wider range of sizes. LCD televisions generally cost more than comparably sized plasma sets, but the gap is narrowing. Many LCD sets with 40-inch or larger screens (and even some smaller models) have 1080p resolution. Many newer LCD TVs use LED backlighting instead of the more typical fluorescent backlights. These sets have been among the most energy-efficient we've tested.

LCDs tend to be brighter than plasma screens, and many have matte screens that don't suffer from reflections and glare, making them a good choice for brightly lit rooms. But we are seeing many more LCD sets with glossy screens, which are more reflective. With LCD TVs, there's no risk of burn-in of static images, which can be a concern with plasma TVs, although it is less of a problem than it was in the past.

Advances in technology have also addressed problems that have plagued LCD technology. LCD TVs have had trouble displaying deep blacks, a problem caused partly by backlighting leaking through in dark scenes. Some new models have minimized this problem by using full-frame LED backlights (instead of fluorescents) and so-called local-dimming technology. The backlight can be dimmed behind a dark scene, enhancing the depth of black, while remaining bright elsewhere. TVs with edge-lit LED backlights around the perimeter of the screen typically don't offer local dimming, but some new edge-lit models do. Edge LEDs can allow for extremely thin profiles of about an inch or so. Models with LEDs also use less power than typical TVs; some we've tested were exceptionally frugal with energy. Recent developments have also improved LCD TVs' ability to display fast-moving scenes without blurring. A growing number of sets now use 120Hz and 240Hz technology, or quasi-240Hz (120Hz plus a scanning backlight), an increase from the usual 60Hz refresh rates, to reduce motion blur. There are also models with 480Hz technology, and we've seen 960Hz as well.

But LCD TVs haven't caught up with plasma TVs in terms of viewing angle. With most LCD sets, the picture looks its best only from a fairly narrow sweet spot right in front of the screen. As you angle away from the center of the screen--either horizontally or vertically--the image can dim, lose contrast, look washed out, or lose color accuracy. So if you're sitting off to the side (say, at the end of a long couch), stretched out on the floor, or looking up at a TV over the mantel, you could very well be seeing less-than-optimal picture quality.

Good choice if you want a thin TV with a screen 42 inches or larger with an almost unlimited viewing angle.

Common screen sizes. 42 to 65 inches, with more 60-inch-plus models arriving. (Samsung recently added models labeled as 43-inch and 51-inch, rather than the usual 42- and 50-inch sizes.) Most plasma TVs are 3 inches or less in depth, and some new ultra-slim plasma TVs are as thin as an inch.

Typical selling prices. $500 to $1,000 for a 42-inch set, $700 to $2,000 for a 50-inch model, $1,200 to $2,800 for a 58-inch set, $1,700 to $4,000 for a 60- to-65-inch model. 3D capability can add several hundred dollars to the price. (With prices continually dropping and special promotions, you'll probably see some TVs selling for less than the prices indicated. And high-end models loaded with all the latest features can sell for more.)

Key points. You'll find more sizes, including 46-inch and 54-inch models, as manufacturers try to compete more directly with LCD sets. There are also many more 1080p sets than in the past, including 42-inch models. It's hard to beat the best plasma TV sets for accurate colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. And a virtually unlimited viewing angle means that no one has a bad view, because you see the same picture quality from almost anywhere in a room.

New plasmas use much less energy than older models and in general are comparable to typical LCDs for power consumption. The reflections from a plasma TV's shiny screen can be annoying in a bright room, though an antireflective coating can minimize them. In this respect, they're similar to what you might have seen with a picture-tube TV, or with LCD sets with glossy screens. With earlier plasma sets, static images such as a station logo or the bars on the sides of an image would permanently etch into the TV's phosphor coating, leaving faint, ghostlike images on the screen, an effect known as burn-in. Many new plasma TVs have features to prevent burn-in, such as screen savers and motion-adaptive (also called pixel-shifting) technology, which shifts the picture almost imperceptibly every few seconds. In our tests, we've seen temporary impressions that have disappeared after a short while; we haven't seen any evidence of permanent burn-in when testing TVs in our labs over the course of a few months. Some models include a feature that essentially blasts the screen with a white image for a period of time to remove ghosted images.

Good choice if you want a theater-like experience at home, with the largest picture available.

Common screen sizes. The projector has a 9x12-inch or larger footprint. You need a separate screen (typically 70 to 200 inches diagonally).

Typical selling prices. $800 and up for a 1080p HD model, a bit less for a 720p projector. There are a few new 3D models that cost $2,000 and up. You'll need to budget several hundred dollars to $1,000 for a screen, depending on size and type (fixed or retractable, manual or motorized, for example).

Key points. You can get top picture quality from a projector, especially a 1080p model, and you're not locked into a specific screen size as you are with an LCD or plasma set. You can vary the picture size from about 50 to 200 inches by moving the projector closer to or farther away from a screen or wall and using the zoom control. To get TV programming, you must connect an external tuner, such as a cable or satellite box, to the projector. For movies, you can hook up a DVD or Blu-ray player. You generally have to provide an amplifier or A/V receiver and speakers, because most projectors don't have built-in audio capability. 3D-capable projectors may arguably provide the most exciting 3D experience, but the first models on the market are still expensive. Prices are likely to drop over time.

While projectors are great for movie night, they aren't the best choice for typical, everyday viewing. Any light that falls on the screen reduces contrast and washes out the picture, so your best bet is a dark room. Use blackout window shades for daytime viewing, and at night, turn off light from nearby lamps.

The need to add a screen and speakers increases the cost and complexity of set-up. If you mount the projector, be sure to place it at the distance recommended by the manufacturer, angled to prevent the rectangular shape of the image from being distorted. Projectors with a vertical and/or horizontal lens shift give you more placement flexibility; those without a lens shift have to be mounted or placed so that their image is centered on the screen to avoid using the keystone adjustment, which can distort the picture.

In our tests, we used a 110-inch screen ($400) with a matte-white viewing surface 41/2 feet high by 8 feet wide. Screens with reflective finishes designed to enhance brightness (called gain) might have a narrower viewing angle than a matte screen. So-called dark screens are designed to enhance contrast by improving black levels, but they take a small hit in brightness. Freestanding screens can be stored when not in use; some wall- or ceiling-mounted screens can be manually or electronically retracted.

In general, LCD projectors haven't been as good as DLP models at reproducing true black, but some new LCD models do well. LCoS projectors are becoming more common, and some are outstanding, though typically a bit more expensive than other types. With a DLP front projector, you may experience the "rainbow effect," a flash of color some viewers notice mainly when they move their eyes across bright objects on a dark background. It isn't obvious to everyone, but once noticed, it can be annoying. Many newer DLP projectors use faster-spinning color wheels, which can reduce the effect. All DLP projectors using a single chip are affected. Only the most expensive DLP units with three chips don't have this issue. A projector's bulb typically needs replacement every 2,000 to 3,000 hours or so. We have no data on reliability of front projectors.

Good choice if you want the largest screen sizes, 65 inches or larger, plus 3D capability.

Common screen sizes: 65 to 82 inches.

Typical selling prices. Mitsubishi is the only current manufacturer. Prices start at about $1,300 for a 65-inch model and go up to about $4,000 or more for an 82-inch set.

Key points. After Samsung stopped making rear-projection sets, Mitsubishi became the lone remaining rear-projection TV brand in the U.S. While rear-projection sets with screens as small as 40 inches were once common, these TVs now have screens at least 65 inches or more, at the very top size range of flat-panel displays. As a result, they still offer the least expensive path to the very largest screen sizes. However, fewer retailers are carrying them. Mitsubishi's new DLP-based rear-projection sets are 3D-capable, although older models need a $100 adapter to convert the images from a new 3D Blu-ray player into the checkerboard 3D format these TVs support. Newer models are Internet-enabled, providing access to Internet content, including streaming movies.

3D is a new feature, not a new type of TV. 3D-capable sets function like any standard HDTV with regular 2D programs. You switch the TV into 3D mode when you want to watch 3D broadcasts or a 3D movie from a Blu-ray disc (which requires a 3D Blu-ray player). You need to wear special high-tech glasses to see 3D images; without them, you'll see blurry double images. You don't need glasses for regular 2D content. There are now two 3D technologies available: active and passive. Active glasses are heavier and more expensive than passive glasses, which are more like those used in movie theaters. As of this writing, there were about 100 3D Blu-ray discs available, and many more are expected in 2012. (You'll need a new, 3D-capable Blu-ray player to play them.) There are several 3D channels and more coming. For more information, see the article on 3D.

This spec refers to the refresh rate or frame rate of the display--how often it updates the images onscreen. LCD TVs have typically had a refresh rate of 60Hz, meaning they update the image 60 times a second. At that relatively slow rate, there's a tendency to blur images during scenes with fast motion, such as sports programs. Since motion is fleeting, however, many viewers don't really notice the blur all that much. If you are sensitive to the problem, you should consider a TV with a higher refresh rate. To address the issue of blur on LCD displays, many new models double the number of frames displayed per second to 120 by inserting additional video frames (or black frames). Others use 240 or 480Hz technology, and 960Hz sets have started to appear. With all of these, blur can be minimized because there is less time between frames. In some cases, a model combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning, or flashing, backlight to achieve a "240Hz like" effect. For most consumers, effective 120Hz technology should do the job. Many companies are giving anti-blur technology proprietary names; Sony, for example, calls it Motionflow and JVC's is dubbed Clear Motion Drive.

LCD displays use lights in the back of the display to illuminate the screen. These have typically been fluorescent bulbs, but many new sets use LED (light-emitting diode) backlights instead. Some have full-array LEDs arranged across the entire panel. These are divided into zones that can darken or brighten independently, a feature called local dimming. Thus the backlight can be dimmed behind a dark scene, enhancing black levels, while remaining bright in other parts of the picture. Other LCD TVs have LEDs around the perimeter of the screen, a design called edge-lit. This enables a very thin profile, but typically hasn't allowed local dimming. Some newer sets with edge-lit LEDs do use a form of local dimming, but in our tests of such sets, we haven't seen similar improvements in black levels. In general, LEDs can reduce power consumption. Some of the edge-lit LCD models we've tested have been among the most energy-efficient sets we've seen.

Many new LCD and plasma TVs can access the Internet directly, through a broadband connection, without using a computer. Most don't offer full-fledged browsers; Web access is limited to specific content, which varies by brand and model. Most sets can bring you streaming movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon on Demand, Vudu, CinemaNow, and HuluPlus; music from services such as Pandora and Slacker; and access to popular sites such as YouTube, Twitter, Flickr photos, eBay, Facebook, and more. (Some Blu-ray players and gaming consoles also offer this feature, so you can get Internet connectivity and streaming video without buying a new TV.) Most TVs with access to online content now have onscreen icons, called widgets, that are used to access the various services. Yahoo and Vudu offer a widget platform that aggregates content applications from various service providers, such as the streaming services mentioned above. The first Android-based Google TVs arrived late in 2010 with the announcement of Sony Internet TVs, followed by Vizio. They use an optimized version of Google's Chrome browser to provide full Web browsing. Google TV isn't the only option: LG and Samsung both announced new TVs providing full Web access through other browsers.

A small but growing number of TVs now have the ability to connect to a home network wirelessly, so you don't need a nearby Ethernet jack. Some models come with built-in Wi-Fi, while others come with, or offer as an option (often about $70 to $80), a Wi-Fi dongle that connects to the TV's USB port.

With any TV, consider the number and type of inputs it has for hooking up devices to your TV. Most larger TVs now have at least three or four HDMI inputs plus two component-video inputs. That should be adequate for most current uses. Smaller sets typically have fewer of each type. Both HDMI and component-video connections are capable of carrying high-definition signals from devices such as cable and satellite boxes, DVRs, and Blu-ray players. 3D-capable models have HDMI 1.4 inputs, necessary to handle 3D signals. (And any high-speed cable can carry 3D and HD signals; you don't need to buy a high-priced specialty cable.) You can use the RF (antenna/cable) input to feed high-def TV signals, either from an off-air antenna or from a cable hookup. S-video and composite-video inputs are generally used with older gear such as a VCR or sometimes a DVD player. If you want to hook up a videogame system or camcorder occasionally, look for a TV with front- or side-panel inputs, which are more accessible than those on the rear of the set. (See Video Connections for more information.) A handful of sets, typically high-priced models, can accept "wireless HDMI" signals. These TVs come with a separate media module, where all connections--such as from a cable box or Blu-ray player--are made. Audio and video signals are then sent wirelessly from the media console to the TV, leaving the power cord as the only remaining cable. There are several different technologies being used, including WHDI, WirelessHD (WiHD), Ultra Wide-Band (UWB), and even 802.11n, also known as Wi-Fi.

Most widescreen (16:9) sets have stretch and zoom modes that expand or compress an image to fill the screen better. That helps to reduce or eliminate the dark bands that can appear on the sides or top and bottom of images if you watch content that isn't formatted for a wide screen, including most standard-definition TV programs and even some HD content. The tradeoff is that the picture is distorted or cut off a bit in the process of being stretched or zoomed. A mode called "native," or 1:1, which is found on many but not all TVs, presents the full image, without cutting off the edges. This is especially helpful when using the TV as a computer display.

This improves the appearance of movies converted from film to video. That includes most theatrical releases on Blu-ray and DVD discs, many movies shown on TV, and some TV programs. This feature (also called 3:2 pull-down, motion compensation, or brand-specific names such as CineMotion and Film Mode) helps to compensate for the difference in frame rates between film (24 frames per second) and video (30 frames per second), which can create jerkiness and jagged edges on moving images. Most TVs and progressive-scan DVD players also have a film-mode feature, so experiment to see which device does the best job of making the images look smoother.

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) supports a standard that enables interoperability among various consumer electronics devices across a home network. A DLNA-compliant TV, for example, can access photos, movies, and music stored on a DLNA-enabled PC or smartphone through a network connection. So if your phone is onyour wireless network, you could view photos you shot or received via e-mail on your TV screen.

All TVs have menus with settings that enable you to adjust the picture, sound, and more. We suggest adjusting the TV's settings once you get home to get the best viewing experience. Newer sets have a menu option that allows you to choose between a "home" or "retail" ("store") setting) when the TV is first connected. The home mode adjusts the TVs picture controls to settings appropriate for viewing in a home environment. You can also choose from other pre-set picture modes that are optimized for certain types of content (such as movies, sports, or games), and make adjustments to individual attributes, such as brightness, color, and so forth. (With some sets, you can adjust attributes individually only in a custom or user mode.) With more sources for video available all the time, it's handy to have a feature that allows you to customize settings for each input, such as the one you routinely use for your cable box or the DVD player. For example, you might want sharpness set to its lowest level when watching high-quality DVDs or Blu-ray movies routed through the HDMI input, but a higher sharpness setting to improve the softer appearance of standard-definition programs coming in by cable through the component-video input. (For more information, see Fine-tuning your HDTV.)

This lets you watch two channels at once--one in a small window, the other as a full-screen image. It's useful if you want to browse the onscreen guide while keeping an eye on the program you're watching or keep track of a sports event while another program is playing. A single-tuner TV requires another device, such as a DVD recorder, DVR or cable box, to display two programs at once; dual-tuner TV models are able to display two programs simultaneously on their own. On some TVs, PIP is disabled when the HDMI input is used.

Some remotes use either backlighted keys or glow-in-the dark keys to make it easier to use in a darkened room. Backlighting is preferred because glow-in-the-dark keys fade quickly. In some cases, only a few of the most-used keys are illuminated.

On most TVs, speakers are built-in at the bottom of a TV, along the sides, or occasionally on the rear of the set. Some models have detachable speakers, allowing you to remove them and place them elsewhere. The location of the speakers can affect the width of the set and could determine whether it will fit into a niche in an entertainment center. A recent trend with flat-panel TVs has been toward "invisible" speakers that are integrated within the screen bezel and barely visible to the eye. Some TVs have audio outputs that will allow you to connect external speakers or a powered subwoofer. Monitors, which don't include an ATSC tuner, may not have speakers. Front projectors generally don't include speakers.

Like old-fashioned picture-tube TVs, which have reflective glass screens, most plasma TVs have shiny screens that show reflections from windows and lamps when their light falls directly on the screen. A growing number of LCD TVs have shiny screens too, so they're subject to the same glare. If you weren't bothered by reflections on a tube set, this shouldn't be a major issue for you. Some plasma sets have screens with anti-glare surfaces, which can help to reduce reflectivity. Otherwise you can close window blinds or dim lighting to minimize any glare issues.

Many plasma TVs now come with features to prevent burn-in, such as screensavers and motion-adaptive (also called pixel-shifting) technology, which shifts the picture almost imperceptibly every few seconds. This helps prevent static images such as a station logo or the bars on the sides of an image from permanently etching into the TV's phosphor coating, leaving faint but persistent, ghostlike images on the screen. Burn-in might have been more of a problem with earlier plasma sets. We haven't seen any evidence of burn-in when testing TVs in our labs over the course of a few months, and we have heard no anecdotal reports of permanent burn-in from staffers or readers who have used plasma TVs long-term at home. Temporary image sticking is more likely to occur. In this case, static images that remain on the screen for a matter of hours--or on a few sets we've seen, in minutes--may leave a subtle impression that's noticeable on a dark screen, though hard to detect with typical video. These impressions disappear when you play random video scenes. Some models include a feature that essentially blasts the screen with a white image for a period of time to remove lingering images.

Front projectors, which project an image onto a screen or wall, have some unique features. One, called keystone correction, helps the image retain its proper geometry when you tilt the projector up or down to raise or lower the image on the screen. Though this can help you center the image, tilting the projector can cause the sides of the image to angle away from 90 degrees, resulting in keystoning, or an image that looks like a trapezoid rather than a rectangle. Most projectors have some form of keystone correction--vertical, horizontal, or both--that can correct for this distortion. But using this feature can cause resolution to suffer, depending on the amount of correction applied to the image.

To avoid having to use a keystone adjustment, many projectors include an optical lens-shift mechanism, which lets you move the image horizontally or vertically without tilting the projector so you can get a straight, geometrically correct picture even if the projector can't be centered directly in front of the screen. Some projectors have a vertical lens shift, others have vertical and horizontal lens shift, and still others--primarily lower-cost DLP models--don't have lens shift, which can make projector placement more difficult.

To help improve the depth of black levels, many projectors include a manual or dynamic iris, which acts as a brightness adjustment by automatically varying (typically reducing) the amount of light sent to the lens. While a manual iris lets you reduce overall light output to improve black-level performance, it applies that light reduction across the entire picture, so whites won't be quite as bright. A dynamic iris, which is controlled by a motor, has circuitry that closes the iris during darker scenes and opens it up again for brighter scenes, effectively boosting contrast. It must be able to react accurately and quickly or the process will be noticeable, an effect known as "breathing," in which you become aware that the feature is active as you see the image brightening and dimming on scenes. Some viewers might find the effect distracting.

AOC is a lesser-known brand of LCD TVs. Its model line includes screen sizes up to 42 inches, some with LED backlights.  Its distribution tends to be more limited than that of some of the better-known brands and its models are generally priced below comparably featured models from the major brands.  

Epson is a leading front-projector brand known for offering a range of 720p and 1080p home theater models at low-to-mid prices. This brand uses 3LCD technology exclusively. In late 2009, the company introduced its lowest-priced 1080p front projector at $1,599, and also offers its Ensemble HD systems, which are home theater systems that bundle a front projector, screen, and audio/video system as part of a complete package.

Funai might not be a household name, but it’s the company behind several lower-priced labels, such as Emerson, Sylvania, and Symphonic, that tend to be sold at mass-market stores, such as Walmart, Kmart, and Sam's Club. And Funai has a brand licensing agreement with Philips under which it assumed responsibility for sourcing, marketing, distributing, and selling TVs bearing the Philips and Magnavox brands in the U.S. and Canada.  (Philips no longer makes or sells its own sets here.) It's possible that Funai will use those brands, particularly Philips, to gain entry into national and regional retailers that don't carry its other brands.

Haier is a lesser-known brand of LCD TVs.  It offers a diverse model line that includes small-to-large-screen LCD TVs, and also LCD HDTV/DVD combos, some with LED backlights.  Its distribution is more limited than the better-known brands' and its models are generally priced below comparably featured models from the major brands.

Hitachi, a brand that previously offered a wide range of rear-projection and plasma TVs, now focuses exclusively on flat-panel LCD TVs. Its sets range in size from small-screen, inexpensive, 19-inch TVs to highly featured, large-screen, 55-inch UltraVision sets that use edge-mounted LED backlights. Those TVs are mainly sold in Sam's Clubs and in regional retailers.

Insignia, the electronics house brand at Best Buy, is exclusively sold by the retailer. Insignia plasma and LCD TVs, which are positioned as a "value" line, offer more features for the price than better-known makes. In 2009, it began offering a more full-featured Advanced Series of LCD TVs.  Best Buy has announced plans for some future models to include TiVo software, though not DVR functionality.

The company's current line of LCD sets is typically positioned in the mid-price range and includes combo LCD-DVD models and some sets with integrated iPod docks. Beginning in 2011, JVC will license its brand name for TVs to a Taiwan-based manufacturer, which will be responsible for production and sales of JVC TVs. While it has exited the LCoS rear-projector microdisplay business, JVC continues to produce LCoS-based front projectors for the consumer and professional markets. JVC has merged with Kenwood, a consumer electronics company known largely for car audio products.

LG is a major brand in the plasma and LCD categories.  It offers a wide variety of LCD TVs, in varying screen sizes and price/feature levels. Included are models with LED backlights and a line of 3D TVs.  Its high-end models are designated Infinia. Its plasma TVs range from value-priced 720p sets to a line of full-featured Infinia 1080p sets. The company now sells LCD and plasma 3D TVs.

In LCD TVs, Mitsubishi is positioned as a premium line with step-up features. All models are 120/240Hz 1080p sets that have edge-lit LED backlights and incorporate multi-speaker sound projectors. The company's flagship line is the Diamond series, which is sold in select dealers. Mitsubishi is the only brand still actively selling rear-projection microdisplay (DLP) TVs and all are integrated 3D sets or 3D capable. It also offers its unique Laser Vue rear-projection TVs that use lasers as the light source. In the front projector market, it has competitively priced 3LCD and DLP-based high-definition (720p or 1080p) models.

While it doesn't offer any regular TV sets, Optoma is a leading brand in the front-projector market, especially in the lower-priced 1080p segment. In fact, the company has aggressively priced its DLP front projectors, and had  introduced one of the first under-$1,000 1080p models. Optoma also sells an ultra-large (80 to 100 inches) DLP-based rear-projection TV series, called BigVision, through custom installers. This requires installation of an in-wall projector to project images on the rear of an in-wall display screen.

Panasonic is the market leader in plasma TVs, offering an extensive line of sets ranging in size from 42 to 65 inches. (It’s also shown plasma sets as large as 150 inches.) Its plasma TVs are typically competitively priced and widely available; the company was the first TV manufacturer to offer 3D-capable plasma TVs.  It also offers an assortment of LCD TVs—now in screen sizes up to 42 inches—and sells competitively priced 3LCD front projectors.

Philips, which exited the plasma business to focus on LCD models, now licenses its Philips and Magnavox brands to Funai for sale in the U.S. and Canada. Funai also controls the Emerson, Sylvania, and Symphonic brands. Philips had used the Magnavox brand for its entry-level products aimed at mass-market retailers, while Philips brand tended to be used for more highly featured mid-priced sets.

Polaroid is a value brand that's now owned by PLP IP Holdings, which has licensed the Polaroid brand for the U.S. and Canadian markets to Starlight Marketing for a number of products, including flat-panel TVs.  Lady Gaga was named creative director for a specialty line of imaging products early in 2010.

Samsung is a market leader and top-tier TV manufacturer. It is often an innovator, as with its use of LED backlighting in LCD TVs, and along with Panasonic, it was one of the first TV brands to offer a 3D-capable TV. Samsung sells plasma and LCD TVs-including 3D models ranging from value-priced models to highly featured large-screen premium lines. Its TVs are distributed widely in national and regional retailers and mass-market and discount outlets. In addition to LCD and plasma TVs, Samsung also sells 1080p DLP-based home theater front projectors.

Sanyo's focus has been on LCDs TVs and front projectors, but it has recently started selling several value-priced 720p plasma TVs. Its value-oriented flat-panel TVs are sold through Walmart, typically at lower prices than sets from first-tier manufacturers. The company's 3LCD front projectors compete with entry-level HD models from companies such as Epson, Panasonic, and Optoma.

Sharp has been making LCD TVs longer than almost any other manufacturer. The company sells its TVs under the Aquos brand and has one of the most advanced LCD panel manufacturing plants in the world. Like many other major brands, Sharp segments its lines into several different series, ranging from competitively priced, value-oriented models to full-featured, higher-end sets. It recently introduced its first 3D-capable sets. It also sells DLP-based 1080p home theater front projectors.

Sony is a powerhouse LCD TV brand with one of the most extensive product lines, sold under the Bravia name. There are various distinct Bravia lines with varying levels of product features.  Models are mid-to-high priced; the new 3D-ready and 3D integrated sets lie at the higher end of its line.  It also now has models designed to sell in mass merchants such as Walmart. Its flagship XBR-series models are generally among the most expensive of their type. The company  also continues to make LCoS-based front projectors for the consumer and professional markets. Sony LCD TVs are now manufactured by a large overseas contract manufacturer.

Toshiba is a strong brand in the TV market. It offers a range of TVs, from lower-priced models to step-up, full-featured models such as those in its Cinema Series line. Toshiba has recently introduced a fully featured line of 3D LCD TVs and had previously announced a line of high-end TVs that use the high-powered “Cell” processor it co-developed for the PS3 videogame system, but there have been reports that those sets may not be available in the U.S.
 

Viewsonic is a lesser-known brand of LCD TVs.  Its model line includes screen sizes up to 42-inches, and its distribution tends to be more limited than the better-known brands. Its models are generally priced below comparably featured models from the major brands.  It also offers a line of front projectors.

From its humble start just a few years ago as a warehouse-only brand, Vizio has emerged to become a top-tier TV brand of sets that is now available in a wider range of retailers, including Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, Sears, and Target. Vizio TVs are generally sold at lower prices than more established brands. Though it got its start exclusively selling less-expensive TVs, the company has also introduced models with step-up features at prices well below those offered by the major brands. It recently announced its first 3D-capable sets.

Westinghouse Digital, which licensed its venerable brand name from Westinghouse Electric, has emerged as a lower-priced alternative to more established LCD brands. It remains focused on the value-oriented segment of the LCD market and competes with other discount brands in pricing and features. Though it typically doesn’t offer all the latest features in its models, this year the company introduced a new energy-efficient line that features a new contemporary design and the use of edge LED backlights. The company says that by the end of 2010, all its models will use LED backlights.
 

Our TV tests are based on settings that you would use at home, with content that reveals the strengths and weaknesses of a given set, so you can use our Ratings to get an accurate assessment of picture quality. It's harder to judge TVs well for yourself in stores. That's because TVs are usually set to a Retail or Store mode, which pumps up brightness and color to a level that looks great under fluorescent lights. Also, retailers often display sports programs, which tend to be super-bright with unnaturally vivid colors that minimize any flaws in the picture. See whether a salesperson will set the TV to Home mode and tune in programming with typical indoor scenes (including closeups of people, if possible, so you can evaluate skin tones). With an LCD, pay attention to the viewing angle. Look at the set from the side, not just head on, to judge the viewing angle. If possible, vary your vertical position too so that you can judge how the screen looks when you are sitting and standing. With most LCDs, you'll notice that the picture quality deteriorates as you move away from the center. We've found considerable variation among brands and models, so check our test results.

Look for the Energy Guide label. These began appearing on TVs in May. They list a model's estimated yearly energy cost and how that compares with other similarly sized models. As of September, TVs and cable and satellite converter boxes must use at least 40 percent less energy than comparable models to be branded Energy Star compliant. The new regulations also address "vampire power" issues--devices that draw electricity even when set to "off" or "standby." New Energy Star-compliant cable and satellite boxes must have a "deep sleep" mode, dropping energy consumption from about 16 watts to 2 watts or less. The EPA estimates that if all TVs and set-top boxes in the U.S. met these new standards, consumers would save more than $5 billion in energy costs annually, and the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants would be equal to taking 7 million cars off the road.

"Prestige" brands offer very-high-priced cables. You'll see some HDMI cables in the 6-foot range (a typical length) selling for $100 or more, and longer cables that cost several times that. We've found that the modestly priced brands sold at most consumer electronics stores for far less should work well in typical use. We've had no problems using 6-foot HDMI cables we bought online for a few dollars. Any "high-speed" (Category 2) HDMI cable should be adequate for connecting to a TV, even for 3D. Just avoid inexpensive cables at dollar stores; those might have flimsy connectors or inadequate shielding on the cable itself.

You might be able to talk your way to a better price, especially for higher-priced TVs. See what a TV is selling for at reputable online retailers and in local stores, and use that information in negotiating a price. Once you've chosen a set, ask for a break on installation or delivery costs, or for free HDMI or component-video cables, which you'll need to get high-def signals to your new TV.

Many retailers will match or beat a lower price from a local competitor, so go to the store with those prices in hand. Even after the sale, some stores promise a refund within a specified period of time, often 30 to 60 days, if they reduce the price of your TV within it or if you find the set selling elsewhere for less. There are usually restrictions, so check the details. Save your receipt and keep checking the ads even after you buy.

It's generally not worth the money to buy an extended warranty for an LCD or plasma TV. Our survey data from thousands of TV buyers show that sets of both types from most major brands have had a very low rate of repairs for the first three years of use. Rather than paying for extended coverage, use a credit card that doubles your warranty, or shop at a retailer like Costco, which adds one year to the standard coverage. Detailed repair rates by brand are available to subscribers.

Many Internet shopping sites are one-stop shops where you can check prices for specific TVs at hundreds of retailers. You can sort the listings by price, including tax and shipping, and check reader reviews of products and retailers. Some sites to consider: BizRate (and its affiliate, Shopzilla), Google Shopping, MySimon, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com (and affiliate DealTime), and Yahoo. You'll also find a price comparison and local shopping link in the Ratings at ConsumerReports.org. Remember to factor in shipping costs, which can be substantial on a big-screen TV, or look for a free-shipping offer.

Some bots will send price alerts by e-mail. Indicate your target price or range for a model, and the site will e-mail you when it finds a store selling at that price. Retailers such as Crutchfield.com will send alerts too. If you're not in a hurry, and won't be disappointed if that particular model sells out, just sit back and wait for your price.

You might want to consider having the biggest-screen sets delivered. The cartons are too large to fit in many vehicles, and they can be awkward to carry. Delivery services will often remove the TV from the packaging and place it on a stand for you. Some stores and websites offer free delivery, a plus with heavy items like TVs. Just make sure the delivery stipulates that the TV will be delivered inside the house; some stores may only deliver to the curb, and it's your responsibility to bring the TV inside and set it up. Retailers that offer "white glove" delivery will typically bring the TV into a room, place it on a stand or cabinet, and connect it to your cable or satellite box. Often they'll remove the packaging as well. Sometimes this service is free, but at other times you may have to pay an additional fee.

When you first start up your new TV, make sure you choose the "home" picture mode rather than a retail setting. Then cycle through the various preset picture settings. A setting called something like "standard" or "cinema" is often a better choice than "vivid" or "dynamic," but that's a matter of personal preference. If this is your first HD set, make sure you have everything required to watch HD. A surprising number of HDTV owners are not getting HD programming because they're missing something. You need an HD-capable set-top box from your service provider, connected to your TV by HDMI or component-video cables. Then make sure you've tuned in an HD channel, which might have a different channel number than the standard-def version. You can also get free HD off-air from an antenna to your TV, through the RF (cable/antenna) input. You might be able to handle a basic hookup of a cable box and a Blu-ray player on your own, but connecting more devices--a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR, and digital receiver and sound system--gets trickier. If you're not comfortable with technology, you might consider consulting a knowledgeable friend or having professional installation. With wall mounting, you might want to hide the wires behind the wall or in conduits, a task that might be best handled by a professional (wires that run in walls and ceilings require a different UL rating). Ask the retailer to recommend an installer or contact the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (800-669-5329 or www.cedia.net) to find one in your area. Plan on paying from $300 to $1,000 for labor, plus $100 to $250 for mounting brackets.

My Green Electronics (http://www.digitaltips.org/green/default.asp)

The Environmental Protection Agency's Plug Into eCycling (http://www.epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/plugin/televisions.htm)

E-Stewards.org (http://e-stewards.org/find-a-recycler/)

1 800 Recycling (http://1800recycling.com/)

Eco Take Back (http://www.ecotakeback.com/index.php)

Most of the TVs on the market use active glasses, though a few models using passive glasses were recently introduced. There are pros and cons to each technology. Active glasses have shutters that turn on and off very rapidly so that each eye receives its own separate image. If the images aren't kept completely separate, you might see ghosting, or double images, even while wearing the glasses. This takes away from the 3D effect and can be distracting. On the plus side, active 3D sets can display full 1080p resolution to each eye when viewing a full HD source, such as a 3D Blu-ray disc. Passive 3D glasses use a polarizing film on the TV, so there are no shutters on the glasses. As a result, 3D images look brighter, with less ghosting.

Along with picture quality, comfort and cost of the glasses are important points to consider. Active-shutter glasses can be a bit heavy and uncomfortable, expecially if you wear them over prescription eyeglasses. Some of the newest glasses we've seen have been a bit less cumbersome than the earliest models. You get one or two pairs of glasses with some active 3D TVs, but other sets don't include any unless you also buy a 3D Blu-ray player. Bought separately, active-shutter glasses cost about $130 to $150 a pair. These glasses are battery-powered; some can be recharged by connecting a USB cable to the TV or Blu-ray player, while others use replaceable batteries. Most active-shutter glasses work only with the same TV brand, but universal glasses that work with different brands of TVs have come out. They cost about the same as the manufacturer versions.

Some LCD sets from Vizio and LG use passive glasses more like those you get in theaters. They don't need batteries, so they're lighter and more comfortable than active glasses. They're also cheaper. The first passive 3D TVs we've seen come with four pairs of glasses, and extras cost only $10 to $30. And passive glasses accept prescription lenses, so eyeglass wearers don't need to put them on over their prescription eyewear. However, because of the way the technology works, the TV's vertical resolution is cut in half--from 1080 lines to 540--when viewed in 3D mode. That means you see less picture detail. You might also see more video artifacts, such as jaggies and moire. 3D TVs that don't require any glasses might be here in a few years, but viewing angle and resolution will be a challenge.

There's a growing amount of 3D content to watch. There were about 100 3D Blu-ray discs available at press time. To play them, you'll need a 3D-capable Blu-ray player, currently starting at less than $150. There's also more broadcast content. DirecTV continues to add programming to its n3D full-time 3D channel (developed with Panasonic), ESPN 3D now runs 3D broadcasts 24/7, and the new 3Net channel--a partnership between Discovery, Sony, and IMAX--is now available on DirecTV. There are also video-on-demand broadcasts of sporting events and movies offered by the various TV service providers. You can also display your own 3D photos and videos on your TV screen as well. They can look extremely impressive, as our testers have found.

Most 3D TVs can convert standard 2D images into 3D on the fly. We've found that the effectiveness of the conversion can vary from OK to unnatural and distracting, and in no case was it comparable to a program that was originally shot or produced in 3D.

If you're the classic early adopter, go for it. There are great sets out there, and prices are falling. If you're in the market for a fairly high-end TV anyway, consider a 3D TV. Most we've tested had excellent or very good HD performance. It might cost you a few hundred dollars more than a similarly featured regular TV, but you'll have a top-of-the-line HDTV and will be good to go if 3D becomes more compelling to you as new applications emerge. But if you don't need a new set, don't rush to buy one. Prices will no doubt continue to drop over time, you'll have more sets to choose from, and there'll be more 3D to watch.