Buyer’s Guide
Flat Panel TV Buyer's Guide
Updated models in February 2010.
Not that long ago you couldn't afford to think about buying a flat-panel TV. Tagged with high-four or even five-figure prices, plasma and LCD TVs were a status symbol of the luxury class. Today you can find a 22-inch flat-panel TV for less than the price of good stand mixer. But as with most things, cheap doesn't mean better. Features, size, design and even sound all come into play when buying a plasma or LCD television.
In this Guide
Picking the Right Screen Size
Your space will determine the size of TV you need. In the kitchen, a 15 or 19-inch TV may be all the space you can spare on a countertop or shelf, and that's fine if you're watching Sesame Street over breakfast from a few feet away. It's a different story in the family room, where you'll be sitting 8 or more feet from the screen. Depending on the distance you sit from the TV, to get the full big-screen experience you'll want a model that's larger than 40 inches.
TV prices generally correspond to the screen size, although additional features such as built-in DVD players can add to the cost of a smaller model. You can find a 15-inch LCD HDTV for well under $200 and 65-inch plasmas for well over $5,000. In between are many sizes including 26-, 32-, 37-, 42-, 47-, 50, and 55-inches. Also, TVs are grouped into classes. A TV designated as "42-inch class" might actually have a screen size that's slightly smaller than 42 inches.
To determine the right screen size for your room, use the general rule of thumb that the viewing distance should be is 1.5 to 3 times the diagonal measurement of the screen, but comfort plays a role, too. When shopping for a TV, position yourself the same distance from a TV as you'll be in your own home. If you have to strain to see the picture, you need a larger screen. If you see the individual pixels, or picture elements, that make up a screen, you're too close.
4:3 aspect ratio TV
with side speakers.
16:9 aspect ratio TV
with bottom speakers
and narrow bezel.
TV screens are measured diagonally, which is important to factor in when you're trying to fit a TV to a specific space. Today's TVs have a wider, shorter shape, often referred to as a “16:9 aspect ratio.” This simply means that the ratio of the width to the height is 16 to 9. The old-style tube TVs we grew up with had a 4:3 aspect ratio. So, a piece of furniture designed to hold a 40-inch tube TV may be just large enough for a 37-inch, or perhaps only a 32-inch, widescreen model. Make sure you check the actual dimensions. Speaker placement, which can add inches to either the height or width, and the width of the bezel can impact the way the TV fits.
Important Features
Choosing the Right Type of Flat-Panel TV - Plasma vs. LCD The two main types of flat-panel TVs are LCD (liquid-crystal display) and plasma. A third type, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) has great promise for the future but is very expensive today. Sony sells its super-thin $2,500 11-inch OLED model primarily as a technology statement.
It used to be that plasma TVs were known for larger screen sizes, wider viewing angles, deeper black images, higher contrast in dark scenes and smoother motion in action scenes. LCD had the reputation for smaller screen sizes, brighter images in ambient light, and lower energy consumption. As each technology has advanced, those differences have become less pronouced.
Today, LCD TVs match plasmas in screen size, blurring problems in action scenes aren't as noticeable thanks to 120 and 240Hz motion technology and the blacks have a darker, less cloudy appearance, though still not up to the quality of the better plasmas. The newest, high-end LCD technology uses LEDs to provide even richer colors, while reducing energy consumption and allowing screen sizes as thin as 1 inch.
The best LCD TVs have LED backlights with “local dimming” that can be controlled according to the program material, allowing for some portions of the screen to be dark and others lit. The result is energy savings and a picture with improved contrast, better detail in dark scenes and deeper black level.
A drawback to LCD TVs, however, is viewing angle. If you're too far to the left or right--or looking up at an LCD TV--the image can suffer dramatically.
Plasma TVs are found in 42-inch and higher screen sizes and some newer models meet Energy Star 3.0 energy efficiency specs, making them more environmentally friendly than previous models. Many video purists prefer plasma displays for their deep black reproduction and rich color palette.
On the downside, plasma pictures don't appear as bright in sunny rooms and on bright retail sales floors. Because of competitive issues with LCDs, fewer manufacturers are making plasma TVs, but you can find terrific values among those that remain from brands including Panasonic, LG and Samsung. Pioneer, considered to be the best manufacturer of plasma screens (and one of the most expensive), is exiting the market; if you can find one of their models at a big discount, grab one.
Contrasting Contrast Ratios The contrast ratio is the difference between the whitest and darkest images that a TV can produce, and is a critical component of overall image quality (think of the difference between watching Star Wars where space is a dark grey, rather than pure black). A higher contrast ratio is better than a lower one and, in general, plasmas have better (often much better) contrast ratios than LCDs. Most LCD manufacturers list a “dynamic contrast ratio,” which is achieved using artificial processing, rather than the display's native capability; dynamic contrast has little value for comparison purposes. Unfortunately, there is no standard for measuring contrast ratio from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it's not an accurate measurement for comparison between different brands of TVs, but it can be useful for comparing models for a single brand.
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Choosing Your Screen Resolution Resolution refers to the number of pixels and lines in a video image. The most advanced and expensive LCD and plasma TVs today offer 1920 x 1080p resolution (often referred to as “Full HD” in marketing terms), meaning they are 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high. Currently, only Blu-ray discs and a handful of PlayStation 3 games deliver video material that can take full advantage of that resolution. A flat-panel display with 1280 x 720p resolution is still an HDTV and will display full high-definition video from TV programs and DVDs. If you primarily watch standard DVDs and programs over the air, via cable or satellite, a 720p TV is more than acceptable and will be a much less expensive alternative to 1080p.
Getting Enough Inputs When buying a flat-panel TV, consider how many connections you will need and which type they are. Generally, you will need one connection for your DVD or Blu-ray player, one connection for your cable, satellite or FiOS box, one connection for a video game console, and it is convenient to have a side input free in case you want to hookup a video camera. Ideally, you should use HDMI or component connections for each device to get the best quality. However, older devices may only allow composite video connections. For more information on hooking up devices to your HDTV, check out Getting High-Definition on Your HDTV.
Optional Features
SRS Sound & Dolby Volume Thin TVs tend to be thin on sound as well. Audio processing techniques from SRS Labs including SRS TruSurround XT and TruSurround HD process the audio signal to simulate surround sound from the TV's speakers and to make dialog clearer. SRS TruVolume & Dolby Volume even out volume levels between various content sources so that you're not blasted by commercials or when going from one program to another.
Energy Star The Energy Star logo indicates that a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. Energy Star 3.0, which went into effect in November 2008, includes requirements for both standby and active (turned on) modes.
TVs that are Energy Star 3.0-compliant are up to 30 percent more efficient than non-certified models. LCD TVs use less energy inch for inch than their plasma counterparts. Click here for a list of Energy Star-qualified TVs on the energystar.gov website.
Photo Viewers Some TVs come with USB slots or built-in memory card readers that enable you to view digital photos directly on TV. It can be fun to see photos you've taken on the big screen. Although most digital cameras come with a video cable to connect the camera to a TV, going directly from a card or USB flash drive is more convenient and offers better image quality.
Yahoo! TV Widgets: Flickr Slideshow
Internet TV Internet connectivity is an upscale feature available from several TV manufacturers. Some require a hard-wire connection to a home network; others can connect over a wireless home network. Internet TV content is free but limited to certain news, sports, weather and traffic sites determined by each TV maker and tailored for a TV screen.
Some Internet TV services allow access to YouTube, photo sharing sites like Picasa or Flickr, and fee-based video on demand sites including Netflix and Amazon. You access the content by clicking on icons or "widgets" on the TV screen using the TV's remote control.
Game Mode A setting found on LCD and plasma TVs that reduces the amount of image processing performed by the TV to reduce lag time between button presses on a game console and action on screen; but results vary.
24p Frame Rate A high-end feature that is useful if you have a Blu-ray Disc player. A TV with a 24p input matches the 24 frame per second rate used when the film was recorded. Since the 24p TV doesn't have to convert the frame rate as standard TVs do, motion is displayed in a more seamless fashion. Most people will only notice the difference in a side-by-side comparison.
Our Picks: Flat Panel TVs
Prices generally correspond to screen size, although advanced features and brand can affect price significantly. Buying a closeout of last year's model can save you several hundred dollars without sacrificing quality, although you may not get the latest features.
In general, if we recommend one size of a particular manufacturer and model (e.g., the 42” Panasonic TC-P42X1), we would also recommend other sizes of that same model line (e.g., the 50” Panasonic TC-P50X1).
Entry Level: Under $1,000
TVs in this price range generally are 42 inches or under in screen size, with features including 1080p resolution, at least one HDMI input, and simulated surround sound--all you need whether you're tuning into SpongeBob or the latest flick.
LG 42LH40 40-inch LCD TV
1080p resolution and 120Hz motion technology, plus a good picture make this a good value.
Check the price now at Amazon.com
Samsung LN37B650 37-inch LCD TV
A solid performer with 1080p resolution, 120Hz motion technology, 4 HDMI ports and Internet connectivity for accessing news, weather and your pictures.
Check price now at Amazon.com
Panasonic TC-P42X1 42-inch plasma TV
Good basic plasma TV with 720p resolution, high contrast ratio, game mode and SD card photo viewer.
Check price now at Amazon.com
Mid-range: $1,000 - $2,000
TVs in this range generally measure 40 inches up to 52 inches. Resolution steps up to 1080p, which you'll benefit from if you connect a Blu-ray Disc player or play certain PlayStation 3 games. Refresh rates of 120 or 240 Hz are common. Expect more HDMI connectors, a USB or SD card port, and an Ethernet connection. Some TVs in this range have upscale design elements such as narrow bezels or a dash of color in the cabinets. Convenience features might include swivel stands or USB ports.
Panasonic TC-P46G10 46-inch plasma TV
Superb picture with deep blacks, detail in dark scenes, and rich color are complemented by extras including Internet content and integration with a Panasonic babycam or front-door camera.
Check price now at Amazon.com
LG 47LH90 47-inch LED-backed LCD TV
In addition to 240Hz technology and 4 HDMI inputs, this set offers impressive extras including THX certification, Netflix streaming without the need for an extra box (but you do need to connect to a home network), and Yahoo widgets for Internet-based weather, news, YouTube clips and more.
Check price now at Amazon.com
Vizio VF551XVT 55-inch LED-backed LCD TV
This new model offers a big step up in features from its predecessor – local dimming LED backlighting and 240Hz processing. Another great value product from Vizio.
Check price now at Amazon.com
High End: $2,000 plus
The priciest TVs, as you'd expect, have the latest features, the latest technology and the best image quality. They are above 50 inches in screen size and offer the most flexibility. At this level, upscale features may include more HDMI inputs, LED backlights with local dimming in LCD TVs, thinner frames (some just over an inch thick), stepped-up audio, and extras such as built-in access to Netflix and other online services.
Panasonic TC-P58V10 plasma TV
Digital Cinema Color provides a wider range of color while THX certification ensures colors remain true to the original source material. From what we’ve seen, “Infinite black” technology delivers the darkest blacks of any current manufacturer.
Check price now at Amazon.com
Mitsubishi Diamond LT-52249 52-inch LED-backed LCD HDTV
Flat-panel TVs tend to be thin on sound. Mitsubishi's UNISEN Immersive Sound TVs buck the trend, integrating 18 speakers inside a very thin frame. Plus it has Vudu HD movie streaming built-in.
Check price now at Amazon.com
Samsung UN55B7000 55-inch LED-backed LCD TV
Authentic color and rich blacks define the picture on this 1.2" super-thin top-end LED-based LCD TV, and we're big fans of Samsung's beautiful "Touch of Color" bezel design.
Check price at Amazon.com
Comments
From Lorraine Martin on March 13, 2010 :: 6:01 pm
We have been told that the 720p is now obsolete and that all new models will be 1080p. Is this true?
From Josh Kirschner on March 14, 2010 :: 12:05 pm
720p is not “obsolete” in that it you can still use a 720p set for all of your tv watching needs, including Blu-ray, and other 1080p content. The picture will not be quite as nice as 1080p if (and that’s a big “if”) you have a larger set (at least 46”) and you sit pretty close (8’ or less with a 50” set or 6’ or less with a 46” set) and you have a source for 1080p content (e.g. a Blu-ray player). Otherwise, you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference.
In fact, I still use a 720p plasma as my main TV in my living room. Issues such as contrast ratio, color accuracy and motion handling (see above) are all more important for overall picture quality than 720p vs 1080p).
In stores, you should be able to find GREAT prices on remaining 720p sets, especially the 720p plasmas from Panasonic which have excellent picture quality. So, if price is very important to you, don’t write off 720p just yet.
However, new sets will almost all be 1080p. And if you’re getting a larger set (50” or above, 1080p should be a consideration).
From Travis on June 12, 2010 :: 6:19 pm
So are televisions gonna all be going 3d in the future?
From Josh Kirschner on June 22, 2010 :: 7:59 am
@Travis Most manufacturers we’ve spoken with plan to gradually rollout 3D across all their models. However, this assumes that 3D catches on and may take a few years. If 3D doesn’t get adopted widely by consumers, then these plans may change…
Also, keep in mind that 3D is just a feature. What you’re primarily buying is a 2D set, since that will likely be 90% of all of your viewing for the foreseable future.