Discover the Right HDTV for You
NEW & EMERGING:
Content is limited but the 3D experience for sports and movies can be sensational and prices are starting to come down.
 
MAINSTREAM:
You can get a good quality 1080p 46 – 52–inch HDTV for under $1000. You might even find a 3DTV in this range.
 
GOOD VALUES:
There are some great values for up to 42–inch HDTVs including many from leading brands like Vizio, Sony and Panasonic.
   
  • 60" Class ( 59.8" ...
  • 1920 x 1080
  • Plasma
  • 51" Class ( 50.73" ...
  • 1024 x 768
  • Plasma
  • 55" Class ( 55.1" ...
  • 1920 x 1080
  • Plasma
Getting more out of your HDTV
The Must-Haves

HDMI Cables provide the best quality picture. Avoid cheap HDMI cables but don't pay for the premium variety cables either. Get a HDTV Mount with articulating arms, to optimize the viewing angle.

Learn About HDTVs
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Thinner BezelThat big thick border around flat panel TVs is giving way to very thin bezels making for more stylish TVs with more viewing area exposed      
240Hz Refresh PlusSome new TVs are offering faster refresh rates than ever which can further reduce blurring and offer better 3D performance. 120 Hz RefreshApplicable to LCD and LCD-LED TVs. Get atleast 120Hz if you watch a lot of sports. Plasma TV refresh rates are 600 Hz   CRTWe recommending recycling your old CRT TV and save energy and the environment.
3DTV (Plasma & LCD)3DTVs will have high refresh rates, more processing power, HDMI 1.4 and typically need special glasses. LED-LCD, PlasmaLED backlighting allows the LCD TV to be slimmer, offers brighter displays and saves energy. Plasma TVs are making a resurgence, and offer rich, warm colors and deep blacks. LCD (CCFL)Older LCD TVs use fluorescent-type backlights, while the newer LED ones use backlighting housed along the edges of the TV (egde-lit) or behind the TV (direct backlight). RPTVRear projection TVs (RPTV) used to offer the most screen area for the money, but the image quality doesn't come close to LCD or Plasma, and they are typically bigger and bulkier.
Web BrowserYour TV will need an Internet connection before you can browse the web and you might want to make sure the remote or input device is easy to enter text for functions like searching 1080pThe best resolution for commonly-sold TVs is 1080p, which does not interlace scan lines. The resolution number and letter indicates the number of scan lines and whether or not they are "interlaced." Interlaced resolutions have the "i" after the number and may not look as smooth as progressive displays because they require two "passes" to fill the screen. Progressive displays have a "p" after the number and scan the whole screen on one pass. 720pFor TVs smaller than 37-inches, you can probably get away with 720/1080i. Most programming still comes in at 720p or 1080i.  
Built–in Wi–FiConnecting your TV to the Internet through your home network to stream movies, shows or music is easier when you don't have to run a cable to your TV Wired Internet ConnectivityAllows you to stream Netflix, Pandora etc. to your TV. If you don't get the connectivity in your Blu-ray player or set-top box, then try and get networking (Wi-Fi would be best) built into the TV.    
Skype CapableYour TV will have to be connected to the Internet and you'll need a mic and webcam either built-in or add-on but once you're set up video conferencing can be fun HDMI 1.4An HDMI connection carries high definition video and audio in the same cable. The newest standard is 1.4a that will be included on 3DTVs. Look for atleast 3 HDMI ports on your TV to connect to cable boxes, receivers, game consoles, etc. HDMI 1.3An HDMI connection carries high definition video and audio in the same cable. HDMI 1.3 on HDTVS is good enough for most 3D but 1.4 is better.  
Local DimmingLED edgelit LCD TVs are popular but when you put an array of LEDs directly behind the screen you can increase contrast by turning off areas of the backlight. It's cutting edge but can create unwanted ghosting