HDTV Reviews

Best HDTV Reviews: (out of 21)
CNet.com, Consumer Reports, The Perfect Vision

Best HDTV: (out of 140)
Samsung TX-T3092WH, Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR4, Panasonic TH-50PZ700U

Fast Answers - Best HDTV

Top Rated	What the Research Says
• Samsung TX-T3092WH (*est. $570) >> Where to buy	30-inch widescreen standard HDTV. Tube-based CRT HDTVs are less expensive than other types and have a wonderful, rich image quality compared to plasma and LCD TVs, but they are obviously bulky and very heavy. While most major manufacturers have abandoned the technology, Samsung continues to bring out new models and new innovations, such as its SlimFit cabinet, which is much shallower than previous CRT TVs. Although SlimFit TVs have been complimented for their overall picture quality, we’ve also seen reports of some geometry issues (vertical and/or horizontal lines that are not perfectly straight). See our full report on televisions for more.
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR4 (*est. $2,200) >> Where to buy	40-inch LCD HDTV. LCD televisions are a good choice if you want a smaller flat-screen TV, and their typically bright image is a good choice for well-lit rooms. Reviews say the Sony KDL-40XBR4 outperforms most other LCD TVs in its size and price class when it comes to image quality. The TV is capable of producing deeper black levels than most other LCD TVs, and it’s only slightly lighter than the best plasma TVs. With 1080p resolution, the KDL-40XBR4 can deliver all of the detail that high definition promises. Off-center viewing is better than average, making this LCD TV a great choice for a family-room setting. Styling is also a plus. See our report on LCD TV for more choices in a variety of price ranges. (compare prices)
• Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (*est. $2,450) >> Where to buy	50-inch plasma TV. Up until recently, full 1080p resolution plasma TVs had been both rare and expensive, giving LCD a big leg up in reviews. This 1080p plasma TV aims to close the gap and critics say it does just that. Picture quality is outstanding, with great blacks, colors, contrast and shadow detail. The anti-reflective screen makes it a better fit for more viewing situations than many other plasma TVs. Pricing is very competitive with large-screen 1080p LCD TVs, and less expensive than some. Our report on plasma TV covers models in other size and price ranges. (compare prices)
• Sony KDS-60A3000 (*est. $1,850) >> Where to buy	60-inch rear-projection HDTV. Though bulkier than a flat-screen plasma or LCD TV, a rear-projection TV is a lot slimmer than a CRT -- and the latest models are slimmer still. That means you can get a huge image for the money. This Sony TV has the highest resolution currently available in an HDTV, with excellent detail, rich blacks and good color. Its automatic iris adjustment varies light output based on content. This brightens the image for outdoor scenes and sports, and it automatically drops brightness for movies and darker scenes. See our report on projection TV for more choices.
• Optoma HD72 (*est. $1,420) >> Where to buy	HD front projector. With a projector, you can throw a 100-inch image on a wall or screen, and projectors easily get you the largest image for the money. But setup is more involved, and their bulbs need replacement after about 3,000 hours. This mid-range Optoma projector includes Texas Instrument's BrilliantColor technology, which makes it easier for video novices to adjust image color, yet provides enough individual controls for serious videophiles. See our report on projectors for more. (compare prices)
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Updated May 2007

With a firm deadline of February 18, 2009 now set by Congress and the FCC, the end of analog TV is fast approaching. After that date, you'll need a TV with a digital tuner -- or an external digital tuner (cable box or satellite receiver) -- if you want to continue to receive TV broadcasts over the air. Since cable and satellite TV services use a different method to distribute their programming, you will not see any change if you get all of your TV from those sources, so the change mainly affects the approximately 40 million homes that use antennae for TV reception, as well as those who subscribe to basic cable and don't use a cable box. To help ensure that enough people have digital TVs to make the transition as painless as possible, the government is now requiring that all new TVs include a digital tuner.

Thanks to these changes, if you need a new television, this is a good time to make the move to high-definition TV (HDTV). Prices have never been lower, and there are lots of new and interesting choices. This means that it's easier than ever to find the right HDTV to fit your budget.

We've split our television category into six separate reports. This one outlines what you should know about high-definition television and addresses the different types of HDTVs. Our other reports discuss the different types of TVs in depth: Conventional tube-based televisions , plasma TV , LCD TV , rear-projection TV and front projectors . LCD TVIn our Fast Answers section above, we've highlighted some of the best HDTVs from those reports. When you decide which type of TV you want, check out our other reports for more choices.

During our research, we found several terrific buyers' guides on HDTV. CNet.com's coverage is very comprehensive, encompassing everything from how to get HD programming in your neighborhood to the hardware you'll need. Sound and Vision magazine also has a useful guide. Along with a good general-information section, Consumer Reports performs thorough, comparative testing of picture and sound quality for high-definition televisions. We also found excellent information as well as product reviews at The Perfect Vision, Ultimate AV magazine, PC Magazine and elsewhere. For additional resources and information on how HDTV works, please see our Best Research section below for links to some helpful articles.
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