Televisions

The end of analog TV

While manufacturers have spent most of their time in recent years refining and improving their HDTV offerings, analog television has remained a popular and economical alternative for many, especially those who get all of their TV programming from non-high-definition cable or satellite. That alternative is now gone. By Federal Communications Committee (FCC) mandate, all TVs must now include a digital tuner. You can still find some old nondigital TVs on dealers' shelves, but when this inventory is sold out, only digital TVs will be available.

The end of analog televisions runs parallel to other legislation requiring the end of analog television signals on Feb. 17, 2009. At that point, all television will be digital. You'll still receive TV signals the same way -- through cable, satellite or over the air with an antenna -- but the signals will be digital rather than analog. That means you should get a clearer picture without the "snow" or fuzzy signals associated with analog TV (although digital signals can also suffer from occasional picture-quality problems). If you have an older analog TV, you won't be able to display digital television signals without an external adapter box. The legislation regarding new televisions means that you won't need any kind of adapter or external tuner to receive digital transmissions. Rather, the digital tuner is built into the TV.

There's a big difference between digital TV and high-definition HDTV. Digital television programs are broadcast at the same resolution as a standard DVD, while high-definition HDTV is a much bigger jump in picture quality and detail. If you have a standard-definition digital television, you'll be able to receive digital signals and HDTV broadcasts, but you won't be able to display HDTV programs at their full resolution. The images will instead be scaled down to fit your digital TV. Even so, digital television will provide a nicer picture quality than analog TV, and standard-definition digital televisions are less expensive than HDTVs.

Regardless of whether you purchase a new standard- or high-definition television, you will need no additional equipment aside from an antenna to receive digital signals over the air, assuming you are in range of a broadcast station. For cable subscribers, a television set that's also equipped with a digital tuner might be all you need to receive nonpremium, unscrambled HDTV and other digital content. (Digital tuners are also called QAM, which stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. This is the transmission scheme cable companies use to distribute digital TV signals.) For premium programming, you will still need an external decoder (such as a cable or satellite box).

Unfortunately, between the new law requiring all sets to now have a digital tuner and the continued closing of CRT plants around the world, manufacturers have begun to streamline or even eliminate their direct-view TV lines. Sony is the latest casualty in this area, even though critics and users have long hailed Sony CRT TVs as some of the finest available. Many other manufacturers are now limiting their CRT offerings to standard-definition TVs. One notable exception is Samsung, which continues to produce CRT-based HDTVs and SD TVs, and has even introduced some noteworthy innovations to the technology.

Best standard-definition televisions

While standard-definition TV sets lack the "wow" factor of HDTV televisions, they have one major advantage: lower cost. Several manufacturers continue to produce good-performing but relatively inexpensive sets designed for those more interested in the tried and true or in a second TV for the bedroom or elsewhere.

Among standard-definition TVs, the Samsung TX-S2783 (*est. $400) has drawn a bit of attention. This TV is part of Samsung's SlimFit line, which is one of the most significant innovations in standard-TV technology in recent years. SlimFit TVs use a unique CRT that allows for a cabinet size that's notably shallower than conventional direct-view sets. As a result, the TX-S2783 measures just over 16.5 inches deep. That's much deeper than a plasma or LCD set, but far less imposing than other CRT TVs. Reviewers note that the feature set -- aside from the slim cabinet -- is fairly basic and that connectivity is limited. But user reviews indicate that most are very pleased with the TV. Unfortunately, while Samsung lists this TV as current, availability is limited, with many vendors out of stock and others moving the set into the discontinued category.

We've also seen some fairly good reports on a couple of JVC standard-definition TVs. For those who want a larger screen size, the 32-inch JVC AV-32F577 (*est. $565) is considered a good value and decent performer. It includes a QAM-compatible digital tuner, so it can receive unscrambled digital cable signals without a cable box (although you'll still need a cable box if you subscribe to premium channels). It performs well with both analog and digital signals, although performance with digital content is reportedly better. Among its features is a PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) electronic program guide, which means it can create a cable-TV-like program guide for over-the-air stations using the PSIP information that's sent out by broadcasters as part of the ATSC signal.

If a 27-inch screen is sufficient, the JVC AV-27F577 (*est. $355) also meets with some approval. Users are generally pleased with the image, noting that even though this is a standard-definition TV, picture quality, especially with digital signals, is generally very good. Picture quality is aided by JVC's "real flat" CRT, which is much less susceptible to glare and reflections than curved-surface picture tubes common on older CRT TVs, and still found on some low-priced current options. One complaint we did see is that audio quality is only so-so. Users report that hooking up the TV to an external sound system improves the sound significantly. That's not surprising, considering that the rated audio output of this TV (and the AV-32F577 above) is a relatively paltry 5 watts per channel. The 90-day warranty is also shorter than most (although the picture tube is covered for two years).

Another alternative is the 27-inch Toshiba 27DF47 (*est. $300) digital standard-definition TV. This is a new model that succeeds the recently discontinued Toshiba 27DF46; that TV received mixed but generally positive reviews. Like its predecessor, this Toshiba television is packed with features such as Toshiba's StableSound, which is widely praised for its ability to even out the sound between programs and commercials. It also has stereo sound and virtual surround-sound capability, and front A/V inputs for connecting a camcorder without trying to reach behind the TV. The digital tuner is QAM-compatible, which means it can tune unscrambled, over-the-air digital signals without the need for a separate box. A cable or satellite box is still needed to receive scrambled signals. This television also has a flat picture tube for reduced glare.

The Toshiba 27DF47 is the only current member of Toshiba's DF47 line. In addition, Toshiba makes a more downscale D47 series that includes the 27-inch Toshiba 27D47 (*est. $250) and 32-inch Toshiba 32D47 (*est. $350). These two TVs are new models and we've yet to see any feedback from professional reviewers or users. They succeed last year's D46 series, which received mixed reviews, although the 32-inch 32D46 fared somewhat better than others. Like their predecessors, the D47 series TVs have few features, but do include a QAM-compatible digital tuner so they will continue to work once analog broadcasting ends in early 2009. Even the picture tube is a step down from the DF47. However, these TVs are less expensive than most similar-sized brand-name CRT TVs. Other pluses include virtual surround sound and Toshiba's StableSound.

Best standard CRT-based HDTVs

Experts agree that high-definition television looks terrific compared to analog or even digital TV. (You can read more about high-definition resolution in our report on HDTV .) But getting HDTV is a two-part process. You need a compatible HDTV, but you also need to subscribe to high-definition cable or satellite service. Alternatively, with an HDTV, you'll be able to receive unscrambled high-definition signals over the air with an antenna (provided you are within range of a broadcast station).

Among direct-view HDTV television sets, experts and users have consistently named Sony as a top choice. Unfortunately, Sony discontinued its CRT-based TVs for the U.S. market earlier this year. As of early May, the 34-inch Sony WEGA KD-34XBR970 (*est. $1,000) was still available at some retailers. This HDTV uses Sony's FD Trinitron WEGA flat-screen CRT, which has been a standard in Sony television sets for years and has a good reputation for clarity and quality. If you can find it, you might get a good clearance price for this former frontrunner.

At least in the U.S. market, Samsung is more dedicated to CRT technology than Sony. The company has just introduced new SlimFit HDTVs in 27-inch and 30-inch screen sizes. While SlimFit TVs have not been problem free -- most notably there have been reports of geometry issues (vertical and horizontal lines that are not perfectly straight) -- the TVs have proven to be popular with shoppers thanks to their relatively shallow cabinet depth. According to market researcher The NPD Group, Samsung SlimFit TVs were the number one selling line of CRT TVs in 2006, with a market share of over 46 percent.

Another way Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to CRTs is by continuing to innovate. Their latest effort is circuitry designed to address the SlimFit's geometry problems. The circuitry can be found in the new 27-inch Samsung TX-T2793H (*est. $550) and 30-inch Samsung TX-T3093WH (*est. $650); the TX-T2793H is a 4:3 model, while the TX-T3093WH is a widescreen TV with a 16:9 aspect ratio. These TVs have just been introduced and there have been no professional or user reviews as of yet, but initial discussions at AVSForum.com seem to indicate that the geometry issues are at least lessened in the newest SlimFit televisions.

Beyond the geometry issues, if present, reports agree that the Samsung TVs are capable of producing impressive images. The feature set is pretty good, including two HDMI connections, SRS TruSurround XT (which lets the set create the illusion of surround sound from just two speakers), a 20-watt stereo with graphic equalizer, reverse 3:2 pulldown and more. And, at 16.3 inches deep (for the TX-T3093WH), it is far less bulky than other standard televisions.

Once you get beyond Samsung's offerings, there aren't many standard televisions that get many reviews. JVC's 30-inch AV-30W777 (*est. $695) gets one professional review and a couple of positive user reviews at CNet.com, but although JVC lists it as a current model, it's not available in many stores. The 30-inch RCA HD30W854T (*est. $650) is another option, but the only feedback we could find was a single ratings-only posting at Sears.com.

You'll also find some CRT HDTVs with less familiar brand names, but there just isn't much review feedback on most off-brand televisions. As a case in point, Best Buy's house brand Insignia NS-30HTV (*est. $450) has been the subject of at least one positive professional review. However, other reviews, and most user reviews we've seen, find the set to be a disappointment, with performance that's more or less in line with its bargain price.

Important Features: Televisions

Here's what the experts say to consider when buying a standard TV:

• All new televisions are now digital TVs, but this isn't the same as an HDTV. New televisions are now mandated to have digital tuners. That means your TV will be able to receive digital television signals along with unscrambled HDTV signals over the air or with a cable box. While these TVs can display high-definition broadcasts, they play them at greatly reduced resolution.

• If you plan to use the speakers in your TV (rather than hooking up external speakers), make better internal speakers a priority. In-set speakers will never sound as good as a standalone sound system, so experts recommend that you use the audio output connection to drive external speakers or a stereo sound system.

• For HDTV sets, look for an HDMI input. This type of input keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (such as a cable box). Many cable boxes and DVD players now have an HDMI output, and most components will have one in the future. In addition, HDMI inputs are compatible with HDCP (high-definition content protection); while that could prevent you from recording high-definition copy-protected programming, it might eventually be the only way to feed most HDTV signals in their full resolution to your set. If you plan to use a high-definition DVD player, an HDMI input -- or an HDCP-compatible DVI input (which can accept an HDMI output via an adapter cable) -- is a must.

• Select a screen type (4:3 standard screen or 16:9 widescreen) that matches your viewing habits. High-definition content comes delivered in 16:9 format, as do DVD movies (many DVD movies are still offered in a 4:3 format -- those are typically labeled "fullscreen" -- as well). Viewing 16:9 content on a 4:3 television means that it will be letterboxed, resulting in a smaller image size. So, if the set will be used mostly to show movies and HD programming, widescreen or a very large 4:3 screen is the way to go. Smaller 4:3 televisions are fine if you are not watching very much widescreen programming. They are also somewhat cheaper.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Standard-Definition 27- to 32-inch Sets
1 each	JVC AV-32F577 , JVC AV-27F577 , Samsung SlimFit TX-S2783, Toshiba 32D47
# of Picks	HDTV 27- to 30-inch Sets
1 each	Insignia NS-30HT, Samsung SlimFit TX-T2793H , Samsung SlimFit TX-T3093WH, JVC AV-30W777

Samsung SlimFit HDTV sets, which offer the benefits of a CRT but in a much slimmer case, have rapidly become the most popular CRT TV with shoppers. There have been some reports of geometry problems, particularly in HDTVs, but new circuitry promises to address that issue. JVC's standard-definition TVs get some nice feedback; the company's sole direct-view HDTV also does well but is hard to find. Toshiba makes a handful of standard-definition digital TVs, and these can be good budget picks.

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