Best TVs for the buck
See which features are worth paying for and which you can do without
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It might be hard to believe, but TV prices are still falling, thanks to Super Bowl and Winter Olympics promotions and clearance sales on '09 sets. Expect to see prices for 46- to 50-inch TVs as low as $600, 40- to 42-inch sets for $500, and 26- to 32-inchers starting at $300.
There are many pricier TVs in stores, and salespeople might tout their "superior" features. Based on our tests of 130-plus TVs, the most sets we've ever rated, we'll help you decide whether the most-hyped features and technologies are worth the price. (3D TV could be on your list of considerations soon.)
Which TV type?
LCD
Pros:Wider range of sizes and greater choice of 1080p sets in all sizes than with plasmas. Most are brighter than plasmas and hold
contrast better in bright rooms. Some have nonreflective screens. No risk of image burn-in.
Cons:With most, picture degrades if you watch the TV from an angle. Few match plasmas for detail in deepest blacks. Most blur rapidly
moving images. Largest screens pricier than comparable plasma sets.
Plasma
Pros:Virtually unlimited viewing angle. Consistently deeper blacks and better contrast in dark scenes. No motion blur.
Cons:Most not as bright as LCD sets. Shiny screens show reflections in bright rooms. High-contrast images might leave a temporary
impression on screen.
