What Net-capable gear?

If you're planning to upgrade from a DVD player to a Blu-ray player anyway, we recommend you consider an Internet-enabled Blu-ray player—either a standalone model or one bundled with a home-theater-in-a-box system. A player costs much less than a TV but gets you the same content. Also, when a player is streaming video to a TV, you can adjust the TV's picture settings. When the TV itself is connected to the Internet, you might lose the ability to change settings. For instance, we tested LG sets that limit Internet-video adjustments; you can change the picture mode but not settings for brightness, color, and so on.

If you opt for a Blu-ray player, look for a BD-Live model specified to offer streaming services. Some BD-Live models access only limited online "bonus" content available for certain Blu-ray discs.

Other relatively low-cost—or no-cost, if you already own one of these devices—options include the TiVo HD DVR, $250, and two game consoles: Microsoft's Xbox 360, $200 and up, and Sony's PlayStation 3, $300, which includes a Blu-ray player and a Web browser. You can also use a dedicated box to get streaming video, including Roku HD, $80, and MediaPoint, free with $99 worth of Blockbuster movie pre-rentals. Apple TV, $229, gives you access to the iTunes video library, and Vudu has a box, $149, for its own movie service, which is also available through other devices.

All these devices connect to your existing broadband service via a wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) hookup. Wireless models cost a bit more but are more convenient if you don't have an Ethernet connection near your home-entertainment system. "Wireless ready" models need an optional adapter.