To some people, it may seem like next year's digital TV changeover has been a long time coming. Others may feel suddenly wrenched from the analog sets that have served them well for years. Regardless, the era of standard-definition, cathode-ray-tube TVs is fading into history. LCD TVs—such as the Panasonic model shown here—rule the market now, and shopping for one requires a new vocabulary. There are many options to choose from, and each has its pros and cons. Understanding the technology behind the panel is the place to begin your journey to TV enlightenment.
LCD Screen
Liquid-crystal displays come in many sizes, but only two resolutions qualify as HD: 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) and 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). Unlike pixels on a plasma screen, which produce their own light, the pixels on an LCD panel perform as filters for the light source behind them. Each pixel is made up of red, green and blue subpixels, which can produce almost any color when used in combination.
Diffuser and Filters
Low-quality LCD TVs can have both bright and dark spots on the screen. A good diffuser evens out the backlight before it goes through the pixels. A variety of polarizing filters on the back and front of the LCD directs light to the pixels, or blocks it when a pixel is supposed to be dark. When shopping for your set, check for consistent illumination and black levels that are truly black.
Backlight
Most LCD televisions currently use a fluorescent backlight—the same technology found in a compact fluorescent light bulb. In the coming years, many sets will switch to brighter, longer-lasting, more energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs). By dynamically dimming sections of the backlight, LEDs can offer higher contrast ratios and deeper blacks.
Tuner
Surprisingly, not every LCD flat panel is a television. Some LCDs are sold without internal tuners, and are thus technically monitors. For those who already get their signal through a cable or satellite set-top box, the distinction is somewhat irrelevant, and a monitor may save you money. If you have cable but don't want a set-top box, look for a TV equipped with a QAM tuner and tru2way capability.
Video Processors
Most video processors clean up noise and optimize color. Chips on higher-end sets also fight motion blur. Because an LCD backlight remains on between video frames, viewers can experience blurring during fast action scenes. Some sets have chips that double the standard 60-Hz frame rate to 120 Hz and interpolate extra frames.
Power Consumption
On a per-inch basis, LCDs are more power-efficient than standard CRT televisions, but because most people buy flat-panel screens far larger than their old tube TVs, the LCDs often end up being slightly more power-hungry than the sets they replace. Expect a 42-in. LCD to use 130 to 240 watts when turned on. Plasmas tend to be less efficient: A 42-in. set will consume between 190 and 310 watts.
Related: Looking for a Cheap 4K Television? Head This Way!
Connections
HDMI: Digital, uncompressed; supports HD resolutions up to 1080p. Look for a set with as many HDMIs as possible.
Component: Three-plug connection; analog, but still high-definition.
Composite: Analog, single plug; isn't great for HD sources, but is useful for legacy devices.
Coaxial: Standard copper wire; can be plugged directly into the back of TVs with tuners for over-the-air broadcasts.
How Much Set Do You Need
* SMALL: 15- to 32-in.
Price range: $200 to $1300
Good for: Kitchens, bedrooms, small apartments
What to expect: LCDs dominate this category—plasma makers don't build many small sets. Also, most small LCDs currently come with 720p resolution, because viewers generally can't discern 1080p at this size.
* MEDIUM: 37- to 47-in.
Price range: $700 to $3600
Good for: Living rooms, dens
What to expect: This is where LCDs and plasmas start to compete, and the selection is enormous. On the smaller end of this spectrum you can get a deal on 720p sets, but expect to pay more for 1080p resolution and better video processing.
* LARGE: 50-in. and up
Price range: $1500 to $40,000
Good for: Dedicated home theaters
What to expect: If you're shopping for a truly gargantuan TV, don't accept anything less than 1080p resolution. At sizes over 60 in., prices for both plasma and LCD skyrocket and rear-projection sets become a better deal.
