Buying Television

Go through the following tips before buying a new television:

Strongly consider HD

Digital HDTVs can display sharper, finer images than conventional analog TVs, especially with HDTV programming, but even with standard TV programming or DVD movies. Even with standard (non-HD) signals from a good cable connection, a satellite signal, or a DVD player, the picture quality can be better than a conventional set's. But with a poor signal, like the worst channels from cable, an HDTV can make the images look worse. The digital circuitry can't always know how to interpret the noise from the real signal. If you're at all serious about TV or DVD viewing, we strongly recommend you consider an HDTV-especially if you're looking at a big-screen set. Even if there isn't yet enough HD programming to suit you, it's likely there will be during the life of the TV.

Decide on a screen size

TVs with small screens (less than 27 inches) are more likely to come without all the bells and whistles of larger sets. A notable exception: Most LCD sets fall into this size range, and they may be more fully featured. Medium screens-27 to 36 inches-are the best sellers, so the category has a large number of choices in terms of features, price, and brand. Large screens-40 to 82 inches-are generally plasma or rear-projection models; there are some LCDs in the 40- to 50-inch range, but they're very expensive.

Most big-screen sets are HDTVs

Keep in mind that a jumbo set is likely to look even larger and more overwhelming in your home than it did on a spacious showroom floor. In the same vein, consider whether you want thick or thin. LCD and plasma flat-panel TVs are the trimmest and the priciest; rear-projection and picture-tube TVs are the bulkiest and cheapest. Rear-projection microdisplays, using the new technologies, are a middle ground on size and price.

Lean toward a wide screen

Most HDTVs have wide screens, but some picture-tube and LCD models have squarish 4:3 screens. Our advice: Go wide. Most DVD movies and some HDTV programs are formatted for a 16:9 wide screen, and they'll look better on this type of screen. With more TV content going wide-screen, a 16:9 set will make even more sense as time goes on. A regular screen with the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio is the only choice for analog TVs.

Choose the technology

TVs using the familiar picture-tube technology are the least-expensive option, and these still offer the best picture quality, but the maximum screen size is limited to 36 inches. The best LCD, plasma, and rear-projection sets are capable of displaying very good HD images, but you have to be selective. Consider the pros and cons outlined above in making your choice. Be sure to view the sets for yourself to see which you prefer.

Decide between an HD-ready set and an integrated HDTV

HD-ready sets cost less than integrated HDTVs, and there's no reason to pass them by. The only plus to an integrated HDTV is that it can get broadcast HD signals via antenna; with cable or satellite, you need a box with either type.

Digital-cable-ready, or DCR, TVs are a newer type of HDTV

These can receive some digital-cable programming with no additional devices. To get premium cable and HD, you must get a CableCard from the cable company and put it in a slot on the TV. DCR sets command a premium, but don't pay extra just to lose the cable box. Current CableCard setups are one-way and don't provide an interactive program guide, video-on-demand, or pay-per view ordering via the remote. For those, you'll still need a cable box. Second-generation DCR TVs and CableCards offering two-way capability should be here soon.

Consider an analog TV for casual use. While standard-definition TVs can't match HD for picture quality, some offer fine picture quality that may suit you fine. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the HD improvement is worth the extra cost. Though HD sets cost less than they used to, they still command a premium-usually hundreds more than a comparable analog set. If you're a casual viewer and top quality isn't a must, a low-priced analog picture-tube set would be the best choice for a midsized set, while a small LCD would be a good choice for a kitchen or bedroom.