The modern HDTV is a complicated piece of technology, what with the demands placed on these now-ubiquitous devices. Overall, manufacturers have been able to improve performance while simultaneously coming out with ever-slimmer designs and new convenience features. In order to help walk you through what's out there today, we've narrowed the vast selection of TVs down to a handful of models that stand out from the crowd for their superior performance, features, and design. If you're still unsure, head straight down to our buyer's guide below.
Best Picture Quality:
Nobody buys a new HDTV without keeping 'picture quality' as one of the biggest considerations. While all HDTV looks good given the proper sources, there are select models which usually sit at the top of their respective manufacturers' lineups that offer noticeably better picture quality than the rest. This consists of superior black levels, motion resolution, image clarity, and color accuracy than the rest of the crowd. Don't expect bargain prices, though - for this level of performance, you'll have to pay a substantial premium.
Sharp Elite PRO-70X5FD LED HDTV
The 'Elite' name makes a comeback on a high-end LED-backlit LCD TV. The Sharp Elite PRO-70X5FD (and its smaller PRO-60X5FD sibling) is large, loaded with technology, and provides the sort of picture quality worthy of carrying on the 'Elite' name. If you can stomach the astronomical price tags, there is no better HDTV currently on the market than the Sharp Elite PRO-70X5FD. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST50 3D Plasma TV
Picture quality improvements were to be expected with the 2012 models, but Panasonic's ST50 models still delivered a major surprise. A TV at this price has no business boasting this level of performance, with deep black levels and excellent color accuracy despite the lack of fine-tune calibration controls. The Panasonic ST50 is a top picture quality pick, regardless of price. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P55VT30 55" 3D Plasma TV
Panasonic's current lineup of plasma HDTVs boast superior picture quality to just about any of the competing offerings from other manufacturers, so it appears that Panasonic's acquisition of the technology that Pioneer used for the Kuro plasma HDTVs has been put to good use. The VT30 represents Panasonic's finest effort, with 2D and 3D picture quality befitting of a flagship model. Black level performance is one of the strongest on the market, and the inclusion of a 96Hz refresh rate mode allows cinema-style 24p content to play back natively. However, it's certainly an expensive option, and the larger sizes may induce sticker shock in some buyers. Read Full Review »
Samsung PN59D7000 59" 3D Plasma TV
The Samsung PN59D7000 offers identical picture quality to the flagship PND8000, only at a much lower price. While the PND7000 gives up certain features like the QWERTY remote, built-in web browser, and Skype, the performance remains intact. Color accuracy is spot-on, and black level performance is beyond excellent with the larger models such as this. The PND7000 is bested only by the Panasonic VT30 - by that measure, the Samsung is one of the best buys amongst current HDTVs. Read Full Review »
Sony XBR-55HX929 55" 3D LED TV
The Bravia XBR-55HX929 is the flagship model of Sony's lineup, and carries a price tag to match. This full-array LED backlit LCD TV is one of the best performers of all 2011 HDTV models, with inky black levels that blend in with the bezel in a dark room. Color accuracy is flawless, and the high refresh rate just about eliminates any motion blur associated with LCD TVs. The HX929 proves that LCD TVs can be capable of reference-grade quality, but you'll have to pay up for the privilege of superior performance. Read Full Review »
Best HDTV under $1000:
It’s no secret that the price of TVs has come down in recent years, especially since much of the current technology has matured. Each one of the TVs listed here features a screen size of at least 46 inches, along with 1080p resolution. Both LCD and plasma TVs are represented, and the feature lists range from basic to overflowing. These selections are based on a combination of performance, features, and value. Picture quality factors in black level performance, color accuracy, and grayscale (color temperature) accuracy.
VIZIO XVT3D474SV 47-Inch HD 3D Full Array TruLED TV
Vizio has proven beyond a doubt that their models can compete with the best of the best in terms of picture quality while still packing more features than similarly-priced alternatives. The XVT3D474SV uses full-array LED backlighting with local dimming, and offers top-notch picture quality as well as other desirable extras such as 3D capability and built-in Wi-Fi for streaming online multimedia. Read Full Review »
Samsung PN51D550 51" 3D Plasma TV
The Samsung PN51D550 is a great choice if you value performance from your TV – this 1080p plasma TV features excellent picture quality, but the feature list can come across as sparse. The PN51D550 can handle 3D content, but you’ll need to look elsewhere if you like to stream online movies. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P50S30 50" Plasma TV
The Panasonic Viera TC-P50S30 represents excellent value for money simply because of its outstanding picture quality. The feature list is rather bare-bones – the S30 cannot display 3D content, and its online content streaming services are limited compared to the alternatives. If you value superior picture quality, though, the Viera S30 is tough to beat. Read Full Review »
Samsung UN46D6000 46" LED TV
The Samsung UN46D6000 manages to be an excellent value without coming across as basic. If you can live without 3D capability and don't envy the 'ultra-thin bezel' or 'Touch of Color' design of Samsung's more expensive LED-backlit LCD HDTVs, the D6000 may be your best choice in terms of value for money. Read Full Review »
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Samsung LN46D630 46" LCD TV
The Samsung LN46D630 is arguably a better option if you have no need for the integrated internet TV functionality. The generous connectivity choices are a pleasant surprise given the price, and the picture quality is generally solid overall. While the LN46D630 isn’t going to challenge the best HDTVs sold today, this set represents an excellent value if you’re after picture quality at an affordable price. Read Full Review »
Best 50 - 55 inch HDTV:
The vast majority of the best-performing HDTVs on the market today are offered only in 50-inch and larger sizes. With a screen this big, picture quality is extremely important. While minor picture quality issues can be overlooked with a smaller screen, the larger screen size shows backlight faults, color inaccuracies, and other performance-reducing factors more noticeably. Also, 720p resolution will not cut it with a 50-55 inch screen size - 1080p is a must. Each of these HDTVs offer excellent picture quality and come loaded with features. Here’s our top picks overall, representing the best combination of features, performance, and value. Picture quality factors in black level performance, color accuracy, and grayscale (color temperature) accuracy.
Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST50 3D Plasma TV
All manufacturers like to boast about the improvements they've made for the latest model, but few are able to accomplish what Panasonic has done with the Viera TC-P50ST50. Its predecessor, the ST30 series, already impressed us with its excellent picture quality and value for money. The ST50 takes things further, with black levels and color accuracy that can challenge sets costing twice as much. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P55VT30 55" 3D Plasma TV
As to be expected, Panasonic's top-of-the-line plasma HDTV is one of the best choices in this size range. Although it's more expensive than the rest, the VT30 is one of the rare present-day TVs that can come close to the Pioneer Kuro in terms of picture quality. The VT30 comes loaded with every feature, and is definitely one of the best HDTVs available at any price. Read Full Review »
Vizio XVT3D554SV 55" 3D LCD TV
As you would expect from the Vizio brand, the XVT3D554SV is an amazingly good value. The built-in dual-band Wi-Fi eliminates the need for wires to access Vizio Internet Apps, and the XVT3D554SV features plenty of connectivity for your devices. This LCD TV uses a full-array LED backlight with local dimming – combined with a 480Hz refresh rate and deep black levels, picture quality is present in spades. Read Full Review »
Sony XBR-55HX929 55" 3D LED TV
This flagship LCD TV from Sony offers comparable picture quality to the Panasonic VT30 along with superior black levels, but costs hundreds more for the same size screen. The full-array LED backlight with local dimming allows the HX929 to outperform just about all other LCD TVs, placing it in the company of some of the best TVs for sale. While the high performance can be appreciated, the astronomical price tag will turn away all but the most dedicated videophiles. Read Full Review »
Samsung PN51D7000 51'' 3D Plasma HDTV
There's definitely much to like about the Samsung PN51D7000, including the thin bezel design that allows an inch more viewable space than competing plasma HDTVs in the same size category. Picture quality is extremely high, and the feature list is long enough to justify the price tag. The PND7000 offers identical picture quality to the flagship PND8000 for a lower price, and is easily one of the best HDTVs available today. Read Full Review »
Best 40 - 49 inch HDTV:
Plasma TVs, conventional LCD TVs, and LED-backlit LCD TVs are available in the 40 – 49” range, with the most popular sizes being 40", 42", and 46". While our top picks range in terms of technology, performance, and price, each of them are ideal for a large bedroom or midsized living room. These selections are based on a combination of performance, features, and value. Image quality factors in black level performance, color accuracy, grayscale (color temperature) accuracy, motion performance, off-angle viewing, and screen uniformity.
Panasonic TC-P46ST30 46" 3D Plasma TV
There is no other HDTV in the 40 - 49 inch screen size category that can come close to outperforming the Panasonic Viera TC-P46ST30. This high-performance plasma TV delivers unbeatable picture quality for its size, with deep blacks and excellent color accuracy that will impress even videophiles. For the price, choosing the 46-inch ST30 is a no-brainer. Read Full Review »
VIZIO XVT3D474SV 47-Inch HD 3D Full Array TruLED TV
The Vizio XVT3D474SV provides top-notch picture quality and comes packed with features such as 3D support, built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and a wide range of internet apps. The affordable price makes this HDTV an attractive choice to begin with, but the high overall performance allows the XVT3D474SV to be one of the best options in this size range. Read Full Review »
Samsung UN46D6400 46" 3D LED LCD TV
Samsung's UN46D6400 may look almost pedestrian compared to the design knockout that is the UND8000 series, but the mid-range UND6400 is capable of putting out a better overall picture because of its superior screen uniformity. Though you'll give up some features compared to the flagship model, this is the better deal between the two. Read Full Review »
LG 47LW5600 47" 3D LED LCD TV
The LG 47LW5600 is an impressive HDTV on its own, but there are a few unique features that set this model apart from the competition. The LW5600 uses passive 3D technology which eliminates the need for bulky and expensive active shutter 3D glasses, and can deliver 3D effects using simple, affordable polarized lens. Overall picture quality is good in both 2D and 3D, and the highly competitive price makes it worth a look. Read Full Review »
Samsung UN46D8000 46" 3D LED TV
The Samsung UN46D8000 is definitely not a bargain, costing hundreds of dollars more than the other options recommended here. However, the crisp picture quality and attention-grabbing design may be worth the extra cost for some. If you aren't bothered by the screen uniformity issues, the smallest screen size of Samsung's flagship model is one of the best choices today. Read Full Review »
Best HDTV for Watching Sports:
If you are primarily buying an HDTV for watching your favorite teams on the big screen, screen size is the single most important factor. Each of our best picks are larger than 50”, deliver accurate colors out of the box, perform well with fast motion and feature 1080p resolution (which actually makes a difference at these screen sizes). Some of our top picks also have 3D capabilities, and with ESPN 3D promising to broadcast several sporting events in 3D this season, that's an exciting feature to have. Here are the 5 best HDTVs for watching sports.
Panasonic VIERA TC-P65VT30 65" 3D Plasma TV
It should come as no surprise that the largest screen size of Panasonic's flagship plasma HDTV is the best choice for watching sports games. This TV delivers picture quality which is essentially unmatched by virtually all of the current HDTVs sold today, and is bested only by the game-changing Pioneer Kuro from several years ago. Sports games display with zero hiccups, and Panasonic's Viera Connect portal allows direct access to online sports channels which makes following sports effortless. Read Full Review »
Samsung PN64D7000 64" 3D Plasma TV
The Samsung PN64D7000 offers surreal picture quality and motion display capabilities that measure up with the best of the best amongst HDTVs. The design of the set itself will impress anyone even before it's powered on, while the clarity and perfect color accuracy make it easy to keep up with the action. Samsung's Smart TV with Samsung Apps offers dedicated internet channels that follow major league sports, so you can stay on top of other game scores while watching your favorite team play. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST30 65" 3D Plasma TV
The Panasonic Viera TC-P65ST30 offers two important things - an incredibly large screen and outstanding picture quality. For sports games, selecting the 65-inch ST30 is a no-brainer if you're after a good deal. The dated styling may reduce its visual appeal somewhat, but that aspect becomes irrelevant once the game starts. Read Full Review »
Vizio XVT553SV 55" LCD TV
With its fantastic picture quality and long list of features, the Vizio XVT553SV is an absolute bargain for its price. The picture quality is unmatched except by the top-of-the-line HDTVs which are priced hundreds of dollars above what Vizio asks for this model. Vizio Internet Apps is fully-featured and offers Yahoo! widgets to follow sports, and the XVT553SV is more than capable of smoothly displaying high-activity sports games. Read Full Review »
Samsung UN55D8000 55" 3D LED TV
The style-conscious UN55D8000 is a great way to impress your friends and family with the design, though certain picture quality issues prevent this top-of-the-line model from receiving a better recommendation. Black levels are amazing and color accuracy is spot-on, but the inconsistent screen uniformity can become an issue at times. For the price, this is a disappointing drawback. Read Full Review »
Best Affordable HDTV for the Living Room:
These HDTVs are large enough for a living room and offer great performance, but all offer tremendous value with a price that won’t break the bank. The top picks below range from 42" to 60" in size, but most are available in multiple sizes so you can pick the one that's right for your living room. Image quality is largely based upon on black level performance, color accuracy, grayscale (color temperature) accuracy, motion performance, screen uniformity, and viewing angles. Here's a look at the best affordable HDTVs for a living room.
LG 47LK520 47" LCD TV
Compared to most TVs today, the feature list of the LG 47LK520 seems almost stark. This TV leaves out 3D capability, internet content streaming, and even LED backlighting, but makes up for it with its 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent picture quality. The calibration controls are certified by the ISF, meaning this TV supports professional calibration that can drastically improve picture quality. If you’re looking for the best possible performance for the price, the LG 47LK520 is tough to beat. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-P50S30 50" Plasma TV
Among all of the choices listed here, the Panasonic Viera TC-P50S30 is the videophile's choice. The plasma display offers up better screen uniformity, off-angle viewing, and motion playback than competing LCD models, and the 50-inch screen size is larger than other similarly-priced alternatives. The drawbacks include scant connectivity (2 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite), but this is otherwise one of the best budget-friendly TVs for the living room. Read Full Review »
VIZIO XVT3D474SV 47-Inch HD 3D Full Array TruLED TV
The brand isn’t going to impress snobs, but the Vizio XVT3D474SV packs the goods to compete with TVs priced hundreds of dollars higher. Picture quality is outstanding, with deep black levels and good screen uniformity (aided by the full-array LED setup). Built-in dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi allows wireless content streaming, and the slide-out QWERTY keyboard simplifies menu navigation. Read Full Review »
Panasonic VIERA TC-L42U30 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
The Panasonic Viera TC-L42U30 may be short on features, but this HDTV is actually a good value. Picture quality is good out of the box thanks to the 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate – both of which are rarities in this price range. With 3 HDMI ports, this TV works best for living room setups that don’t require multiple HD devices to be set up. Read Full Review »
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Mitsubishi WD-60738 60-Inch 3D DLP HDTV
Simply put, the Mitsubishi WD-60738 is the best way to get one of the largest possible screen sizes at a budget-friendly price. You won’t give up performance, either – the DLP layout inherently provides good picture quality, and the various image processors work together to offer up high-quality images on the screen. Act fast, though – soon, Mitsubishi will stop making DLP HDTVs in this size. Read Full Review »
Best HDTV under $500
Panasonic VIERA TC-P42X3 42" Plasma TV
It's quite possible to find a high-quality HDTV for less than $500. The Panasonic Viera TC-P42X3 fits the bill perfectly, with a known brand name and excellent picture quality for the price. The TC-P42X3 series is considered an 'entry-level' model and carries a modest spec sheet - this is in fact the smallest and most affordable plasma TV that Panasonic currently offers. The X3 does not feature 3D capability and comes with limited internet streaming options, but it does offer the high picture quality that Viera plasma TVs are known for. Also, screen uniformity is excellent as is off-angle viewing. However, like all plasma TVs, the X3 is not as well-suited for being used in a bright room with light directly hitting the TV. The TC-P42X3 offers a mere 2 HDMI ports and uses more energy than a similarly-sized LCD TV, but this is your best bet if affordability and good picture quality are your priorities.
If you're prepared to spend more, the Viera X3 can be found with larger screen options: 42-inch (TC-P42X3), 46-inch (TC-P46X3), and 50-inch (TC-P50X3).
Best Gaming HDTV:
Choosing a new HDTV suitable for gaming is complicated, but it isn't as difficult as it was a few years back. Newer HDTVs have drastically improved performance, including faster image processing and the effect this has on final picture quality. While we won't recommend any specific TV models (as everybody has different tolerances), here are a few things to look for when considering a new HDTV for gaming.
- Input lag is one of the most crucial aspects of selecting a gaming-suitable HDTV. Input lag describes the phenomenon where there is a noticeable delay between when you perform a command on your controller and when it actually happens on-screen. Needless to say, excessive lag can ruin a game and render it nearly (or completely) unplayable. HDTV input lag is usually an issue when attempting to play older game consoles which output in standard definition. This places extra burden on the image processor of the HDTV to convert the standard definition signal to 1080p or 720p, which inevitably takes some time to perform. Most modern TVs can do this very quickly, and can therefore minimize input lag to tolerable levels. Also, most TVs have a separate 'game mode' which promises to reduce or even eliminate input lag through bypassing the picture quality enhancement algorithms. You'll definitely want to test this out for yourself by connecting your favorite game console to an available demo unit at a local store.
- Response time describes the performance of the display itself. The term 'response time' refers to how quickly a certain TV can change from displaying a dark color to a light one and back to dark (usually gray to gray). Slower response times show up in the form of 'blur' and what appear to be 'smeared' images, both of which are not suited for displaying fast-moving images as found in most games. Generally, plasma TVs lead the field in this regard with nearly instant response times, while the fastest current LCD TVs approach 1-2 milliseconds at best. This is not as clear-cut as it seems, however - better LCD TVs can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience with little to no blur.
- The debate between plasma and LCD TVs is especially prominent when it comes to analyzing each for gaming performance. Plasma TVs offer instantaneous response times at the expense of potential image retention or screen burn-in - neither of which are desirable for gaming purposes. LCD TVs have no issues with displaying static images, but choosing one can be trickier due to the varied performance of each panel. Each technology has its advantages, so it's best to familiarize yourself with the quirks of the one you choose to go with.
- 3D gaming is on the rise, with more titles offering 3D compatibility. You'll need a 3D-capable HDTV and the appropriate 3D glasses to enjoy video games in 3D. Each individual game has its own unique 3D properties, but it goes without saying that you'll want to select a 3D TV which can display fast-moving images with minimal crosstalk and distracting artifacts.
Buyer's Guide:
The HDTV market is filled with enough advertising and marketing hubris to make anyone's head spin with confusion. Manufacturers routinely go out of their way to make their products seem more impressive, including puzzling claims such as 'infinite contrast ratio'. Worse still, the TVs on display at local brick & mortar shops usually have the brightness cranked to the max and various settings put to 'Store Mode' to attract potential buyers. Comparing TVs side-by-side at a store will do you no favors unless the sets are calibrated properly and are utilizing equal-quality HD feeds. Even then, TVs will look different in a brightly-lit environment like the sales floor compared to a dimmer, more controlled setting like your living room. Before you commit to buying a new TV, it helps to familiarize yourself with a few terms and specifications to ensure that you're getting exactly what you want.
Picture Quality
Not a single HDTV buyer will want a TV that doesn't offer good picture quality. The simple truth is that high-definition content looks better than standard definition content 100% of the time. If you're upgrading from an older CRT TV, all modern HDTVs will look outstanding provided they are utilizing high-definition feeds. Here are a few things to look for:
- There are multiple HDTV technologies on the market today. The most popular are LCD TVs and Plasma display panels (colloquially known as 'Plasma TVs'). The war between the two for HDTV superiority continues, with each having their own benefits and drawbacks. For more on Plasma vs. LCD, head over to the dedicated section below.
- Don't assume that the way the TV looks in the store will translate to the one that you purchase. If you can, ask an employee or salesperson to connect high-definition material to the TV (usually a Blu-ray movie), then switch the set to its 'Cinema Mode' (or whatever is closest). This will help even the playing field.
- Pick a TV with good color accuracy. While this is hard to distinguish to untrained eyes, it's always a good idea to gather as much information as you can on the model you're considering. A TV with poor color accuracy will display washed-out colors and skin tones which appear orange. A full calibration performed by a certified professional will bring out the best the TV has to offer - 'ChadB' and CNET's David Katzmaier both test TVs after they have been calibrated, and CNET includes the picture settings in their reviews.
- Black levels are a key component to good picture quality. A good TV will be capable of purer blacks which stand in stark contrast to any color in the scene. In a scene with true 'blacks', dark gray tones are undesirable and can detract from the movie watching experience. Some of the better black-level performers include the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929, Panasonic Viera TC-P55VT30, and the Samsung PN59D7000.
- Screen uniformity is extremely important as well. This boils down to how effectively the TV distributes its backlight. A good TV will have even backlighting across the screen, to the point where it is unnoticeable. A flawed execution will result in spots or patches where the backlight is visibly stronger - this phenomenon is referred to as 'flashlighting' and 'clouding'. Plasma TVs generally have perfect screen uniformity, while LCD TVs can range from excellent to poor depending on the model.
- Manufacturers like to throw around 'Contrast Ratio' numbers to give the impression of superior picture quality. Disregard these completely, as they have absolutely no bearing outside of that manufacturer's products. A simple explanation of 'contrast ratio' is the difference between the brightest image the TV can display and the darkest image the TV can display (black level). You'll sometimes see 'infinite contrast ratio' - this is a marketing attempt, and usually refers to certain technological tricks that higher-performing TVs use to enhance picture quality.
- Finally, not all HDTVs perform well with standard definition content. Don't be surprised if you connect your old DVD player or VCR to your brand new HDTV and the resulting picture isn't crystal-clear. Without getting into too much detail, the 'native resolution' of a new HDTV is far higher than what standard definition devices can output. This means that your TV will try to convert the standard definition 480i signal into 1080p to fill the screen, and the results are not always pretty. High definition content will look fantastic on a high-definition TV, though.
There is an enormous amount of information available about how to judge 'good picture quality', but your personal preference will ultimately determine what looks good to you.
Size
For the best HDTV experience, go for the biggest size your budget and setting will allow. Remember that this is an investment that you will live with for quite some time, and you don't want to be caught out thinking 'I wish I had a bigger screen'.
It is possible to go too big, though. If you live in a small apartment or plan to set the TV up where space is limited, a 65-inch TV may not be the best idea. Amazon has a great article to help you choose the appropriate size screen for your setup.
Resolution
Today's HDTVs come in two resolutions - 720p and 1080p. When broken down, these alphanumeric combinations simply state the resolution and the method in which the pixels are displayed. Here's a brief explanation of each, along with a quick run-down of the less-encountered resolutions among HDTVs today.
- 1080p: This resolution is often referred to as 'Full HD', and represents 1920x1080 pixels displayed on the screen in a 'progressive' format. Each line is resolved during the refresh cycle, leading to a clearer, sharper picture. This is currently the highest resolution available for consumer HDTVs, and is the default resolution for Blu-ray movies and high-definition PS3 games.
- 720p: Like 1080p, 720p is a 'progressive scan' format. The '720p' term actually refers to a range of HD resolutions, with a minimum of 1280x720 pixels from which the name is derived. Though this resolution is usually found amongst entry-level HDTVs today, the lower resolution compared to 1080p is not very noticeable until you get to larger screen sizes (55 inches and above).
- 1080i: Although modern HDTVs do not feature 1080i as a native resolution, this format is still encountered when dealing with HD broadcasts. Older CRT HDTVs also sport a 1080i native resolution, which can lead to some confusion. While the resolution is identical to 1080p (1980x1080 pixels), the 'i' in the name stands for 'interlaced' scan. Without getting into too much technical detail, native 1080i-resolution displays refresh every alternating line (effectively producing 1920x540 pixels per refresh cycle) to show the entire image. Modern displays require image processing (de-interlacing) to display content encoded in this format.
- Standard definition: Older TV formats are almost always considered 'standard definition'. You'll see the term 'enhanced definition' thrown around here and there when referring to '480p', but the current trend is to refer to anything which features a lower resolution than 'high definition' as 'standard definition'. This includes various formats such as 480i and 240p, all of which must be 'upscaled' by modern TVs to be displayed by the native 1080p or 720p resolution screens.
3D
The technology used to bring 3D into the living room is continually evolving, so this area of the HDTV market still has much room to expand and mature. Currently, all 3D-capable displays require viewers to wear special glasses to achieve the 3D effect. There are two different types of 3D displays - active and passive.
Active 3D displays require specific active-shutter glasses - these distinctive glasses sync to the TV using infrared or (in the case of Samsung) Bluetooth. The glasses then block the left and right eye in succession at up to 120 times per second, corresponding to the left-eye and right-eye image on the display. When done properly, this creates an illusion of a 3D image. Active 3D generally offers higher picture quality, but is not without its drawbacks. The glasses must keep in sync with the TV, or the picture can suffer from strange effects. The glasses are also very complex, with batteries that require recharging or replacement every now and then. Perhaps the biggest drawback is the price of extra pairs of glasses - at anywhere from $50 to $190 each, watching 3D with friends and family can get very expensive. Worse still, one manufacturer's glasses will not work with another's TV - you must stay within the brand. If you can put up with these drawbacks, active 3D is still the better option.
Passive 3D is an alternative if you can't stand the disadvantages of active 3D. Instead of using expensive active shutter glasses to display 3D images, passive 3D TVs are equipped with a filter on the screen itself to achieve the effect. Glasses must still be worn, but passive 3D glasses are simple, inexpensive polarized lenses. These passive 3D glasses can be found for as little as $4 a set, and movie theater 3D glasses will work as well. Because there is no syncing required, a single set of 3D glasses will work with any brand TV. Compared to active 3D, though, passive 3D offers softer picture quality. This is due to the inherent design of this technology, which alternates every line of pixels to display images for the left eye and the right eye.
If you're looking for 3D TV recommendations, be sure to check out our Best 3D TV list.
Plasma vs. LCD
In the world of technology, there will always be format wars. Between HDTVs, it's Plasma vs. LCD. Both have their share of advantages and downsides, and both feature rabid fan followings that will stop at nothing to disparage the other side. Ignore the vitriol, and choose what you feel is best. Here's a brief run-down of the two:
- Plasma: Technically called 'plasma display panels', the plasma TV has come a long way since its introduction into the HDTV world. Plasma TVs operate by acting upon phosphors embedded into the panel, and the picture you see through the screen is the light given off by the reaction. This type of display is inherently faster than LCDs, and have similar response times as CRT displays. Plasma TVs also exhibit perfect screen uniformity, and offer superior off-angle viewing. Many videophiles consider plasma TVs by default due to their inherently superior black levels. While plasma TVs still carry a lingering reputation for issues with 'burn-in', modern-day technologies have largely minimized problems that can cause permanent damage to the panel. 'Image retention' is another problem altogether - displaying a static image on the screen (including black letterbox bars) for an extended period of time can leave a 'ghost' of the image. This is temporary, but can still be an annoyance. A little care goes a long way, though - plasma TVs offer life-spans that far exceed CRT TVs, and will provide outstanding picture quality every minute of the way.
Plasma TVs are better suited for environments where the ambient light can be controlled - generally, plasma TVs work better in dark settings where the TV's full output can be observed. Plasma displays are known for their outstanding picture quality - in fact, one of the best HDTVs ever produced was a plasma display panel. The discontinued Pioneer Kuro continues to be a reference-grade HDTV for many professionals despite the newest models approaching 2 years of age. Finally, current plasma TVs tend to be less expensive than similarly-sized LCD TVs. Check out our recommendations for the Best Plasma TVs.
- LCD: The LCD TV is by far the most popular type of television sold today. This TV displays its images by rendering them across a liquid crystal layer, which is then illuminated by the backlight. The LCD TV has come a long way since its introduction, with the most current iterations utilizing LED backlight technology and 'local dimming' for improved black levels and contrast ratio. For the latter, the backlight can dynamically shut itself off in sections as opposed to relying on dark colors on the LCD panel to block out the light. This leads to darker black levels, which manufacturers often cite as 'dynamic contrast ratio'. Not all LCD panels are created equal, however - there are still entry-level designs lingering which use traditional CCFL backlighting. While these models can still offer good picture quality, local-dimming LED LCD TVs will always offer superior black levels by design. Compared to plasma TVs, LCD TVs cannot offer the same wide viewing angles. On the other hand, LCD TVs are capable of much higher light output, which is better for brightly lit environments or where sun glare is a concern. Picture quality is largely a wash between the two - neither design holds a distinct advantage today. Still, there are always some models which outperform the rest. Our recommendations for the Best LCD TVs can be found here.
- There are many variations on the LCD TV. In a nutshell, this type of TV works by rendering images across an LCD panel which is then illuminated from behind. The result is a picture displayed on the screen. Earlier LCD TVs relied on CCFL arrangements to provide a backlight. While this 'traditional' setup can still be found today, manufacturers relegate this layout to the lower-end models. LED backlighting has taken over as the default setup for higher-performance LCD TVs. This has many benefits, including improved picture quality and better energy efficiency. LED backlighting has seen the introduction of a new technology called 'local dimming', where the TV can dynamically dim or turn off the backlight within certain 'zones' that require darker images to be displayed. This feature is usually reserved for high-end sets, however.
Here are the different types of LED backlight arrangements:
- Full-array LED: This backlight setup mimics standard CCFL models, with the LEDs placed directly behind the LCD panel. LCD TVs with full-array LED backlighting exhibit superior screen uniformity, but can also bring about a backlight flaw called 'blooming'. This is when the backlight bleeds out past a bright object and illuminates a black or dark area. Whether this is tolerable or not is up to you - everyone has a personal preference. A few examples of full-array LED backlit TVs are the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929 and the Vizio XVT3D554SV.
- Edge-lit LED: Sony was the first to introduce this technology, and has since become widespread amongst LED LCD TVs. Rather than placing the LEDs behind the panel, the diodes are moved to the edges of the TV underneath the bezel. A 'light guide' stretches behind the panel instead, and is used to distribute the light in order to display a viewable image. Virtually all of the 'thin' design LCD TVs sold today use edge-lit LED backlighting. While the svelte designs are definitely impressive to look at, the same can't be said about screen uniformity for all models. The backlight of the LG Infinia 55LW5600 is commendably even, but the Samsung UN55D8000 has well-documented issues regarding screen uniformity.
Click here to see our top recommended LED TVs.
Price/Value
As you will no doubt have noticed by now, modern HDTVs encompass a wide range of prices. It's possible to find a good HDTV for under $500, but you're more likely to encounter models on the showroom floor costing over $1000. If money is no object, there are higher-performance TVs available today which sport $3000+ sticker prices. Current HDTVs are far from 'one size fits all', both literally and figuratively. Larger screen sizes are usually more expensive, whether you're looking at plasma TVs or LCD TVs. Also, you'll pay a premium for extra features such as 3D playback, faster refresh rates, local dimming, internet connectivity, and other additions like built-in Skype or an internet browser. Decide which features you absolutely need to have and try to leave out the frills - this will ensure that you get yourself the best deal possible.
One basic rule to adhere to is that if a certain HDTV is cheap, it's like that for a reason. Likewise, it works the other way around. Cheaper HDTVs usually carry compromises or inferior quality, while more expensive models come with more features and better performance. Don't let this be the only guide, however - manufacturers like to charge a premium for their flagship models. The Sony Bravia HX929 is without a doubt one of the best-performing HDTVs on the market today, but its MSRP is high enough to cause anybody to reel in shock. Another infamous example is the Panasonic Viera VT30 - though this model uses a superior panel compared to the step-down offering, not everyone will agree that the slight improvement in picture quality is worth almost $1000 over a similarly-sized GT30. As with anything else, it helps to separate your 'needs' and 'wants'. Try to pick the largest TV that you can afford, but also ensure that it performs well and comes with the features you want.
