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How to choose?
We have been looking for an updated tv. We are not sure what to go with and trying to get more information on it. I found this information with Consumer Reports. It may help some of you that may be looking.
Buying advice LCD TVs
LCD TVs pack a lot of bang for a lot of bucks. Their svelte profile is the main attraction
Once available only with small screens, LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs now come with screens as large as 50 inches (and climbing), which makes them suitable for a household's primary TV set. Regardless of screen size, these TVs are only a few inches thick, giving them a small footprint. They're also relatively lightweight, often as little as 30 pounds or less, so they can be wall-mounted.
Prices are heading downward, but LCD TVs are relatively expensive. In larger sizes, they cost more than comparably sized plasma sets, although the gap seems to be narrowing. The picture quality on the best LCD TVs we've tested has been very good. Recent improvements in LCDs intend to address earlier weaknesses at displaying deep black levels, accurate colors, and fast motion. Because LCD technology is fairly new, long-term reliability of these TVs is still a question, though preliminary data are encouraging.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Strong brands include Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony, along with some computer-display manufacturers. The entry of many low-priced brands into the LCD TV market has accelerated price competition.
LCD TVs are available in standard-definition (analog), enhanced-definition (ED), and high-definition (HD) models. ED and HD sets are digital TVs. Analog TVs can display only standard-definition signals, like those used for most TV broadcasts. ED sets can also accept the higher-quality 480p signals like those from a progressive-scan DVD player. HD images are the sharpest and most detailed. These models can accept all signals from DVD players and HD signals from digital-video players/recorders. Within the HD category, there are three types of TV sets.
HD-ready sets. Also called HDTV monitors, these sets can display standard-definition programs (which still account for most non-prime-time TV broadcasts) on their own. To display digital programs, they require a digital tuner to decode those broadcasts. If you're getting your HD programming from cable or satellite, your digital cable box or satellite receiver will provide the necessary digital decoder. All you have to do is connect your HD-ready TV to the box and you're all set. Cable companies charge a small rental fee for digital or HD-capable boxes. To receive HD via satellite, you need an HD receiver and special dish antenna(e). Together, these cost about $300, but you may be able to get them from the satellite company at little or no charge as part of a promotion.
You can also get digital broadcasts, including HD, over the air, via an antenna. To do so, you'll have to buy a digital tuner called an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner-the external box costs a few hundred dollars. However, there's no charge for service as there is with cable or satellite. Some satellite receivers also offer a built-in ATSC digital tuner. To receive digital programming via antenna, you must be fairly close to a transmitter, with nothing blocking the signal. With digital signals, you'll either have a clear picture or none at all. Marginal reception will result in intermittent picture dropout.
Integrated HDTV sets. These have the ATSC digital tuner built in, which enables them to decode any digital signals, including HD with no additional equipment when used with a roof antenna. You may be able to receive the major networks' HD offerings transmitted over the air in your area, but you won't get the premium channels available on satellite and cable. To get HD via cable or satellite, integrated sets require an HD-capable cable box, CableCard, or satellite receiver; their built-in digital tuner works only for off-air digital broadcasts.
As of March 2007, all new TVs sold in the U.S., regardless of size and type, must include a built-in digital tuner to comply with a government ruling.
Digital-cable-ready (DCR). Some new integrated models, called digital-cable-ready (DCR) or plug-and-play sets, can receive digital-cable programming without using a set-top box. For HD and premium cable programming--and possibly for any digital programming--you must insert a CableCard into a slot on the set. You usually have to pay a few dollars a month to rent the card from the cable company. Current DCR TVs are not interactive, so even with a CableCard in the slot, they can't provide features such as an interactive program guide, video on demand, or pay-per-view ordering via remote. Second-generation DCR TVs and CableCards are expected in a year or so, and they're likely to have two-way capability, allowing for interactive features. Integrated sets typically cost more than HD-ready sets, with digital-cable-ready models costing the most.
Major-brand LCD sets with 13-inch screens of ED-ready resolution (equivalent to progressive-scan DVD, as explained below) average about $300. Prices for 15- to 18-inch HD models start at about $500, while 20-inchers cost a few hundred dollars more than that. Major-brand HD-ready LCD TVs with 23- to 32-inch screens typically start at about $1,000. In all size categories, you'll see less-familiar brands selling for hundreds less. A growing number of LCD TVs have even larger screens--up to 50 inches or more--and prices go up along with size.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Think twice before buying an ED set. An ED set may cost a bit less than an HD model, but the trade-offs aren't worth it with LCD sets. The picture quality almost certainly won't be as good as that you'll get with an HD set. We'd recommend an ED or standard-definition LCD TV only for uses such as casual viewing in the kitchen, where you wouldn't want the cable or satellite box you generally need to receive HD signals. For a main TV or one you'll watch often, we'd strongly recommend an HD set. The best are capable of very good picture quality, although deep blacks may not quite match those of a good tube-based set.
Check the viewing angle. Viewing angles have improved, so many new models display a better image from off-center than older sets did--a must if a TV will be watched by several people at once. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.
Look for easy-to-use inputs. On many LCD televisions, the connections are on the side or rear of the panel and might be hard to reach. Some larger models have a separate control unit to which you connect all your external audio/video devices, such as a DVD player or cable box. You then have only one cable going from the control box to the panel itself. That's a plus for wall-mounting, and can make the inputs easier to access. But it does give you another box to contend with.
Consider a set that doubles as a computer display. If you need a computer display as well as a TV, check out the connectivity options. We recommend an HD set since it's most suitable for computer use. A standard VGA connection will work with all computers; a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) input would be compatible with newer mid-range computers.
Weigh the merits of an extended warranty. While extended warranties aren't worthwhile for most products, they may be for high-priced devices using new technologies. Because LCD TVs are costly items that haven't yet established a track record for reliability, check into the cost of a service plan. Find out whether in-home service is covered and whether a replacement is provided if a set can't be repaired. Our preliminary survey data found no repair problems during the first year of use for LCD sets, but it's too early to comment on later years.
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