WHAT'S AVAILABLE:

Top-selling brands include LG, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Vizio, and Westinghouse. Prices have been dropping steadily, due in part to the arrival of low-priced brands from China and Taiwan, and store brands from major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart, among others.

Most LCD TVs with screens larger than 26 inches or so are high-definition (HD) models. HDTVs can display the sharpest, most detailed images. On many high-def sets, the resolution is 1024x768 or 1366x768. Over the past year, a growing number of 1080p HDTVs have arrived, most with screen sizes 40 inches and larger. These 1080p TVs are the first consumer models with the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on large screens.

Enhanced-definition LCD TVs are also available in smaller sizes—screens of 20 inches or less. ED sets, which are digital, have a picture quality that’s slightly better than standard definition but not as good as HD; they can accept 480p signals such as those from a progressive-scan DVD player. Standard-definition TVs are analog models that can display only 480i signals, such as those used for regular TV broadcasts. Analog TV broadcasts will cease in February 2009, when all broadcasters must switch to digital. A standard-definition TV you buy now must contain a digital tuner so it will be able to receive off-air digital programming from an antenna. However, it won’t be able to display high-def quality.

Major-brand LCD HDTVs typically cost $800 to $1,000 for a 32-inch set, about $1,200 for a 37-inch set, and $1,500 to $3,000 for a 40- to 46-inch set. Prices in larger sizes continue to drop. In all size categories, you’ll see less-established 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 :

Consider what level of picture quality you’re willing to pay for. The best LCD TVs are capable of excellent HD picture quality, although blacks might not be quite as deep as on a good plasma set. For a main TV or one you’ll watch often, we strongly recommend an HD set with a resolution of at least 1024x768. On screens larger than 30 inches or so, 1366x768 has the potential to offer better quality, though native screen resolution in and of itself doesn’t guarantee a certain level of picture quality. 1080p sets with 1920x1080 resolution generally cost hundreds more than a comparable model with a lower resolution; check our Ratings to make sure the 1080p set maximizes its potential. It’s probably not worth paying the premium for a 1080p set for screens much smaller than 50 inches. The quality difference isn’t as noticeable below that size.

We’d recommend a standard- or enhanced-definition LCD TV only for small sets used for casual viewing—in the kitchen, for example—where you wouldn’t want the cable or satellite box you generally need to receive HD signals. The picture quality almost certainly won’t be as good as what you’ll get with an HD set.

Check the viewing angle. Viewing angles have improved, so many new LCD TVs display a better image from off-center than older sets did—a must if the TV will be watched by several people at once. Before buying, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you’ll see a somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away.

Don’t get hung up on specs. Ads touting high contrast ratios and brightness (in cd/m2, or candelas per square meter) might sway you to one set over another. Manufacturers arrive at specs differently, so they might not be comparable. Try adjusting sets in the store yourself to compare contrast and brightness, as TVs are often optimized for bright retail environments, not home viewing.

Consider reliability. Our user surveys have found few repair problems during the first year or two of use for LCD sets from JVC, Magnavox, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sanyo, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. Dell LCDs have been more repair-prone.
Look for easy-to-use inputs. On many LCD televisions, the connections are on the side or rear of the panel and might be difficult to reach. A few larger models might 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.

Consider a set that doubles as a computer display. If you need a computer display as well as a TV, check connectivity options. An HD set with high native resolution is best for computer use. A standard VGA connection works with all computers.

Be aware of the logistics. You might want to consider having the biggest-screen LCD sets delivered. The cartons are too large to fit in many vehicles, and they can be awkward to carry. Though you might be able to handle a basic hookup of a cable box and a DVD player on your own, connecting more devices—a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR, and digital receiver and sound system—gets trickier, so you might consider professional installation at some point. Ask the retailer to recommend an installer or contact the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (800-669-5329 or www.cedia.net) to find one in your area. Plan on paying from $300 to $1,000 for labor, plus $100 to $250 for mounting brackets.