HDTV: so much to learn. Relax, we’re here to help sort through it all.

Font Size:

| Thursday, November 20, 2008 1:42 PM CST | () comments

Gannett News Service

The digital television transition is right around the corner (February 2009), so high-definition TVs — with their built-in digital tuners — will top many gift lists this holiday season. But before you buy, make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck. HDTV prices are expected to reach unprecedented lows during the holiday shopping rush. Some 42-inch sets will sell for well less than $1,000. You may even see 32-inch models for less than $400. You’ll find plasma and digital light processing, or DLP, sets, but LCD has become the most popular type of HDTV. Here are some tips for finding the perfect budget LCD HDTV.

Important features

Resolution differentiates HDTV from standard TV. HDTV resolution is 1,280-by-720 pixels (720p) or 1,920-by-1,080 pixels (1080i and 1080p). The letter “i” stands for interlaced; “p” stands for progressive. But here’s some inside scoop: No HD signal is being transmitted in 1080 ... yet. So, all sets show a 720 signal. Blu-Ray DVDs and video games will take advantage of the 1080 picture. Pay particular attention to response time. This is the time it takes a pixel to turn on and off. Response time is measured in milliseconds. Aim for 8ms or faster. Otherwise, you may notice smearing in action scenes. Contrast ratio is the difference between the whitest white and blackest back. Shadow detail improves as the contrast ratio increases. Don’t accept less than a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.

Watch out for extras

Competition is forcing stores to lower HDTV prices. You can bet they’ll try to make up for it elsewhere. Retailers make a killing on extended warranties. The truth is, you don’t need one. Manufacturing defects should become apparent within the standard warranty period. Most brands are reliable, according to Consumer Reports magazine. Included in that group are Sanyo, Sony, Sylvania, Panasonic, JVC, Sharp, Toshiba, Visio, Samsung and Philips Magnavox. Repair costs after the warranty expires probably will be cheaper than an extended warranty. You also should watch out for cable prices. Some brand-name cables may run hundreds of dollars. Tests have shown that most premium cables are not worth premium prices.

Where you shop

Don’t limit your shopping to electronics stores. You’ll find great HDTV deals at department stores such as Sears and Wal-Mart. And check warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club. They often have lower profit margins than retailers. Retailers’ profit margins are about 25 percent. At warehouse stores, that drops to 10 percent. No matter where you buy, always check return policies.

What’s in a name?

You’ll see plenty of off-brand sets this year. In fact, off-brands will dominate early sales. Don’t let the names deter you. Budget brands may not be as physically attractive as the big boys. That doesn’t necessarily mean the quality is any less. There are few manufacturers of LCD panels. Off-brands often share the same panel as costlier models. Different manufacturers make the software and other components, though. If you must have a brand name, wait. Prices on brand-name sets should start falling three weeks before Christmas.