A wall of flat-screen TVs at a big box store may be a bit intimidating. Which ones are truly good deals for you? Here's a roundup of top sets in each price point.
What should you look for when buying an HDTV? Read our HDTV buying guide.
Hot Models: Budget Beaters
Haier's L24B1180 is a 24-inch LCD featuring a 60Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1080p resolution and a USB slot. It incorporates two HDMI outputs and retails for $205.
If you need something larger, plasma TV technology is still a cost-effective option.
Samsung's PN43D450 is a 43-inch plasma display with a 600Hz refresh rate, slim bezel (one inch thick), a USB port and Dolby Digital audio. It's not a Full HD set, though it is high definition with a resolution of 720p.
Mid-Range
Between $1,000 and $2,000 you'll find screen sizes ranging from 40- and 50-inches in both LCD and plasma in addition to a nice assortment of TVs offering LED backlighting and speedy refresh rates. You'll also find sets with 3D capability, often referred to as "3D ready."
LG's 42LE5500 is a 42-inch LCD with LED backlighting. It offers 1080p HD resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. It works with a Wi-Fi adapter to wirelessly stream Internet applications from LG's NetCast service and costs $999.
Vizio's VF552XVT ($1,600) is a 55-inch LED backlit LCD with 1080p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate and four HDMI outputs. It has built-in 802.11n wireless networking so you can access Vizio's collection of Internet Apps, which include streaming video from Amazon and music from Rhapsody. Using the Bluetooth remote's QWERTY keyboard, you can even Tweet or update your Facebook status right on the TV (not to mention search for movies, etc., more easily).
Sony Bravia EX620 55-inch: Looking for an advanced television that also enables you to directly take advantage of all of the media available on the Internet? Try the Sony Bravia EX620 ($1,618.00) and it should fit all of your needs and more. The device has a 55-inch with full HD 1080p resolution, Motionflow 120 for smooth and clear images during fast paced action scenes, an Edge LED Backlight and LightSensor technology that adapts the picture color based on the room’s lighting. The system is Internet-ready so that a user can watch Netflix, YouTube and other sources. It has a free downloadable app available that enables your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone to double as a remote control.
High Flyers
At $2,000 and above you'll be dealing with the cream of the TV crop. Most 3D HDTVs will be found above $2,000, as will most feature-rich sets above 50-inches.
The LG 55LV5500 is a 55-inch LCD with LED backlighting, 1080p HD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It not only includes a Wi-Fi adapter for Internet access, it also ships with a 1TB network attached storage drive so you'll have a home for your photos, videos and music. An intelligent picture mode on the TV can automatically adjust settings to optimize the display depending on the content, but you can also choose from six other modes to achieve a desired effect.
LG 65LW6500 65-inch: For those seeking to be on the leading edge with 3D technology and want a full home theater experience there is the LG 65LW6500 65 inch Class 3D LED LCD TV ($3,599.00). The 65-inch display has a 1920x1080p resolution and uses the company’s TruMotion 120Hz technology for fast frame rate support. It is Wi-Fi ready and comes with an adapter for access to online media and movies. A key feature for the 3D lover is the company’s LG Cinema 3D that delivers flicker free, wide angle viewing of 3D using its lightweight and battery free glasses.
