Combination TV Buying Guide

Combination TV versus components

Combination TVs are best for small spaces and those who want to enjoy TV and movies without fussing over connections and settings. A combination TV and DVD player is also an excellent choice for buyers on a budget. Combination TVs have built-in DVD players that work seamlessly from a single remote. To watch a movie, just pop it in the DVD player and the combination TV will show it.

Almost every combination TV offers a progressive-scan DVD player, so you’ll get great picture quality.

High-definition combination TV?

Because smaller combination TVs are considered budget models by manufacturers, they may not be able to display HDTV (high definition TV). All combination TVs sold in the United States since March 1, 2007 are required to have a digital ATSC tuner, but even though all HDTV is digital, not all digital TV is HDTV. Need more info on HDTV? See our HDTV Buying Guide.

For combination TVs, an HDTV-ready set will display true HDTV, although you probably won’t find the 1080p resolution that big-screen owners covet. No need to be worried though, as the majority of HD combination TVs support 720p resolution. If you are not used to HDTV, most viewers will be very satisfied with 720p resolution. In fact, TV shows are not broadcast in 1080p yet. For a smaller combination TV, higher resolutions are overkill anyway, as the screen isn’t big enough to show the difference. Bottom line? You are safe with 720p.

Combination TVs labeled as standard definition (SDTV) or enhanced definition (EDTV) convert high-definition sources to the combination TV’s native resolution, either 480i or 480p. At screen sizes less than 17 inches, this shouldn’t be a concern, but you are better off spending a little more for an HDTV-ready combination TV, as these tend to have better screens.

Beware of older combination TVs offered at deep discounts. These models will lack an ATSC tuner, and you won’t be able to use them for anything other than cable or satellite programming after 2009, when all television will be broadcast digitally.

CRT or LCD?

It’s hard to find a cathode ray tube (CRT) TV that isn’t a combination TV these days, but many consumers are lured by the modern flat-screen LCD models. For a combination TV, however, CRT technology may be a better choice.

Although a CRT combination TV will take up more space and weigh more than an LCD model, it will have a brighter screen and a much larger viewing angle. These features are essential in sunny kitchens and bright offices where people typically move around while watching TV. An LCD combination TV is a good choice for a dorm or bedroom, where you’ll be watching from bed or a chair.

For smaller combination TVs, CRT still outperforms LCD in terms of sharpness and the ability to handle fast-moving images. Most manufacturers simply haven’t put the effort into increasing contrast ratios or refresh rates on small LCD screens. Some smaller combination TVs suffer from ghosting and image blur, making them a poor choice for video games or action movies.

Combination TVs and home theater

With 40-inch models on the market, you can use a combination TV to build your home theater system. In fact, with the current format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD, your best choice might be a flat-panel combination TV. You’ll be able to wait out the high prices of high-definition DVD and enjoy standard DVDs with the combination TV.

If you’re using a combination TV to build a home theater, look for a model with multiple HDMI inputs and multiple component video inputs. Always try to have more connections than you think you’ll need. Don’t buy any combination TV that lacks an ATSC tuner, and spend for picture rather than sound. You can always add surround sound later, but you’ll have to live with the picture on your combination TV. Look for high contrast ratios and low refresh rates in LCD combination TVs to get crisper, sharper images.

Sound considerations

Combination TVs have built-in speakers. Stereo is common, and some larger combination TVs may have additional speakers built in. No built-in speakers can give you true surround sound or replicate the performance of a moderate home theater receiver and a set of good speakers. If you’re using a combination TV as part of a home theater, you can always turn down the volume and let the surround sound system do the work. In smaller spaces, you’re probably not interested in surround sound, so most sets will fit the bill as is. The best bet is to shop for picture quality first, sound second.

Need to know more?

• Combination TV Units
  http://products.howstuffworks.com/combination-tv-units-buying-guide.htm
• Energy Star Qualified Combination TV Units
  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CU
• Enhanced Definition Television
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced-definition_television