Philips 42PF9731D37 42 in. HDTV-Ready LCD Television
5 Stores $1,278 - $2,240
Combination TV Buying Guide
First there were televisions, then VCRs, then DVD players. Now it seems like there’s an endless array of things to connect to your TV, including cable boxes, DVRs, and even your PC. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the media you already own without having to upgrade your entire entertainment library, a combination TV/DVD player may be the best solution for you. Space-saving models for kitchens, bedrooms, and dorms still dominate the combination TV marketplace, but larger combination TVs with impressive screens are available to become the heart of your home entertainment center. Use Pronto’s Combination TV Buying Guide to help you decide which one is best for you.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
TV and DVD in one
A combination TV includes a built-in DVD player and, on some models, a VCR. Combination TVs are great solutions for small spaces or consumers who aren’t technically inclined.
Get a digital tuner
All combination TVs sold in the United States since March 1, 2007, are required to have a digital ATSC tuner. Older models that lack these tuners may be available at deep discounts, but they won’t work with off-air television after 2009.
Know the screen resolution
An HD-ready combination TV supports true high-definition television, typically 720p. SDTV and EDTV models convert high-definition programs to a lower resolution.
CRT may be the best
For smaller screens and areas where the viewer moves around a lot, a CRT combination TV may be a better choice, because these screens have a wider viewing angle and do a better job with fast-moving images.
Spend on screen, no sound
Don’t pay extra for more speakers or simulated surround sound. Picture quality should be your first consideration with a combination TV.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
To fill a small space with entertainment, look to the Haier HLC19E 19" DVD/LCD Television Combination. This 19” LCD screen offers lots of high-definition options, including built-in ATSC and NTSC tuners, support for resolutions up to 1080i, and a refresh rate of 8ms. The contrast ratio of 700:1 is a little lower than some LCD combination TVs, but this forward-looking set makes up for that with component video and PC jacks, all at a very attractive price.
experts say
CNET—“People looking for lots of functionality in a bedroom-size TV are the natural audience for the Humax LT2650. Humax's line of TiVo-powered DVD-R/hard disk recorders have performed well in the past, although the high price of this unit (especially when you factor in TiVo service) means it's not for everyone.” Source: CNET
About—“The Panasonic PV-DF2735 TV/VCR/DVD Combo: start with a Panasonic 27" flat picture tube stereo TV, add a 4-head HiFi stereo VCR, and a DVD/CD player (with DVD-R/DVD-RAM/CD-R/RW/MP3 Playback), Virtual surround sound, put it all in one cabinet, and you have a great space-saving one-piece home entertainment system.” Source: Robert Silva, Top 6 TV Combos
How Stuff Works—“Large rooms demand large televisions, and Mitsubishi has answered the call with the WD-73827 Multifunctional Television. In addition to an integrated HD receiver, this huge 73-inch DLP HDTV incorporates a digital video recorder with 160GB of storage space. Strong performance and a plethora of connection options set the WD-73827 apart from other TV/DVRs on the market.” Source: Howstuffworks.com
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Combination Televisions) |
| $ | From $100-$300, you’ll find CRT combination TVs and some smaller LCD models. It’s much better to choose a CRT at this price point because you’ll get a bigger screen, more DVD functions, and better image quality. Beware of bargain prices on combination TVs that lack ATSC tuners, unless you know you’ll be running the set from a cable connection. Most models in this range are SDTV or EDTV combination TVs, but some high-definition sets can be found. |
Compare prices at 9 stores $272 - $499 |
| $$ | From $300 to $700, you’ll find more LCD choices, but be aware that good-performing small LCD screens continue to be very expensive. Any set in this price range should be HD-ready and include at least one component video input and an ATSC tuner. Look for HDMI inputs on larger LCD screens in this category. Again, you might get a bigger screen if you choose CRT. |
Compare prices at 29 stores $270 - $900 |
| $$$ | If you’re spending more than $700, you should be getting an LCD, or even a DLP combination TV with a screen 30 inches or larger, a built-in ATSC tuner, and multiple HDMI and component video inputs. Look for faster refresh rates and high contrast ratios. The latest combination TVs may offer a digital video recorder as well as a DVD player. |
Compare prices at 12 stores $636 - $780 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
ATSC
A TV tuner capable of receiving standard digital and high-definition broadcasts. ATSC tuners are required in all combination TVs manufactured for sale in the United States after March 1, 2007.
Blu-ray
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats. Backed by Sony, Blu-ray discs can hold 25GB of information on a disc surface.
Contrast Ratio
The difference between the brightest white and the darkest black in an LCD display. The higher the contrast ratio, the sharper the image a combination TV can produce.
CRT
Cathode ray tube, a vacuum tube coated with red, blue, and green phosphors that create the image.
HDMI
High definition multimedia input transmits data digitally between home-theater components. This new standard for connecting devices can carry more data through a single, bundled cable.
HD DVD
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats. HD DVDs can store up to 15 GB of information on a disc surface.
LCD
A display technology that uses red, green, and blue liquid crystal chips to create the image. LCD screens are measured in pixels, and the number of pixels in the screen determines its native resolution.
Refresh Rate
The speed at which a pixel in an LCD display can shift from one color to another, measured in microseconds (MS). Lower numbers mean a faster refresh rate and improved performance with fast-moving images.
Resolution
A measurement of the scan lines or pixels used to create an image. Standard television has a resolution of 480 horizontal lines, while HDTV has either 720 or 1,080 horizontal lines.
Viewing Angle
The horizontal and vertical extremes at which you can watch a combination TV before the picture quality begins to degrade. CRT combination TVs have wider viewing angles than LCD models.
guide tools
Research Central
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