Philips 42PF9731D37 42 in. HDTV-Ready LCD Television
5 Stores $1,278 - $2,240
LCD TV Buying Guide
LCDTV is the hot new technology for the home, and thanks to huge price drops during the last two years, it’s more affordable than ever. If you’ve been sitting out the HDTV revolution and waiting for the right time to buy, the time is now. You’ll find a surprising variety of choices at any price range and solid performance in some budget models. Ready to kick that clunky old tube set to the curb? There are a few things you’ll need to consider—buying an LCDTV is a little trickier, but once you know how they work, you’ll be ready to make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget (see also HDTV Buying Guide, HDTV Front Projector Buying Guide, Plasma TV Buying Guide, Rear Projection TV Buying Guide).
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Suitability
Choose an LCDTV if it will be used for video games or if static images will be displayed for extended periods of time.
Screen Size
Think about how close you’ll be to the set while you’re watching. Flat-screen TVs look best from a slightly longer distance than tube or rear-projection sets.
Additional Features
Do pay for extra audio/video jacks and HDMI inputs. Avoid fancy sound and picture-in-picture unless you need them, and be warned that the built-in DVD player might be obsolete in two years.
Resolution
Try to find a set that supports multiple screen resolutions, such as 1080i, 720i, and 480p. If you’ve got the money, you’ll get a better picture from a 1080p set once broadcasters start using the format. If you’re budget-minded, you’ll save a lot on an LCDTV that lacks 1080p.
Location
LCDTVs like dark rooms. If you’re mounting on the wall, try to use an exterior wall and always choose a set and mount that are VESA-compliant.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Samsung LN-T3253H is a 32” set retailing for around $1,100 that offers excellent picture quality, a 8000:1 contrast ratio, and dual HDMI inputs. Its built-in ATSC and NTSC tuners allow it to switch seamlessly between off-air analog and digital channels.
experts say
CNET - “Aside from its picture, the Sony LN-T3253H also offers exemplary connectivity and plenty of style, once again providing a good reason to spend an extra few hundred dollars over bargain-basement LCDs.” Source: CNET
LCD TV Buying Guide.com - “Buyers of Sharp's AQUOS TVs are looking for the best picture money can buy delivered in stylish form. Bargain shoppers don't flock to the AQUOS line looking for a deal, but with LCD prices falling, either of Sharp's top-end 20-inch TVs can be had surprisingly cheaply. Source: LCD TV Buying Guide
Wikipedia - “Improvements in LCD technology have narrowed the technological gap with plasmas. The lower weight, falling prices, higher available resolution which is crucial for HDTV, and lower electrical power consumption of LCDs make them competitive against plasma displays in the television set market.” Source: Wikipedia
news buzz
LCD TVs in the news.
S-LCD, a joint venture between Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd and Sony Corporation Ships First LCD Panels, are now shipping from its 8th Generation Line and that could mean cheaper big-screen TVs for us all. S-LCD’s 8th Generation Line can process the world’s largest sheets of glass. Larger sheets leads to more efficient production and the cost-savings could be passed onto consumers. Source: Business Wire
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all LCD Televisions) |
| $ | You’ll find LCDTVs up to 32” in a price range from $250-$600. Surprisingly, smaller sets tend to cost more, ranging from $219.99. On a screen-size basis, expect to pay more for a smaller set. These sets will lack ATSC and QAM tuners, advanced image filters, and higher resolution. If you’ve got an HDTV cable or satellite tuner, you can find good performance in this price range. Good Pick: Insignia 15” LCD HDTV | |
| $$ | The $600-$1,700 price range offers the greatest possible selection in sets ranging from 20” to 42”. Weigh picture quality against additional features that you might not need to get the best value. In the very popular 27”-32” sizes, you’ll find prices ranging from $399.99. Good Pick: Sharp Aquos 32” |
Compare prices at 18 stores $950 - $1,500 |
| $$$ | Top-of-the-line 32” sets with 1080p resolution and advanced image filters begin at around $1,500, and you can expect to pay this much for sets larger than 42”. If you’re looking for something bigger, prices range from $1699.99. Good Pick: Sony BRAVIA KDL52XBR2 Television |
Compare prices at 7 stores $2,599 - $4,200 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Comb Filter
A feature that reduces strobing and objectionable color patterns. High-end sets may include a digital comb filter with edge correction.
Contrast Ratio
A measurement of the difference in light intensity between black and white. The higher the contrast ratio, the sharper the image.
HDTV
High Definition Television, a digital broadcast that delivers a screen image with 720 or 1080 lines of resolution.
LCDTV
A television that uses a liquid crystal display to present the image.
Native Resolution
The measurement, in pixels, of the screen area. Higher native resolutions can deliver a sharper picture if the screen has an appropriate refresh rate.
Pixel
A single point of image on the surface of the LCDTV. Pixels are the tiny “dots” that create the picture.
Progressive Scan
Also known as “upconverting,” this is the process of converting an interlaced image, which consists of two sequential frames, to a progressive-scan image, where two whole images are compared and only the new information is replaced.
Response Time
The speed of a pixel’s color transition, measured in milliseconds. LCDTVs with slow response time will display ghosting or motion blur on fast-moving images.
Viewing Angle
The degree of angle at which you can view the screen without losing image quality.
guide tools
Research Central
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