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The Best Plasma or LCD TVs

by Doug Desjardins

Overview

Finding the best LCD or plasma TV can be a challenge since there are dozens of models to choose from and different options for screen size, picture resolution and sound. To simplify your experience, set parameters before you start shopping so that you can focus on what type of TV you need and how much you want to spend. Consult consumer ratings to get an idea of what TVs provide the best quality for the best price.
Screen Size and Resolution

A good starting point for finding the best high-definition TV is settling on a size since this will help you focus on a handful of models instead of every one in the store. For most living rooms, a 32-inch or 37-inch screen will suffice, since those models are designed for viewing from 6 to 8 feet away. If you have a large living room or bedroom, you'll want to look at a 42-inch or 46-inch model designed for viewing 10 to 14 feet away. You'll also have a choice between 760p and 1080p. The higher number represents the number of lines of resolution projected on the screen, and the more lines, the better the picture. You'll pay at least $100 more for a 1080p TV but it's worth the investment. You'll also have to choose between a plasma or LCD (liquid crystal display) TV, which both deliver high-definition pictures using different technologies.

The Best LCD TVs

The LCD brand you choose will, to some extent, determine how much you pay for a TV. Going with a name brand like Sony or Samsung will mean spending more money since those brands are associated with---and usually are---a higher quality product. Any list of top-rated LCD TVs is populated with Sony and Samsung with a few other brands like LG thrown in the mix. If you are looking to save money, you could go with a lesser-known brand like Insignia---the house brand of Best Buy---or Vizio, which is the adopted house brand of Costco. A good place to find information on the best brands is Consumer Reports, a magazine that doesn't take advertising and provides unbiased reports on consumer electronics. You can also go online to find customer reviews of different brands and models, though many sites are sponsored by manufacturers and are self-serving.
The Best Plasma TVs

When shopping for a plasma TV, you'll have fewer options. The advantages of plasma are better motion tracking, which is why they are great for watching sports, and deeper color depth. The cons are that they are heavier and made by fewer suppliers. The best brands for plasma TV buyers are Pioneer and Panasonic, and if you check any list of the Top 10-rated plasma TVs, you'll find those names in most of the slots, though Samsung and LG Electronics also make good models. If you are looking to spend less money, you can opt for a Vizio plasma, a lesser-known brand that is highly rated. Again, check Consumer Reports and online customer reviews to get an idea of what to buy.