HDTV values: Consider plasma, 720p, less-familiar brands

If you're out shopping for a flat-panel HDTV this holiday season, you're likely wrestling with which models and technologies offer the most bang for your buck. The chart below (after the jump) aims to help by grouping LCD TVs and plasma TVs, in two popular sizes, into value categories.

The chart uses a new tool called the Consumer Reports Value Index™, which we launched last week on our Money blog. Based on a survey of median online prices taken earlier this week, it plots price against overall Ratings score for LCD and plasma sets in two screen sizes: 40- to 42-inches, and 50- to 52-inches. It places the sets into one of three value zones—High, Medium, and Low—based on the price and performance of all sets in those categories. Products on the upper right side of the chart offer better values than those further to the left and bottom.

The upshot: The High and Medium values are all among the sets we recommend in our plasma TV Ratings and LCD TV Ratings (both available to subscribers). That's not surprising, since value factors heavily into those recommendations (also available to subscribers). The results also jibe with our general HDTV buying advice, including our updated video buying guide on TVs. (Click on the player embedded on the right to watch.)

Here are highlights of our advice on flat panels, with some specifics on how the chart's data reinforces these points:

Plasma often provides the best bang for the buck. That's especially true, we say, when it comes to screen sizes of 50 inches and up. LCDs are well-represented among the fine values. But, as expected, the sets with the highest values indexes of all—that is, those closest to the top right of the chart—are all plasmas (sets with that technology have a white dot on the chart). Two are 50-inch plasmas with a median price of $1,100 while two are 42-inchers that cost around $800 or so.

Don't rule out the best 720p sets. We recommend buying a set with 1080p, or so-called "Full HD," resolution, especially since the price premium for 1080p is shrinking. But we caution against ruling out TVs with 720p resolution, the best of which are fine performers that offer significant value. But thanks to both the growing number of 1080p sets, and the declining cost difference for that higher resolution, three of the five High-value models are Full HD sets. The Medium values also include many 1080p models. But the least expensive of the best values were all 720p models.

Related: Find the value in your holiday purchases The best electronics gifts Tips for safer holiday shopping online 10 money-saving tips for buying electronics More from Consumer Reports' Tightwad Tod

Select models from second-tier brands are outstanding values. Our analysis of brand performance (available to subscribers) over the years finds that even the lesser-known brands with the best track record have been less consistently fine in performance than the standouts among older, familiar TV brands. But the best newcomers are fine choices, indeed. The chart demonstrates that, with the High and Medium values including three Vizios, one Olevia, and one Insignia model.

You'll pay more for LCD sets with the fastest refresh rates. Among the latest technological enhancements to LCD TVs are screens that refresh more often, which can help reduce an LCD TV's tendency to blur when showing fast motion. But no sets with 120Hz refresh-rates figure among the best values in our chart.

That's not to say that such sets, or any other fine performers with high price tags, aren't worth considering. They just don't necessarily hit the sweet spot for value that you might be looking for, especially these days.

Each week throughout this holiday season, we'll be providing a Value Index™ for another product. This is a Beta, and we're working hard to improve this feature. If you have any feedback, please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

—Paul Reynolds

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: " cw " - 12 Jan - " 1080p ...."

Your I.D. may have finally come to me - - - After you had arranged for all the design / shop installations, did you & I run the patented Mass Soldering unit using that $70/gallon Freon @ W.E. ?

If so, " Hello !"

Everett { Eli }

[cw]

Chris - 1080P sets are becoming the norm primarily because the technology is improving to the point where the cost differences in producing 720P panels is starting to vanish, so the logic says there's no point in producing the lower resolution panels. Early production cost differences allowed lower-cost 720P sets to be made, and for smaller sizes (roughly up to 31"), the eye essentially cannot discern the difference between 720P and 1080i at a practical distance.

Keep in mind, however, that there is *NO* broadcast standard for 1080P. The HD standard goes up to 1080i, not 1080p, primarily because there simply isn't enough bandwidth out there to support the data rates necessary for a full 1080p signal over-the-air. If you have a 1080p set, you realize that potential from devices such as XBOX 360 and PS3 consoles and BluRay players...

[Karon Beck]

We need to buy a 22 inch LCD television. We can't find any ratings for that size in C.R. The only TV that we have found so far (without a built-in DVD Player) is a Samsung LN22A450. Is this a good model?

[everett whitney]

TO: Chris-5 Jan-" 32" with .. 1080p.."

That's because there are NOT very many made! Sony's XBR is one ... about $900, no tax.

There isn't going to be a time when .. 720p .. is stopped / discontinued / abandoned / whatever ... rather, it is simply that system selected by only ABC-HD , it's two owned ESPNs Plus FOX-HD .... their engineers at the time {many years ago, now} believed that it provide better broadcasting for sports. The rest - NBC, CBS, PBS, etc., etc., all send in .. 1080i ...

ALL / any current, new, major brand / top tier HDTVs do handle both "automatically" with ease.

Panasonic's TH-42PX80U @ Under $700 is a very proper buy currently ... has a 'Most Dependable' historical statistic.

[Loch Gowna]

Which is a better value ... Vizio 32" LCD for $399 or Vizio 32" Plasma for $439? Thanks!

[Chris]

In looking at 32" LCD TVs, I have seen very few with 1080p resolution. Should I be concerned with substantially lower performance given the 720p resolution or the potential for that resolution/technology becoming outdated quickly? I am looking for a TV to use as our primary television for the near future, and then to serve as a bedroom/den television. Thank you for your advice.

[everett whitney]

TO: Chrys - " AFter Feb, will Plasma Prices fall ..?"

No reason as far as Feb date and / or "plasma" are concerned ..... certainly, any existent inventories of either type HDTVs WILL be reduced in pricing until they are eliminated ... "IF" that what you might have been asking ?

This world financial disaster will NOT be suddenly solved / all better anytime soon ! Now, it's more a question & guess as to whether .. 2010 .. is going to be when ?

[Chrys]

Plasma TV's have certainly come down in price this holiday. Do you think they will continue to slide after the digital conversion date in February. I need a new TV but I'm not in a hurry.

[everett whitney]

TO: ELIAS _ " When the most Exotic ... ?" ----- They already did / have - perhaps you didn't look ? ... Here, specifically with ALL that you did ask about -- Sony's latest KDL-... XBR8 -- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs-services/tvs/lcd-tv-ratings/models/overview/99022266.htm

[Elias Mavros]

Going to a different extreme, when is CR going to take a look at LED LCD televisions (single white or tri colour). Along with the 120Hz frame and other high end features now available this may be the new standard for either plasma or LCD. Or an incredible hype job. I am curious about CR's opinion.

[everett whitney]

TO: Elias - " No P.C. on Panasonic ?"

Just look a bit further on their web store -- the TH-42PZ85U does have the P.C. port & at most web stores (including strictly www.amazon.com ) IS substantially discounted !

" LG " must only be purchased with their own { 5 } year companion Warranty .... very inconsistent Brand, same as VIZIO, etc., in my view.

[Elias]

Everett, why not LG?
I've considered the Panasonic 42" plasma you recommend, but it has no PC input. Now I'm looking at the 37LG30 LCD which has QAM, PC, 3 HDMI. What should I be concerned about having not read earlier posts. Thanks, I value your opinion...

[everett whitney]

TO: Valenda - " Help w/ dialogue vs Background ?"

Perhaps turning 'off' that sound system wasn't the best idea?

Most spoken voice during TV Shows emits from that center speaker of those (3) front ones. " IF " your permits, just re-calibrate your system - using that Surround System Remote only - to emphasize that on / turning down the other (2).

Or, try setting the System to Stereo, with those (2) rear speakers next to your seating positions giving only that dialogue, not the background!

And, NO "LG."

[valinda perry]

my husband and I are baby boomers (EARLY 60'S) and are beginning to lose some of our hearing, esp. dialogue over background sounds. we have turned off surround sound. what else can we do/

Television maker LG has Clear voice technology.Is this the answer when we buy our next TV which will be in the next two weeks? Has any other tv maker solved this problem?

We are not ready emotionally for the " TV Ears" but our 87 yr. old father-in-law loves. HELP.

[everett whitney]

TO: Robert-" Plasma sets make a house need more A/C?"

That's yet another of the "old-wives-tales / Plasma Myths!"

Total poppy-cock! Do the math for yourself... the absolute maximum wattage of a 58" display set is about 650 & that's only during an all-white scene ... James Bond skiing down the mountain! Otherwise, i.e.- during the night, outside - the usage is far less !

At 3,413 BTU / KW-HR, there's absolutely no way possible for (1) 58" plasma set using about 350-450 watts/hour to heat an entire house or a room!

[everett whitney]

TO: Michael - " Buzzing Plasma HDTVs ?"

That's the nature of the beast ! And, it becomes much more loud as one lives in a higher altitude - i.e.- Denver.
ALL Plasma sets make some ...

Plus, some models - have a multitude of cooling fans.

[everett whitney]

TO: Nancy - " Need 19"-22" w/ Built-in DVD ?"

Those are never a good idea - always on the "Don't do that" recommendation by C.R..

Instead, just buy a separate, basic DVD player .... loads of them available for under $50.

Hook-up is totally straightforward ... only (3) cables, each color-coded for Video, R &L audio, using "RCA" tips at each end. No way to make an error.

[Nancy Stewart]

Can you please recommend which brand/model would be the best value for a smaller (19-22") LCD with a built in DVD player?
thanks!

[Robert J. Fusillo]

All reviews mention that Plasma sets are hot, and hotter than LCD's. But how hot? And how hotter? One reviewer commented that the Samsung 58 inch plasma ( highly regarded by you) got too hot to touch, and would need extra air conditioning. Such heat should be mentioned -- and evaluated -- in your reviews..

[Michael Leyerle]

what information does anyone have about a buzzing sound coming from Samsung plasma tvs?