Bigger TV Screens, Lower Prices

(page 2 of 2)

Plasmas are also flat and can be hung on the wall, a design feature many consumers prefer.

LCD screens are also flat-panel but are generally brighter than plasmas, making them better for brighter rooms. However, dark images are typically considered inferior when viewed on an LCD, vs. plasma screens. LCDs also tend to use less power than typical plasmas.

Keep Future Needs in Mind

DLPs, the televisions that use tiny mirrors to reflect light and produce images, are typically the cheapest of the three types. That's partially because they use rear projectors that keep the television from being made in the flat style now in vogue. It is also, in part, because they have a bulb that may need to be replaced over time. However, DLPs have become considerably slimmer over the years, and the bulbs are made to be long-lasting. The viewing angle also tends to be more limited than for LCD and plasma screens, so you see a considerably better picture when watching from in front, rather than off to the side.

Another tip from the experts: Consider capabilities you may need in the future. One such feature is 1080p resolution. It is higher quality than 1080i, but television does not yet broadcast in the format. Certain video-game systems, such as the Sony PlayStation 3, and high-definition videos are capable of displaying the higher-resolution format. "Progressive (1080p) is kind of the ultimate future-proof way to go, but it is unclear how soon there will be a preponderance of content in that format," says Semenza.

Television buyers will also want an HDMI connection, preferably more than one, for connecting to other electronics. As more devices become capable of displaying HD images, such connections will be necessary to ensure that quality is not lost in the transfer from device to television screen.

Enough Room for a View?

Last, and perhaps most important, is the size of the room where the set will reside. A big-screen HD television is best when you can sit at the proper viewing angle and distance from the set. It doesn't do any good to have a 50-inch-plus screen if you plan on sitting three feet away. The recommended distance for 50 inches is at least 6.3 feet. The distance increases to more than 8 feet for a 65-inch television.

Given the continued price decline, a lot more consumers are likely to be watching TV on a big screen after this holiday season ends, whatever the size of their living room.

Holahan is a writer for BusinessWeek.com in New York.