About

Compare HDTVs

    
Embed a widget version of this page
Filter
Listings
Sort By
Refine Your Search
Make or Model
TV Class
Display
TV displays are based on either LED, LCD, DLP or plasma technology.
Display Size
Actual display screen size, measured diagonally in inches.
Price
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.
Refresh Rate
The Refresh Rate is the frequency with a TV updates the images onscreen. More simply put, it's the frame rate you can expect to see when you're watching it.
Internet Services
Some TVs have Internet access capabilities, enabling users to download shows and movies, even surf the web, from the computer.
  • Internet Compatibility
  • Dynamic Contrast Ratio
  • Refresh Rate
  • MSRP
  • Screen Size
  • Display Technology
  • What to Watch for in HDTVs

How to Buy HDTVs

Buying an HDTV is a big decision due to the cost, and a difficult one because of the technical specifications buyers need to consider. To find the best TV for you and your living room, look primarily at the display specifications. How and where you plan to use the TV determine which attributes are right for you.

  • Display type: HDTVs come in four display types: LCD, LED, plasma and DLP. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as explained in the guide below, and the best display for you depends on individual lighting conditions, viewing angles and budget.


  • Display size: Bigger is not always better; the ideal size for you also depends on room size and distance between screen and viewer. Also, the quality and price of large screens depends on the type of display.


When choosing an HDTV, consider foremost your viewing conditions and budget. For example, if you want a large HDTV on a budget for a bright room, consider a DLP HDTV. If you are looking for the most energy-efficient model for your home, try an LED HDTV. With 754 hdtvs to choose from, we can help you find the best one for you.

How to Find HDTVs

Internet Compatibility
Some TVs have Internet access capabilities, enabling users to download shows and movies, even surf the web, from the computer.
Dynamic Contrast Ratio
The contrast between the lightest color and the darkest color (usually black and white) that the TV can display. Newer HDTVs have contrast ratios of 1,000,000:1, 5,000,000:1, and are even listed as infinite.
Refresh Rate
The Refresh Rate is the frequency with a TV updates the images onscreen. More simply put, it's the frame rate you can expect to see when you're watching it. A 240Hz refresh rate is considered at the high end for LCD and LED displays, and 600Hz is top of the line for Plasma displays.
Range
MinAverageMax
MSRP
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Actual prices can vary by retailer and any special offers.
Screen Size
Actual display screen size, measured diagonally in inches. When considering different-sized TVs, remember that viewing distance should be at least 1.5 times the size of the screen. For example, for a 32 inch TV, viewers should sit a minimum of four feet away.
Display Technology
TV displays are based on either LED, LCD, DLP or plasma technology.
  • LCD HDTVs use a fluorescent backlight to illuminate images. As a result, LCD screens are more energy-efficient than plasma and avoid the “burn in” effect caused by still images. This type is ideal for use in brighter rooms where small details are not usually as visible. LCD TVs range in size from 19 to 65 inches. One drawback of an LCD TV is the chance of blur during fast-paced scenes, but as long as the refresh rate is above 120 Hz, this should be hard to see. Another drawback of LCD TVs is their relatively narrow viewing angle. If the television is placed too high or too low, too far left or right, the picture may degrade for viewers.
  • LED HDTVs use LCD screens backlit by LED lights. LED TVs are some of the thinnest TVs on the market, and carry a slight price premium. These TVs have screen sizes of 32 inches or larger, and are slightly more energy-efficient than LCD and plasma TVs. Since they use the same LCD display as standard LCD TVs, LED TVs can have many of the same shortcomings such as motion blur, narrow viewing angles and weak contrast ratios.
  • Plasma HDTVs use ionized gas to create pictures, and thus are less energy-efficient and require a glass screen that makes them much heavier than LCD or LED HDTVs. Plasma TVs are ideal for darker settings; the glass screen can reflect ambient light in bright rooms, resulting in a degraded picture. Plasmas are available in screen sizes of 42 inches or larger and have a wider viewing angle than LCD or LED TVs, making them a popular choice.
  • DLP HDTVs use a lamp that needs approximately 20 seconds to warm up and will need to be replaced after 3,000-6,000 hours of use. DLPs offer the largest screen for the least amount of money; these TVs are available in sizes of 60 inches or larger and are only manufactured by Mitsubishi and Samsung. The advantage of DLP TVs is that they are viewable in bright rooms and are significantly less expensive than the their alternatives.

What to Watch for in HDTVs


LED Televisions: Edge Lit vs Full Array
LED displays are configured in two ways: full array or Edge Lit. Full array backlighting creates a slightly more uniform picture than edge lit televisions, but edge lit TVs are the thinnest on the market. If picture quality is your main concern, consider a full array LED television.

Refresh Rate
Although TVs now boast refresh rates ranging from 60-600Hz, the casual viewer is unlikely to be able to tell much of a difference between these HDTVs. Although all of the HDTVs listed have refresh rates of at least 120Hz, note that manufacturers often charge a premium for a high refresh rate that may not even be noticeable to you.


Dynamic Contrast Ratio
The dynamic contrast ratio is not a standardized measurement; use it only to compare among models of the same manufacturer. Past the 1,000,000:1 threshold, most viewers will not be able to distinguish the difference between high contrast ratios.


Plasma “Burn In”
Plasma TVs can experience “burn in” as a result of a continuous static image. The ghost image can remain on the screen permanently, ruining the screen. If you plan to use your display as a computer monitor, purchase either an LCD or LED display.


Popular Side-by-Sides for HDTVs
Powered by the FindTheBest HDTV Comparison
BlkHol Email