What is the best HDTV to buy?

Question

There is so much to choose from, LCD, DLP, Plasma etc. (1) Which type uses less energy? Are there energy star models? (2) Which type of HDTV have longer life span? (3) Which are more durable? (4) Finally, is there a better brand and purhaps special features I should look for?

Answer 1

Energy - a plasma display does use a bit more electricity than LCD, but not enough to make a difference in which you purchase. If you shop at any large TV store, like Circuit City or Best Buy, you'll see there are models marked with the  Energy Star sticker.

Brands are very, very important, if you are concerned about BOTH performance and reliability. The life span of a QUALITY brand is pretty much the same between LCD and plasma. Durability is about the same also, except that the LCD screen is much more likely to be damaged, due to the relatively fragile plastic material, compared to glass on a plasma display.

Assuming you are not buying a TV primarily for gaming, I'd suggest LCD for 40" screen and below, and a plasma display for 42" and above, both for picture and price.

If you go plasma, it would be silly to buy anything other than a Panasonic Viera. In plasma, and perhaps in all HDTVs over 40", it is the dollar for dollar very best buy. For LCD, the top brand 40" and above is Sony Bravia, followed probably by Toshiba, Sharp and Samsung. For 26"-37" LCD, the two top dogs are Panasonic and Sony, followed by Toshiba.

Really, to best answer your questions, read over the 3/08 HDTV article in Consumer Reports, available at your local library. Many, if not most of your questions will be answered there. Good hunting.

Answer 2

LG is the best brand. I like Plasma over LCD the colors are much brighter