Flat-screen televisions are usually hot sellers around the holidays and Consumer Reports says this year prices are expected to be 20 to 30 per cent lower than last year. Stores are filled with big-screen, high-definition televisions. Because of the glut, you can expect to see lower prices as we head into the holidays.
But what is your best bet: a plasma television or an LCD? Chris Andrade with Consumer Reports, which tests around 150 televisions a year, says each has its advantages. He says plasmas give you a bigger screen for the money and they typically deliver deeper blacks and better contrast.
"When you're watching darker movies, not only does it show all the detail in the dark areas, but instead of looking a bit grayish, it keeps them nice and deep black."
But the Pioneer version Andrade is referring to is expensive at $55-hundred. A $33-hundred Samsung is almost as big and also delivers an excellent picture. But smaller plasmas can save you even more. A highly rated 50-inch Panasonic sells for $3-thousand.
As for LCDs, Charlie Davidman with Consumer Reports, says they generally deliver brighter images making them a better choice for a brightly lit room. But he says most LCDs have a limited viewing angle.
"So what that means is, as you move off to the side, they tend to deteriorate in picture quality."
And fast-moving images tend to look blurry. In a Consumer Reports test, you can see the blur. To help minimize that problem, some LCDs have a special feature called "120-hertz technology". A 52-inch Samsung has it and is one of Consumer Reports top-rated LCDS. It costs $25-hundred.
According to Consumer Reports, for LCD televisions, the top three are Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. For plasma televisions, the top three are Panasonic, Pioneer and LG.
Consumer Reports says if you're willing to scale back on the size of the big-screen TV you're considering, you can save up to a thousand dollars.
