Holiday HDTV sales have heated up. According to marketing research firm NPD, “nearly 6 percent of all Black Friday shoppers walked out with a new TV, a 36 percent increase from 2010.”  Why? TV prices are at their lowest level ever as set makers try to salvage nine months of poor sales by providing dealer incentives and a final sales push.

Our flow chart makes it easy to pick the model that’s right for you.

Start at the top by choosing your budget and screen size then move down to the various TV types (LED, LCD, Plasma, DLP) and features offered by the various technologies. We cover in depth: size, TV types, refresh rates, 3D, Internet Streaming, THX and more below.

Size Matters

Job one is to pick the right screen size for your needs. HD LCDs (LED or CCFL) now range from 19 to 80-inches. Plasmas are available from 42 to 65-Inches. LCD screens 32-inches and smaller generally feature 720p resolution, though a number of sets as small as 22-inches offering 1080p. There are 42, 43, 50 and 51-inch 720p plasma sets as well, or 1080p in all plasma sizes. Rear Projection TVs are not flat, with a depth of around 15-inches. They’re offered in screen sizes from 60 to 92-inches and provide the biggest TV for the least amount of money. Street prices start at under $1000. All use a single replaceable lamp light source (except one model which uses lasers).  All rear projectors are currently made by Mitsubishi.

Which size is right for you? Consider your budget, room size, seating positions and finally if it’s an issue for you, the size of the cabinet in which you’re placing the TV. Our exclusive HD Guru viewing distance chart tells you how close you need to sit to see full resolution with a given 720p or 1080p display. Sit further away and of course you’ll still get a great picture, but human vision limitations will prevent you from seeing the sets full resolution.

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Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

LCD or Plasma?

LCD is your only choice if size or budget constraints limit you to a 42-inch screen size or below. While you have a choice of plasma or LCD at 42-inches and above, HD Guru and most other experts agree that plasma beats LCD (including those labeled “LED”) in overall picture quality.

Why? Plasma offers uniform picture quality as you move off-axis, meaning everyone in the room essentially sees the same picture. LCD does not. Off axis, all LCD displays exhibit changes in color, black level and brightness, though some models have better off-axis performance than others.

Plasma offers overall better black levels, with blacks always appearing deeper (especially when viewed off-axis). This is because plasma has the ability to shut light off at a pixel level. LCDs are a backlit technology, so the best they can do — and not all LCDs can do it at all— is dim large blocks of pixels using a feature called “LED local dimming.  It’s not nearly as precise or effective as actually turning off individual pixels. Areas adjacent to high brightness images often produce a halo artifact.

CCFL or LED Backlit LCD TV?

A relatively recent advance in LCD technology uses LEDs (light emitting diodes) to illuminate the picture in place of the more commonly used thin fluorescent tubes called CCFLs. Though some TV manufacturers choose to call their LED backlit sets “LED TVs” they are still LCD TVs.  However, LED backlighting has a number of advantages, one of which is lower power consumption compared to both traditional backlit LCDs and plasma. For a given screen size, plasma consumes somewhat more power than CCFL backlit LCDs. Price wise, large screen plasma (50″ and over) are significantly less expensive than LED LCDs. The cost differential is higher than the savings in electricity one can expect, even after 10 or more years of use.

The CCFL lamps within LCDs contain mercury, a toxic metal, while LED LCDs and plasmas are mercury free, something to keep in mind when disposing of an old LCD TV. Check out our recycling article here for more information.

Another LED advantage is the capability of very bright images, which makes them preferable to both CCFL backlit LCDs and plasma if you do a lot of daytime viewing in very bright windowed rooms lacking shades or curtains. For most typical room lighting conditions, plasma HDTVs produce sufficient image brightness for outstanding picture quality.

Edge Versus Backlit LED

Manufacturers use “white” LEDs to either edge-light or back-light their LCD sets. Edge lighting makes very thin profile TVs possible, some less than an inch deep. Back lit sets offer the aforementioned advantage of local dimming, which can produce extremely dark black levels.

Edge lit LEDs may have  white and black uniformity issues at the picture perimeter while off-axis brightness of both LED formats tends to fall off somewhat more rapidly than the same panel  using traditional CCFLs. Overall, LED backlit sets with local dimming produce the best LCD pictures. These are also the most expensive LED TVs. Sets with local-dimming LED backlights can only be found on  Sony’s 929 series,  LG’s 9800 series  and Elite by Sharp models.

60Hz/120Hz/240Hz and 96Hz

Standard LCDs incorporate a 60 Hz refresh rate. This produces motion resolution of around 320 lines (per picture height) out of a possible1080 lines. 120 Hz refresh ups the motion resolution to around 600 lines, while 240 Hz kicks it up to 900 lines or higher.

Once the refresh rate is increased to 120Hz or higher, a number of image artifacts appear (see related story). In addition, test material reveals unwanted artifacts present in all types of 120, 240 Hz LCD HDTV.

For the best LCD picture motion resolution, either traditional or LED backlit, choose one with  120Hz refresh or higher. Note there are LED LCDs that claim 480Hz refresh, however, they really just use a 240 Hz circuit and sequentially fire the LEDs.

1080p plasma sets produce artifact free, full 1080-line motion resolution without the artifacts produced by 120 Hz LCD and LED TVs. The standard plasma refreshes at 60 Hz (made up of 10, 600 Hz sub-fields) in 2D mode.  Panasonic’s VT30 series and Samsung’s D550, D6500,  D7000,  D8000 series models plasmas offer a 96Hz refresh rate that produces images free of the judder (seen as jerky pans) found in all 60Hz panels (plasma and LCD) without any of the artifacts associated with 120/240Hz LED/LCDs.

3D

The 3D feature allows viewers to watch 3D content currently available via Blu-ray, DirecTV,  select cable companies as live or VOD, and streaming from the Internet. You can find it on mid- and higher-end models in many product lines.

There are two distinct types of 3D HDTVs: active and passive. Active 3D requires battery-operated glasses. These sync to the 3D on-screen image to produce a Full HD 1080p image per eye when using Full HD source (currently limited to Blu-ray discs). Cable and satellite 3D broadcasts use a format called side-by-side (SBS) that reduces image resolution to 960 x 1080 with active 3D.  Samsung, Sony and Panasonic sell Active 3D TVs exclusively.
Passive 3D uses a special filter adhered to the front panel of LCD and LED TVs (all plasmas are active 3D designs). The filter is a thin plastic film called a “Film Patterned Retarder.” Some TVs. like Vizio’s 65-inch 3D model, use a glass patterned retarder. All patterned retarded HDTVs require passive (battery-less) circular polarized glasses for 3D viewing. These glasses are similar and compatible with most of the glasses provided in 3D movie theaters.
While passive 3D glasses provide full resolution inside movie theaters, at home on a passive 3D set they provide one half resolution per eye (1920×540) using a Blu-ray 3D disc. With SBS cable content, the 3D resolution drops to 960×540 with passive TVs and glasses. Vizio only sells passive 3D.  All of LGs 3D LEDs
are passive 3D, but its  plasmasare active 3D. Toshiba sells both  active and passive 3DLCD and LED models.

All Mitsubishi rear projection TVs offer 3D using active glasses technology.

Internet Streaming

Many 2011 models come with an Ethernet port for connection to your LAN and the Internet. A number of models can also connect via Wi-Fi, with an add-on dongle or built-in. Netflix, CinemaNow, Vudu, Amazon and others offer movies and TV shows via the Internet. Each TV maker has its own list of services, and this list may vary from model to model or series to series within a TV maker’s line-up. Other services offered are music, cloud storage, viewing of your photos, games, applications, weather, stock prices, sports scores and more. Vizio, Sony, LG and Samsung also offer a Web browser on select models.

Image quality of streaming video varies greatly depending on the program provider and your Internet connection speed. High Defintion is offered, however its quality can be anywhere from soft to near broadcast sharpness. No on-line streaming HD currently looks as good as a Blu-ray disc.

THX

If you’re looking accurate image reproduction, consider THX Certified models that provide near-ideal out-of-the-box color temperature and color point accuracy when set to the THX picture option. THX is available on select LG plasmas and one LED model. Panasonic offers it on its VT30 and GT30 series plasmas. User calibration controls, included with many major-brand top of the line HDTVs allow (with proper test equipment and signals) near perfection image fine tuning.

To learn more about THX Certification use this link.

Other Special Features

A number of TVs have user calibration controls for setting the accuracy of gray (called white balance) and color points. These adjustments require special instruments and training to achieve good results. Unless you have the right equipment, these controls should be left alone. Misadjusted, the picture quality will suffer.

ISF ccc incorporates these adjustments with a lock-out to prevent changing once adjusted by a trained calibrator.

Buying your HDTV

This year’s holiday supply is especially good for the entry and higher end models. The mid- to high-end models have the highest dealer incentives, resulting in discounts of 25% to over 40% off. For tips on buying a set at a brick and mortar store, check out our feature “Getting the Best HDTV Price”.(link).

(The article above is our 2011 updated version of “Choosing the HDTV That’s Right For You”  we originally published Nov. 2009)

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All TVs manufactured after May 10th (that’s now!) are required to prominently display one of the Federal Trade Commissions’ stylish new Energy Guide labels.

Starting July 11, websites that sell televisions will be required to display an image of the full label as well, given that you can’t, you know, see the TV.

More info and Guru-tized analysis after the jump.

The Energy Guide labels are similar to those found on appliances, and must be displayed conspicuously on each TV. Each label will show the estimated yearly cost of that particular TV, based on a certain number of hours and cost per hour of electricity. In current (pun!) examples, this is $0.11 per kilowatt hour, with 5 hours a day of use.

More useful on the label is the comparison to other TVs of similar size, and where the TV discussed fits in the range of best and worst in that size category.

The power consumption is found using ENERGYSTAR testing procedures. We first wrote about ENERGYSTAR here.

Analysis

We at HD Guru think it’s a great idea to give consumers power consumption data, but there are a few details our readers should know when comparing different TVs.

The first is the real difference between “energy efficient” LED models, and “power hungry” plasmas. In a recent discussion with LG, for example, they said their 47-inch 47LW6500 LED LCD will have a Energy Guide yearly estimated cost of $13. Their 42-inch 42PT350 plasma, on the other hand, will have an estimated cost of $21. Given the vast price discrepancy between the average plasma and the average LED LCD (in our example, over $500), it is highly unlikely you would ever see a return on your investment, power consumption-wise (62.5 years, between these two).

The second is that if you change your TV’s initial settings, the power consumption will change. With LCDs (both LED and regular), increasing the backlight will increase power consumption. With plasmas increasing the contrast setting in the picture menu will increase power consumption. Increasing the contrast control with LCDs will have a negligible effect on power consumption.

As we’ve said before, the best setting for any LCD is the lowest backlight setting you can stand. This will supply the best black levels and conveniently the lowest power consumption possible while still creating an image you can actually see.

John Taylor, VP of Government Affairs for LG Electronics USA, told HD Guru: “LG embraces the new FTC labeling, as we believe it’s always helpful to give consumers more and valuable information.”

We expect other manufacturers would voice similar sentiments.

You can read more about the new labels here.

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff
Check out Geoff’s book.

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Mitsubishi’s TV division, now called Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America introduced its 2011 line today consisting of four model series of rear projection DLP HDTVs with screen sizes from 73″ to an all new whopping 92″ model. Included in the new series is its 3rd generation LaserVue TV using a new light engine which incorporates  red, blue and green Lasers to produce a brighter  than ever 75″ laser image with only 84.6 watts of power consumption, making it one of the  most energy efficient HDTVs available. The L-75A94 adds a new high contrast screen for improved daytime viewing, wireless Internet connection with VUDU. We list all the main features below.

The 740 series and above series include a built-in IR emitter for 3Dglasses sync, eliminating the need for an external unit.

The 2011 Mitsubishi DLP Home Cinema projectors use new 3D glasses (model 3DG-X103 and the 3DG-EX103), the latter is packed with the IR emitter for the 640 series models. According to Frank DeMartin, Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America VP of sales, the new 103 series glasses will work with earlier model year 3D ready Mitsubishi DLP TVs. However, last year’s and prior series glasses will not sync with the 2011 models. The 103 series glasses ship this month and are priced at $119 and $149 each.

Below is a breakdown of the 2011 line with prices and availability dates. To learn more about Mitsubishi’s DLP Cinema projectors go to our article here (link), it contains more  information about DLP rear projections and links  to  incredible 2010 model closeout deals.

Mitsubishi 640 Series 3D DLP Home Cinema TV Series. Available in June in the 73-inch screen size for $1,599.00. Features include:

• New cosmetic design
• Built-in 3DTV
• 3D external emitter (DLP link & VESA jack)
• Plush 1080p®
• 3 HDMI inputs
• 120Hz sub-frame rate
• Advanced calibration mode
• Digital audio out
• Brilliant, bright, natural, and game modes

Mitsubishi 740 Series 3D DLP Home Cinema TV Series. Features a new built-in 3D IR emitter, and StreamTV with high-def and 3D movies from VUDU, as well as 100 applications for sports, news, social media and entertainment, make this the perfect model for serious TV lovers. In 73- and 82-inch screen sizes available in June with prices of $2,099.00 and $3,499.00, respectively, features add to the 640 series:

• New built-in 3D IR emitter
• Wireless Internet capable
• StreamTV Internet media, including VUDU apps
• New TV remote with Internet controls
• iPhone, iPod Touch^®, iPad remote control app

Mitsubishi Diamond 840 3D DLP Home Cinema TV Series. Headlined by Mitsubishi’s 92-inch 3D DLP Home Cinema TV, the Diamond 840 Series also includes 73- and 82-inch sizes that add the new Clear Contrast Screen for high-quality viewing of 3D and high-definition programming and content. The ultimate in large-screen home entertainment, the Diamond 840 Series includes an immersive sound technology (IST) 16-speaker Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system and Bluetooth Audio, without adding wires and other components. Priced at $2,599.00 (73-inch), $4,199.00 (82-inch) and $5,999.00 (92-inch) and shipping in July, features include all above plus:

• New 92-inch screen size
• New Clear Contrast Screen
• 16-speaker integrated IST
• Center channel mode and surround channel outputs
• Bluetooth Audio
• Sub-woofer output
• 4 HDMI inputs
• PerfectColorâ„¢/PerfecTintâ„¢
• Wired IR Input
• ISFccc

Mitsubishi L75-A94 LaserVue. A new Clear Contrast Screen, with VUDU movies and applications, this 75-inch large-screen laser TV is one of the most visually stunning consumer TVs in the world. Priced at $5999.99 it ships this month (June) From 740 Series, the LaserVue adds:

• New Clear Contrast Screen
• Built-In Wireless Internet
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Variable Smooth 120 Hz Film Motion
• PerfectColor/PerfecTint
• DeepField Imagerâ„¢
• EdgeEnhance
• Wired IR Input
• ISFccc

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Once upon a time, all big-screen TVs were RPTVs. If you wanted something bigger than a tube TV, projection was your only choice. With the advent of flat panels, the reign of RPTVs was clearly at an end.

Except, it wasn’t. Not completely. So the question is, with today’s cheap flat panels, is there any reason why someone should get a RPTV?

Well, yes, actually.

Let’s get one thing straight up front: there’s only one company that makes RPTVs anymore and that’s Mitsubishi. So any discussion of RPTVs is going to be intrinsically linked to that brand. This article isn’t, though, a review of their various models. Instead, we’ll take a look at the technology as if Samsung,  Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, JVC, et al. hadn’t pulled out of the business a few years ago.

Pro: Size
When it comes to sheer dollar-per-screen-inch value, still nothing beats RPTVs. For a comparable dollar, an RPTV could easily have 10-15 inches more screen diagonal. Take, for example, the Mitsubishi WD-65638 ($817.36 with free shipping). Compare that to the new Panasonic TC-P46ST30 or Samsung UN46D6000 (both $1,299.99). Mits has models up to 82-inches right now, with a 92-inch model coming soon. If you really just want a huge TV without robbing a bank, RPTVs are fantastic.

Pro: 3D
All of Mitsubishi’s RPTVs are 3D-ready. With the 2010 models you’ll only need to buy Mitsubishi 3D glasses for the TV to display 3D. Previous model years are upgradeable to 3D. So if you’ve bought a Mits RPTV in the past few years, you probably have a 3D TV already. All you need is one of Mitsubishi’s 3D Starter packs.

Con: Size (the other kind)
Even though RPTVs are far thinner than they once were, they’re still 10+ inches deep. On the other hand, most people don’t care. Studies have shown that regardless of what they want to do before they buy it, well over 50% of the people who buy a flat panel never mount it on a wall. This means that it’s on a table/TV stand, or in a cabinet. In these cases, the depth of the TV is irrelevant.

Well, almost irrelevant (see “Not a flat panel” below).

Pro: Brightness (Sort of)
RPTVs are generally on par with LCDs and plasmas in terms of brightness. More importantly, they are WAY brighter than front projectors. Front projection offers even larger screen sizes than RPTVs, but you need to have absolute light control in the room in order for them to work. Not everyone wants to always be in a dark room watching a TV. In this case, RPTVs offer plenty of brightness for such a large screen size.

Con: Contrast Ratio
The comparison to the Panasonic plasma and Samsung LED LCD above isn’t entirely fair. The picture quality isn’t going to be quite as good as those TVs, and that mostly has to do with contrast ratio. The DMD chip that is the core of every DLP display has a decent but not amazing contrast ratio. The recent generation of chips I’ve reviewed in front projectors have performed pretty much the same as those from 4-5 years ago. They haven’t gotten much better while LCDs and plasmas have.

That other aspect that reduces a RPTV’s contrast ratio is the amount of light inside the cabinet. Some of the light that is supposed to reach your eyes ends up bouncing around inside the cabinet. Eventually it makes its way out, but not in the same place it was intended. If there’s a lot of bright areas on the screen, the dark areas will not be able to be as dark as they would be on a plasma or local dimming LED LCD. Mitsubishi has historically had excellent cabinets with the least about of errant light in their designs, but it’s not possible to be perfect.

Yes, there are irises and variable light sources that help to create a decent dynamic contrast ratio (how dark a black screen can be compared to how bright a full white screen can be), but like all dynamic contrast ratios, this isn’t what really makes the image “pop.” A real contrasty image requires an excellent intra-scene contrast ratio, and on a RPTV that is limited by the DMD and the light in the cabinet.

If you plan on watching the TV during the day, though, this is less of an issue as you won’t be able to notice deep blacks anyway.

Pro: LASERS!!!!!
Mitsubishi’s LaserVue models use frickin laser beams as a light source. There are two models, a 75-inch (L75-A91, $5,279), and a 65-inch (L65A90, $6,299). As cool as lasers are, there is little reason to pay such a substantial premium for them. The contrast ratio is still limited by the DMD, and the claims of substantial color potential is negated by the fact that even color-wheel, lamp-based RPTVs can easily exceed the maximum color potential of Blu-ray/HDTV. In other words, the “200% HDTV color” boast just means that they are more colorful, however by exceeding the rather constricted HDTV color standard they can’t be accurate. Thankfully, Mitsubishi has a mode that brings the color gamut close the HDTV standard.

The big advantages of lasers is the lifespan and low power consumption. The lasers should last a lifetime, while the bulbs in the lamp type RPTV need to be periodically replaced. The LaserVue TVs are also incredibly energy efficient, using less power that other big screen TVs.

Con: Lamps
With the exception of the LaserVue models, Mitsubishi RPTVs use lamps as their light source. These have a finite lifespan and must be replaced (usually around 6,000 hours). Worse, they don’t age gracefully. They get dimmer over time, and then eventually they just go “poof.” In addition, nearly all of these lamps are UHP designs which contain mercury, and mercury isn’t remotely eco-friendly so please properly dispose. (BTW, CFL lamps for standard light fixtures also contain mercury.)

Mits doesn’t exactly hide the fact their TVs need lamps. Lamps for current Mitsubishi models cost only $100, older models lamps from Mitsubishi and other companies can cost more.

Con: Not a flat panel
As mentioned above. No matter how big or how cool an RPTV is, it just isn’t a flat panel. Keep in mind that you’re going to have to justify your purchase to those not “in the know.” If you drive a Toyota not a Lexus, a Ford not a Lincoln, and your speakers aren’t found in Best Buy, then you probably won’t care that your neighbor doesn’t get why your TV is so deep.

If on the other hand there are logos visible on all your clothes and you own any Bose product, it’s likely you won’t be happy with an RPTV.

Conclusion
What it comes down to is this: if you want a really, really big TV and don’t want the strict blackout conditions required for a front projector (or having to plunder your kids college fund to build a dedicated home theater) then RPTVs are still the high-value option for a new TV, and do look pretty damn good.

Mitsubishi seems to still think RPTVs are the way to go. After all, they don’t show any signs of giving up a market they have entirely to themselves.

—Geoff Morrison

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Buy a TV from pretty much any store these days, and at the end of the sale they’re going to push an extended warranty. Promises of unicorns and elves appearing if there’s a problem are likely fabricated.

But for the more down-to-Earth claims, and those who know the value of a buck, are extended warranties really worth it?

The answer is…

Depends (not the diaper)

Let’s say you’re buying  a $1000  LCD or plasma. The first thing to keep in mind is Consumer Reports has found that flat panel TVs of both technologies are fantastically reliable.  The odds of anything going wrong in the short term is highly unlikely. Most issues with a TV you’d see right out of the box, which is always covered by any reputable store’s 30-day return policy.

But maybe that’s not good enough for you. So let’s take a look at the math. TV prices have trended downward at a rate of roughly 25% per year. That is to say, to replace that $1,000 TV one year from now with a model that’s the same size and has the same features, it will cost you $750. The year after that? $562.50 (you get an F if you were thinking $500. As Barbie said, math class is tough!). So the question becomes, if you’re spending $200 on an three year extended warranty, after three years that’s nearly half the price of a brand new TV that has the same features as your current model ($421.88). Does this scenario save you $221.88? Yes. Is it likely to happen? Not really.

So if you’re set on warranties, keep in mind not just the percentage price of the product, but the percentage price of a possible replacement. That 20% of the purchase price in our example is 47% of the replacement price. And that doesn’t even factor in what amazing newness that $1,000 TV will have three years from now. Maybe it will make coffee. Maybe it will spew rainbows. Who knows. (It will probably be 3D, but that’s another article).

Credit Cards

It may take a few minutes to find, but most major credit cards offer some sort of warranty extension. Back when I worked at Circuit City, we were instructed to downplay this, as “just” increasing the manufacturer’s warranty. Well, if the manufacturer warranty is parts and labor for a year, and your credit card makes that 2 years, is it really worth $200 to spend on a three year extended warranty that overlaps with what the manufacturer and your credit card are already covering? That $200 then is for just 1 year, the year after the other two warranties.

AmEx, for one, double’s the manufacturer’s warranty, up to one year. Certain Mastercard, Visa, and Discover Business cards do the same. Regular Discover cards don’t, but they do offer special deals with SquareTrade, an extended warranty provider.

Exclusions

With any extended warranty, you need to check what it covers and what it doesn’t. Check that it covers the expensive parts, like the screen and power supply. These are two of the biggest failure points, and if they aren’t covered, the warranty is useless.

Some warrantys will cover someone coming to your house to pick up the product. If you’re buying a big TV, this is a great deal. Do you really want to schlep that 65-inch plasma back to the store? Me either. If you need to ship the TV somewhere yourself for service, what are the odds you’ll still have the box?

The key is always the fine print. Walmart warranties, for example, cover power surges, everyday wear and tear, other failures, and in home service. A 3-year plan on a $1,000 TV is $118. Amazon offers plans from SquareTrade that are $99-$129 for 3 years and covers purchase price refund and in-home service over 32-inches. BestBuy has 2 and 4 year plans that are $159.99 and $239.99 respectively on a $1,000 TV. Their plan covers wear and tear, pixel repair and burn in, power surge, but they “may charge a diagnosis fee.” See, it pays to read the fine print. Costco gives you a 2-year warranty, just cause they like you.

Or Maybe not so bad

Maybe the warranty is cheap. If it’s under about 10% of the purchase price, then it can’t hurt. If the warranty covers in home service, or a temporary replacement, then maybe it’s worth it. If you’re buying a Rear-Projection screen and it covers lamp replacement, then it’s definitely worth it.

Remember, above all else extended warranties are a tremendous profit maker for every store. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t offer them. This doesn’t mean they’re somehow insidious, they’re just insurance. If you pay your car insurance every month and in your life you never use it, was it a waste? Not to your car insurance company, that’s for sure. But if you do get in that accident, and they get you a new car, was it worth it then?

After being forced to sell extended warranties during my tenure at Circuit City, I’ll honestly tell you I’d never buy one on an electronics product. Especially a TV. But that’s me. I can’t think of the last product I bought that didn’t last longer than I had a need for it. But would I buy it on a new car? Well, I want to get the new Fiat Abarth 500 when it comes out, and you can bet I’ll want an extended warranty on that. I mean it’s a Fiat. Fix It Again, Tony…

By Geoff Morrison

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Click On Chart to Enlarge

(October 29, 2010) Whether the day after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday” because of the day’s heavy traffic or because it signals the beginning of the selling period when most retailers go from being in “the red” to being “in the black,” it unofficially marks the start of the holiday gift giving buying season.

Market research company iSuppli predicts that 11.897 million flat panel plasma and LCD HDTVs will sell during the fourth quarter, up slightly over 6% from the same period in 2009. Broken out by type, iSuppli forecasts plasma sales should increase over 9.3% for Q4 compared to last year while all LCD will be up by 5.61%.  Clearly, HDTVs are among the most prized gifts. So whether you’re giving one to a loved one, your family or yourself, it’s important to pick the right one. Here’s our advice.

Size Matters

Job one is to pick the right screen size for your needs. HD LCDs range from 19” to 65” and plasmas from 42” to 65”.  LCD screens 37” and smaller generally feature 720p resolution, though there are a few sets as small as 32” offering 1080p.  There are 42” and 50” 720p plasma sets as well, with all plasma sizes available in 1080p. Rear Projection TVs are not flat, with a depth of around 15″. They are offered in screen sizes from 60″-82″ and provide the biggest image for the least amount of money, with street prices starting at under $1000. All use a single replaceable lamp light source (except one model using lasers). All rear projectors are made by Mitsubishi.

Which size is right for you? Consider your budget, room size, seating positions and finally if it’s an issue for you, the size of the cabinet in which you’re placing the set. Our exclusive HD Guru viewing distance chart (link) tells you how close you need to sit to see full resolution with a given 720p or 1080p display. Sit further away and of course you will still get a great picture, but human vision limitations will prevent you from seeing the set’s full resolution.

LCD or Plasma?

LCD is your only choice if size or budget constraints limit you to a below 42” size. While you have a choice of plasma or LCD at 42” and above, HD Guru and most other experts agree that plasma beats LCD (including those labeled “LED”) in overall picture quality.

Why? Plasma offers uniform picture quality as you move off-axis, meaning everyone in the room essentially sees the same picture. LCD does not. Off axis, all LCD displays exhibit changes in color, black level and brightness, though some models, offer better off-axis performance than others.

Plasma offers overall better black levels, with blacks always appearing deeper especially when viewed off-axis compared to LCDs, because plasma has the ability to shut light off at a pixel level. Because LCD is a backlit technology, the best it can do—and not all LCDs have it—is dim large blocks of pixels using a feature called “local dimming.” It’s not nearly as precise or effective as actually turning off individual pixels and adjacent high contrast images often produce a halo artifact.

CCFL or LED Backlit LCD TV?

A relatively recent advance in LCD technology uses LEDs (light emitting diodes) to illuminate the picture in place of the more commonly used thin fluorescent tubes called CCFLs. Though some set manufacturers choose to call their LED backlit sets “LED TVs” they are still LCD TVs!  However, LED backlighting has a number of advantages, one of which is lower power consumption compared to both traditional backlit LCDs and plasma. For a given screen size, plasma consumes somewhat more power than CCFL backlit LCDs. Price wise, large screen plasma (50″ and over) are significantly less expensive than traditional CCFL LCD and LED LCD. The cost differential is higher than the savings in electricity one can expect, even after 10 or more years of use.

The CCFL lamps within LCDs contain mercury, a toxic metal, while LED LCDs and plasmas are mercury free, something to keep in mind when disposing of an old LCD TV. Check out our recycling article here for more information.

Another LED advantage is the capability of very bright images, which makes them preferable to both CCFL backlit LCDs and plasma if you do a lot of daytime viewing, in very bright windowed rooms that lack shades or curtains. For typical room lighting conditions plasma HDTVs produce sufficient image brightness for outstanding picture quality.

Edge Versus Backlit LED

Manufacturers use LEDs to either edge light or back light their LCD sets. Edge lighting can produce thin profile sets that are less than an inch deep. Back lit sets offer the aforementioned advantage of local dimming, which can produce extremely dark black levels.

Edge lit LEDs may have white and black uniformity issues at the picture perimeter while off-axis brightness of both LED formats tends to fall off somewhat more rapidly than does the same panel lit using traditional CCFLs. However, overall, LED backlit sets with local dimming produce the best LCD pictures.

60Hz/120Hz/240Hz

Standard LCDs incorporate a 60 Hz refresh rate. This produces motion resolution of around 320 lines (per picture height) out of a possible1080 lines. 120 Hz refresh ups the motion resolution to around 600 lines, while 240 Hz kicks it up to 900 lines or higher.

Once the refresh rate is increased to 120Hz or higher, a number of image artifacts appear (see related story here link). In addition, test material reveals unwanted artifacts present in all types of 120, 240 Hz LCD HDTV.

For the best LCD picture, either traditional or LED backlit, choose one with either a 120Hz or 240Hz or 480 Hz refresh rate. Note the are LED LCDs that claim 480Hz refresh, really just use a 240 Hz circuit and sequentially fire the LEDs within the backlight.

1080p plasma sets produce artifact free, full 1080 line motion resolution. Panasonic’s VT20/ VT25 series and Samsung’s 8000 model plasmas offer a 96Hz refresh rate that produces images free of the judder (seen as uneven pans) found in all 60 Hz panels (plasma and LCD) without any of the artifacts associated with 120/240Hz LED/LCDs.

Special Features

THX

If you’re looking accurate image reproduction, consider THX Certified designs that provide near ideal out of the box color temperature and color point accuracy when set to the THX picture option. THX is available on select LG and Panasonic HDTVs. User calibration controls, included with many top of the line HDTVs allow (with proper test equipment and signals) near perfection image fine tuning.

To learn more about THX Certification use this link.

3D

New for 2010 is 3D capability. It is available on select LCD models from Samsung, LED LCDs from Samsung, Sony, LG, Sharp and Toshiba and plasma HDTVs from LG, Samsung and Panasonic. Screen sizes range from 40″-65″ for LED LCD, 40″-55″ for LCD with CCFL backlights and 42″-65″ for plasma. All Mitsubishi rear projectors do 3D with the aid of a $99 interface box.

Buying your HDTV

This year’s holiday supply of HDTVs is excellent, due to slower than anticipated sales  with prices around 25% lower than last year. To boost sales, set makers are kicking in with extra savings on a variety of models in the form price reductions, instant rebates, dealer incentives, or bonus offers including free Blu-ray players with TV purchase and multiple free 3D glasses with 3D capable TVs.

You can find the great only pricing from Pricegrabber and Amazon using our links within their respective ads on the right side column. For tips on buying a set at a brick and mortar store, check out our feature “Getting the Best HDTV Price.” (link).

(The article above  is an updated version of  “Choosing the HDTV That’s Right For You”  originally published Nov. 2009)

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(July 8, 2010) Earlier this month, Mitsubishi introduced its 2010 HDTVs to the press at its New York City line show.  For 2010 Mitsubishi is offering a its 2nd generation 3D capable laser powered 75″ Digital Light Processor (DLP) rear projector, 6 LED LCDs in three series and 13-3D capable DLP rear projectors in four series.

Its flat panels and rear projectors represent a significant departure from any other vendors’ product lines. All 2010 Mitsubishi HDTVs are 1080p, and all are big screens with sizes from 40″ -55″ for LED flat panels and 60″ and above for DLP Cinema rear projeciton HDTVs.

LaserVue TV

The L75-A91 features a 75″ screen with a depth of 15″ and an available wall mounting bracket. It is the only TV available using three (red, blue, green) lasers. Mitsubishi increased efficiency over the previous generation, lowering power consumption to just 128 watts.

The L75-A75 features include: Cinema Color for a color gamut similar to color seen in digital projector equipped commercial movie theaters; StreamTV Internet Media (including VUDU movies, Pandora music and Flickr and Picasa photo);12-bit signal processing, 4 HDMI inputs; USB media input, 3D (Blu-ray, cable and satellite) capability with its optional ($399) 3D starter pack consisting of the 3DA-1 3D adapter, two pairs of  Mitsubishi 3D glasses, an IR emitter and a Disney 3D Blu-ray demo disc.

3D DLP Home Cinema TV

The rear projection line-up features screen sizes from 60″ to 82″. Mitsubishi is the only remaining rear projection TV manufacturer. For a consumer seeking a really big screen at a very reasonable price (see chart below), consider a Mitsubishi DLP. Yes, they are deeper than a flat panel (i.e. 15.1″/60″ screen size, 16″/65″, 17.9″/73″) however; the majority of flat panels end up on stands or in wall units negating any advantage to a thinner design. There are four series, the C10 series (pricing NA), the 638, 738 and 838 series

All have 3D capability and feature a six color processor, 1080p (2D) and four picture modes. The step up 738 series adds StreamTV™ Internet Media, Wireless Internet Ready (Optional Adapter)  1080p 5G 12-bit Video Processor, 120Hz, Advanced Video Calibration and a Universal Remote Control. The top of the line 838 series adds 16 Speaker Immersive Sound Technology (more on this below), 32W Total System Power, Bluetooth A2DP Audio Streaming, Center Channel Mode, Surround Pre-amp outputs, Variable Subwoofer Output, New Cosmetics w/Blue Light Accent, Dark Detail Enhancer, PerfectColor and PerfecTint Color Management, ISFccc Advanced Video Adjustments, 4 HDMI™ with CEC, NetCommand Remote, a Wired IR input and a USB Media Input (Photos & Music).

The 3D Capabilities of DLP

Every Mitsubishi DLP can play 3D content with the use of the optional 3D Starter pack. The result, is a very bright image that is virtually free from crosstalk artifacts often seen with LED and LCD 3D displays. This is due to the very high switching speeds of the DLP chip. They are far faster than any LED lit LCD HDTV. The Mitsubishi reproduces 3D at the same resolution as broadcast over cable or satellite at 960 x 1080 resolution per eye.

Later this summer, Mitsubishi will be providing a free firmware upgrade to the 738 and 838 series products that will eliminate the need for the 3DA-1 converter for 3D viewing. The sets will be able to be viewed by simply using a pair of Mitsubishi 3D glasses and connecting the infra-red emitter.

Unisen Immersive Sound LED TVs

Mitsubishi line of LED LCD HDTVs offers features not found in any line other flat panel HDTV. All models include Mitsubishi unique built-in surround sound bar which reproduces movie and TV soundtracks in surround sound without rear speakers! All the Mitsubishi Unisen LED TVs sound far clearer and can play much louder without audible distortion than any other HDTV on the market today.

All models are LED edge lit, providing superior color and lower power consumption than the old fashioned CCFL lamps found in many other LCD TVs.

All models are either 120Hz or 240Hz depending on the series. It breaks down as follows (from the Mitsubishi press release.)

” All 154, 164 and Diamond 265 series Unisen Immersive Sound LED TV models for 2010 include Edge-Lit LED Backlight, Multi-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology with Variable Subwoofer Output and Center Channel Mode, StreamTV^{â„¢} Internet Media, new Thin Depth Design, True120Hz, Energy Star^{â„¢} 4.0 Qualified, Clear Contrast Panel, Plush 1080p^® 5G 12-bit Digital Video Processing, 6-Color Processor^{â„¢}, 4 HDMI^{â„¢}, Deep Color^{â„¢} and x.v.Color^{â„¢}, Easy Connect^{â„¢}, USB Media Input, and Detachable IEC Power Cord.

The MDEA 164 series is available in 40, 46 and new 55-inch screen sizes, and in addition to the features above, includes 16-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology, Built-in Wireless Internet, Bluetooth A2DP Audio Streaming, EdgeEnhance^{â„¢}, DeepField Imager^{â„¢} and Advanced Video Calibration.

The MDEA Diamond 265 series is available in 46 and new 55-inch screen sizes. In addition to all features within the 154 and 164 series, each Diamond model includes 18-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology, True240Hz, new Thin Depth Design with Blue Light Accent, Plush1080p^® 5G 18-Bit Digital Video Processing, iPhone Remote Control App, Audio Calibration Microphone, Perfect Color^{â„¢}, PerfectTint^{â„¢}, ISFccc^® Advanced Video Adjustments, NetCommand, and Wired IR input.”

The  chart below contains the prices and availability and screen sizes of the Mitsubishi 2010 DLPs and LED TVs

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Everyone Dons 3D Shutter Glasses For Panasonic’s Latest 3D HDTV Demonstration At CEATEC 2009

Panasonic’s 103″ 4K Resolution (3840×2160) HDTV Prototype

Panasonic Recommends Viewing At 1.5 Times Screen Size For Its 4K HDTV

Screen Close-up of Panasonic’s 4K 103″ Plasma Prototype

Panasonic’s 1 Inch Thin Z1 Plasma Series (Right Side Row)

Are Available In 46″, 50″ and 54″ Screen Sizes In Japan

The Latest Version Of Panasonic’s 3D (Shutter Type) Eyeware

3D Guy Al Caudullo Shooting Sony’s Chief 3D Camera Engineer Yoshiko Kuriko in 3D

Sony’s 240 Hz Single Lens Camera (Bottom Photo Shows Light Path From Lens To Image Sensors)

Panasonic Chart Predicts Blu-ray Revenue Will Overtake DVD By 2011

Mitsubishi Reveals Its HDTV Red and Green Lasers At CEATEC 2009

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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions

(6/27/09 by HDGURU®) The old adage “If the deal sounds too good to be true, it is” applies to purchases of HDTVs, camcorders, digital cameras and other consumer electronics on the Internet.  This week the office of the NY State Attorney General concluded a settlement agreement with seven Brooklyn based e-tailers, making them pay $665,000 to consumers they cheated, adding another $100,000 in investigation costs. “These companies engaged in the worst kinds of consumer fraud, from classic bait-and-switch schemes to blatant lies and bullying sales tactics.” said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The press release adds “Under the agreements secured today by Cuomo, two of the companies, Camera Wiz and Sonic Photo, will dissolve completely.  The following five companies will completely revamp their business practices and be subject to ongoing monitoring: Best Price Camera, Foto Connection, 1 Way Photo, 86th Street Photo and Broadway Photo, LLC.  All of the companies will pay substantial monies to provide restitution for consumers who were subjected to the companies’ illegal business practices.”

How do unscrupulous retailers “bait and switch” customers?  While methods may vary from store to store, the first part of any good con is to snag the victim. Prospective buyers want the lowest price possible, and bait and switch operations offer prices that are lower than offered by legitimate dealers (often below cost).

The games begin after the order has been placed. The victim gets a phone call from a dealer sales rep who either advises switching to another, supposedly superior product, or claims the product purchased is designed for a foreign market and lacks the US warranty and English language instructions. Or the salesman will attempt to get the victim to buy upgraded or overpriced items (HDMI cables, screen cleaning kits, mounts, practically worthless extended warranties, etc.) Say “no” and the store will simply not ship the product.

If you have a problem with your main purchase, or are dissatisfied with an accessory, according to the press release, these unscrupulous companies make returning them almost impossible by requiring customers to speak to a live representative during limited business hours and then refusing to answer those calls.

The press release adds “all the fined companies obtained fake ‘consumer testimonials’ through websites that claim to be impartial consumer based ‘rating’ websites, but are in fact are pay-per-click-based websites filled with content provided by the websites proprietors.”. Here’s the full release (NY AG Secures Agreement With Electronics Companies Using Illegal Business Practices).

The Complete List

The seven companies fined operate under over one hundred company names and websites! The HD Guru obtained the list from the NYS Attorney General’s Office, posted here (List of Bait and Switch E-tailers).

Recourse

If you believe you are a victim of illegal practices of one of the listed companies you may qualify for restitution. The NYS Attorney General appointed The New York Better Business Bureau to handle claims. They must be submitted from July 1, 2009 to December 1, 2009 by calling the NY BBB at 212-533-6200 (as of July 1).

How To Avoid A Scam E-tailer

Be wary of sellers located in Brooklyn, NY. For reasons not exactly clear this NYC borough has the highest concentration of scamming e-tailers. The state of New Jersey appears to have the second highest number of bad retailers; however there are many legitimate merchants in the Garden State.

Check out http://sheddingsomelight.com/ for a list of dealers and their business aliases having high numbers of complaints. Here you’ll also find helpful tips on how to detect scam merchants.

Go to review websites, look for the volume and severity of the bad reviews while disregarding the positive reviews because many may be self-generated by the scammers.

Check out the e-tailers’ local Better Business Bureau website for complaints and to learn if they were resolved.

Always check out return policies, restocking fees and freight charges for returns prior to a purchase. Many e-tailers have sterling reputations, so don’t allow the bad ones to inhibit your online purchasing; the HD Guru has made many satisfactory etail purchases by following his own advice!

-HDGuru® with Michael Fremer
——

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Copyright ©2009 HD Guru Inc.  All rights reserved.HDGURU is a registered trademark.  The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.  The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable.  Data within is subject to change.  HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(Photo above is a copy of an invitation emailed to CES registered press to see Panasonics’s 3D HDTV system)

3D HDTV

The digital transition will be completed in February, ending an industry journey that began with the introduction of HDTV displays and broadcasts in 1998. The manufacturers have laid out plans to take HDTV to the next level with 3D HDTV.

2009 will be the first year of a multi-year push to upgrade HDTV to 3D (stereoscopic) television. Panasonic, Sony and other major HDTV makers will demo 3D televisions with a live satellite broadcast of the BCS National Championship game at the International CES next week and at least one HDTV manufacturer will announce plans for production in 2009 of the first Full HD 3D compatible displays. Expect other major players to commit to early 2010 delivery. HD Guru predicts these 3D HDTVs will be supported by at least two movie studios in 2009, with the first products shipping date to coincide with the introduction of 3D Blu-ray players and discs.

Rumors persist Sony will introduce a 3D upgrade to its PS3 Playstation, turning it into PS3D. 3D gaming will be part of a long-term three part 3D strategy by the major HDTV makers that will include console video games, Blu-ray HD movies and (eventually) regular live HD 3D sports broadcasts.

Currently only Mitsubishi and Samsung make 3D capable DLP HDTVs. Samsung also produces two 3D capable plasma TVs, though neither are “Full HD” 1080p.

HDTV Pricing

An oversupply of LCD panels will force HDTV prices to continue to drop during the first quarter of 2009, followed by relative price stability.

Currently LCD panel makers, due to the oversupply, are selling their inventory to TV makers, at or below actual cost. This situation will probably last another eight or so weeks as panel makers cut back production to meet lower demand and attempt to raise prices later in the year.

The overall year-to-year savings for HDTV in 2009 will see prices drop an additional 15%- 20% down from the 26%-30% savings we have seen in year to year for the past several years. Why?  Component cost reductions on the smaller screen HDTVs, are nearly maxed out with current technology.

Wireless HDTV

The long awaited change over from HDMI cables to wireless HD video and audio will finally arrive in 2009, (a year after my 2008 prediction) allowing consumers to hang a flat panel on the wall connected only to an AC power cable. Wireless will be built-in step up feature for top of the line HDTVs. Wireless upgrade kits will be available as well. The net result, reduced consumer demand for long (relatively) expensive HDMI cables and easier TV installations.

HDTV Goes Green

Plasma HDTV makers will attempt to capture a larger big screen market share by citing lower power consumption with increased brightness and high motion resolution besting their LCD competitors. Expect a wider selection of plasma models from the core producers (Panasonic, Samsung and LG) as well as Hitachi and Pioneer, which will now be sourcing their plasma panels from Panasonic. The mix will include very thin plasma monitors and HDTVs.

Thin HDTVs Will Rule

Expect every major LCD and Plasma flat panel maker to introduce a line thinner flat panel HDTVs in a variety of sizes. They will carry a price premium over thicker displays, leaving the big question: how large of a price premium will the masses be willing to pay for a thinner form factor?

The Motion Resolution Race Continues

Just a few years ago, when all LCD HDTV refreshed at the HD standard of 60 Hz, set makers never talked about “motion blur”, which is a measure of how much resolution a given display can produce when motion is introduced (such as in football when a receiver is running or a camera panning). Then came 120 Hz LCDs claiming to significantly improve motion resolution (HD Guru’s tests confirmed motion resolution increased from around 330 lines with 60 Hz displays to around 600 lines of resolution for the 120 Hz models).  Last Sept., Sony announced a 240 Hz HDTV with delivery expected sometime this year.

For 2009, LG has just announced LCD with a claimed refresh rate of 480 Hz. Expect other vendors to introduce a variety of new 240 Hz (or higher) HDTVs in 2009.

Blu-ray

With street prices dropping below the $200 this past December, you should anticipate a $149 Blu-ray player by year’s end. The big news will come from the content providers. With a significant installed base of players now in consumers hands, HD Guru predicts many Blu-ray movie disc titles will drop to within $5 of DVD standard def version in the first half of 2009. This should result in a spike in Blu-ray disc sales.

Streaming and Widgets

The major TV makers will add many new models with specialized Internet connectivity to provide movie-streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon. Expect new companies to pop up and announce new movie streaming or download services in the first quarter of 2009, all offered as an alternative to DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

In addition, an expansion of Internet services such as photos, weather forecasts and sports and some new ones will appear as another HDTV feature as the top TV makers try to differentiate themselves from the competition and the tier three offerings.

Rear Projection Exclusive

Finally, HD Guru predicts Samsung will drop out of the rear projection (RPTV) market leaving Mitsubishi as the sole maker of HD RPTVs. Expect lower prices for this category, which includes LASER HDTVs.

Copyright ©2009 Gary Merson/HD Guru® All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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