What brand should I buy or what elements should I look for in a HD 40 - 50 inch television?

Wanting to purchase new television but there are many confusing elements to consider -- Is there a better brand? Is there a big difference in warranty? What size gives the best picture? What other elements do I need to look for to get the best picture and best deal?

You should work through a logical approach based on your needs and budget.

The first consideration is what viewing distance you plan to use. This helps define the screen size. The graph at the 1st link (also read the original article) helps define what size screen you should consider based on resolution of the display and the viewing distance. It's not exact since picture quality and eyesight varies, but it gives a good idea of approximate sizes.

For example, if you are considering a 720p HDTV (Green line), a 50" screen is best watched at 10' or a bit more. A 1080p HDTV (Red Line) the same size would be best watched at about 6.5'.

It may help to consider that at 8-10 ft, you won't see any difference between a 720p and 1080p HDTV smaller than about 50", so don't waste money on higher resolution if you can't benefit.

It's also worth considering that HDTV is a mix of 1080i and 720p ... there is no 1080p broadcast TV. The only consumer source for a 1080p picture (other than games) is Blu-ray or HD DVD ... and then you need a minimum 40" 1080p HDTV to benefit (and you need to sit at the right distance).

So, decide on the screen size and resolution first.

Now consider that picture quality is determined by four primary factors (in decreasing order of importance): contrast, colour saturation, colour accuracy and resolution. When considering specifc HDTVs keep these things in mind.

Assuming you are still considering a 40"-50" model, you can choose plasma or LCD or rear projection. Prices decrease in the same order.

Plasma is arguably the best picture, but in addition to being the most expensive, also needs the highest electrical power and turns out the most heat. They are not available under about 40".

LCD is available down to about 20" and up to over 60" but doesn't give quite as good a picture. It can suffer from blurring of fast movement ... so in addition to the 4 factors identified above, you also need to consider screen response time (aim for 8 ms).

Rear projection are less expensive but is falling out of favour because flatpanel LCDs are almost as cheap and don't have the size and limited viewing angle considerations of rear projectors.

Some people (including me) use a front projection and a screen for HDTV/movies as part of a home theater ... the best way to get a big picture ... but a specialized approach.

Consider connectivity .. you want as wide a range of inputs and outputs as you can ... although 2 or more HDMI inputs and optical audio output are the most important.

Style is personal, so I won't comment.

I'm not going to suggest a brand or model (others will do that), but I suggest you do some reading -- particularly reviews -- before going out to look at actual TVs. That way you will have decided on the size, resolution, type, etc and will be an informed consumer ready to focus on what is available and not as prone to "salesperson speak".

For a start see the links.

I hope this helps.

Leading brands are Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony.

At that size buy plasma.

If you are curious about the difference between plasma and LCD then google it.

I have been researching Plasma/LCD tvs for over 6 months now, and I know alot about them. Unfortunately, I don't own one. Too fuckin expensive. Soon as I can get a 720p 32" LCD for $500 australian or 42" for $700 then I will buy one. I am not paying 5000 for a tv. I don't have that kind of money anyway. But, I know alot about them as I intend to buy the best one I can as soon as there is a DRASTIC price drop.

OK.

1. Resolution. This is what makes HD HD. for a 40- inch get something 720 p. that is 1366x768. if its anything else its crap. These tvs usually also do 1080i. If you are going 50, then get a 1080p. that is 1920x1080. again if it is different, then it is a ripoff.

2. Contrast Ratio. This affects this colour contrast you will see, and how vivid and lifelike it looks. Technically, it means the Ratio of brightness between the darkest black and brightest white. For a plasma, 8000+ is great. LCDs are usually lower, but some companies are working on ones that go really high, like 18000+.

3. Brand. If its a brand you dont see much, chances are it will drop out after a year or so. I would look for Samsung/sony (if you are a bloody millionare) sharp, LG, panasonic, pioneer, hitachi or a big-name brand.

4. whether it ends in "i" or "p". i refers to interlaced, where the pixels in each row are slightly off up/high kind of brick pattern. It refreshes every second row at a time instead of all, and the vertical resolution is less then the number indicated. p means progressive scan, and means all pixels are lined up in a grid and all change at the same time. it gives you a much better quality. thats why 1080i is of similar quality to 720p.

there is a new 50" plasma out now with 1080i which is awesome,the brand to go for is LG

au.lge.com this is the web site

All of the answers on this page make excellent points, but ultimately you are the one who will be watching it. Go to the store look at the different brands, and ask the salesperson to let you play with the picture configurations. There are several excellent TV's out there. As far as brands LCD: Sony or Samsung lead in that arena Plasma: Pioneer probably makes the best.