Smart-Review: HDTV Buying Guide 2012-2013
March 20, 2013 by SmartReview
Filed under Featured HDTV, HDTV, HDTV Articles, HDTV Buying Guide
2013 HDTV Buying Guide
High Definition Televisions have quickly replaced the older CRT monitors and Analog TV sets that have used the NTSC broadcast standard of the last 50+ years. The newer HD models are thinner, brighter, and display a stunning picture with many times the resolution of older sets. The newest sets are 3D Ready TVs. Below are some of the terminology used in describing HDTVs and the features they have.
Which HDTV Screen Technology is best? There are two main types of display technologies that are in mainstream HDTV’s, Plasma or LED. Each display technology has its pluses and minuses. Below are the screen technologies and a detailed description of each one and the top rated sets in each category. 
Top Plasma TVs
Plasma HDTVs – Plasma displays are very popular for home theaters. They have higher contrast than LCDs (although that gap is closing), and can display HD with stunning clarity. Plasma sets also can display fast action (sports, action movies) better. The disadvantages of plasma are that they take more electricity than LCD and LED TVs (although recent models use less electricity). Plasma sets tend to be cheaper than LED TVs for the same size. Plasma screens used to be susceptible to screen burn-in (new models use newer phosphers, and compensate with various screen-saving methods).
Smart Review’s Top Picks in Plasma HDTVs :
Panasonic ST60 Series (2013 3D Plasma)
Panasonic VT60 THX Certified Series (2013 3D Plasma)
Panasonic ST50 Series (2012 3D Plasma)
Panasonic GT50 THX Certified Series (2012 3D Plasma)
Panasonic S60 Series (2013 Plasma)
Samsung F8500 Series (2013 3D Plasma)
Samsung PNE550 Series (2012 3D Plasma).
LG PA6500 Series (2012 Plasma)
Related Article: Plasma TV Roundup and Comparison
Top LED TVs
LED HDTVs – The latest technology in LCD HDTVs is referred to as LED. This actually is an LCD television with an LED backlight instead of the traditional fluorescent backlights that were used on older TVs. Sometimes referred to as an LCD-LED TV. LED backlights improve contrast, brightness, use less power, and allow super thin (1.2 inch thick) TVs. There are three types of LED TVs. One is Edge Lit (most common), which illuminates from the edge like traditional backlights. The other is Full Array “Local Dimming” which means that the LEDs are behind the screen and can turn off or dim to give the greatest level of contrast, and the last type is Edge Lit with local dimming which is cheaper than full array TVs. LED TVs are brighter than Plasma, use less electricity, and are more suitable for brighter rooms. Smart Review’s Top Picks in LED HDTVs :
Samsung F6300 LED TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F6400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung EH6000 LED TV Series (2012 model)
Sony Bravia HX750 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Panasonic ET5 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Panasonic E50 LED TV Series (2012 model)
LG Cinema LA6200 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6900 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Smart Review’s Top Picks in High-End LED HDTVs:
Samsung F8000 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung ES8000 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
LG Cinema LA7400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LM8600 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
LG Cinema LM7600 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Related Article: LED TV Roundup and Comparison
HDTV Screen Size
Related Article: How Large a Screen do you need?
HDTV Screen Resolution 1080p or 720p? Screen resolution is the maximum (in pixels) that a TV can display. Earlier HDTV’s could display what is called 720p which is usually a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (1 million pixels). The current standard is called 1080p Full HD with a much higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 ( 2 million pixels). Blu-ray discs, Playstation 3, and some cable/satellite providers are able to display the full 1080p resolution. Many Cable TV and Satellite companies are still showing high definition at the lower 720p standard, but in the future they will be broadcasting at 1080p, but due to bandwidth issues it may be a while. 1080p TVs also have smaller pixels, so if you are sitting up close it may be worth it to get 1080p (this is regardless of the resolution of what you are watching). Today’s best selling televisions are 1080p, as prices have come down, and the lower resolution 720p sets are being phased out except on small screens. We recommend only getting 1080p screens.
HDMI and COMPONENT – Hooking up your high definition cable box, DVD or Blu-ray player, PS3, or other high quality source requires the right connection. The best connection is HDMI, followed by Component. Both are high quality, with HDMI having an edge in picture quality. If you have many hookups to make, you would want to see more HDMI and Component jacks on the TV you purchase. For 1080p sets, you want to have HDMI as your connection of choice. So look for HDTVs with more HDMI and Component connections if you have a lot of equipment to connect. Most have at least 3 HDMI and many are now coming with 4 or more HDMI connections.
WiFi/Internet Ready TVs – Many of today’s TVs are internet and WiFi Ready. What this means is that they can connect to the internet wirelessly through your home WiFi network, or an ethernet cable from your cable modem. Content varies on different models and brands of TVs. Some of the more common content available is Netflix, Youtube, Facebook. Some sets have their own internet browser to access any website you put into its browser. We are seeing some provide remote controls with either keyboards, touchpads, or voice control on them for easier input.
Related Article: Top-Rated Internet Ready TVs.
LG LM8600 Smart TV at CES 2012 in Las Vegas (click for larger image)
Related Article: Top-Rated Smart TVs.
Viewing Angle – Some HDTV’s displays have a more limited viewing angle than others. They lose contrast and become hard to read at some viewing angles and they have more contrast and are easier to read at others. Generally the higher the viewing angle, the better. This is especially important when a group of people are watching an HDTV at the same time. Modern High Definition TVs have much better viewing angles, and it is not as big an issue as it was in the past.
Contrast Ratio – This is the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black. Higher is better. The higher the contrast ratio, the greater the ability to show subtle color details, and better resulting picture. Details in dark scenes will benefit from a higher contrast ratio. Many manufacturers give what is called Dynamic contrast which is a higher number than the contrast ratio. So be careful not to confuse this when comparing. LCD panels regular Native contrast ratios hover around 1200-3500:1 for LCDs, and up to 40,000:1 for Plasmas. Dynamic contrast for LCDs can run as high as 150,000 and more. LED TVs and Plasma TVs have contrast ratios 1,000,000:1 and more. As noted one must consider both static (Native) and dynamic contrast ratios.
Response Time – Response time is in simplistic terms how fast the screen can “paint” the screen. It is measured in milliseconds or (ms). Lower numbers are better. A lower response time is best for fast paced games, video, fast moving movies and sports. Today’s HDTV’s have much faster response times than in the past and this issue is also becoming less important since most models today are quite fast.
3D Ready TVs
3D Ready TVs – Introduced in 2010, a new type of HDTV technology has come out on a growing list of HDTVs. Because of the popularity of 3D in the movie theater with blockbusters such as Avatar, a demand for in home 3d Television has emerged. The 3D TV is the same as a normal set except that it has a built in IR (Infrared) or bluetooth transmitter to transmit signals to special 3D glasses. (Passive 3D TVs do not need a transmitter). These sets also can convert 2D (regular TV) into 3D. There is now 3D content on Cable TV, Satellite, On Demand, Blu-ray, PS3 games, and more. Sports will become a big area for 3D, and is already on ESPN programming. Blu-ray 3D Players have now appeared that can give you full HD in 3D. **3D Glasses are not required to view regular HD programming. So even if you are not going to initially buy accessories (glasses and 3D blu-ray players), you can still enjoy the TV as a normal HDTV for high definition programming. We believe that over time, most TVs will be 3D ready. Smart-Review will feature these 3D sets as they become available.
Smart Review’s Top Picks in 3D TVs:
Panasonic ST60 Plasma TV Series (2013 3D Plasma)
Panasonic VT60 THX Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Panasonic GT50 THX Plasma 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Panasonic ST50 Plasma 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Samsung F8500 Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Panasonic ET5 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Samsung F8000 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung ES8000 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Samsung F6400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LM7600 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
LG Cinema LA7400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6200 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Related Article: Best LED 3D TV Roundup and Comparison
Related Article: Best Plasma 3D TV Roundup and Comparison
Related Article: Smart-Review 3D TV Buying Guide 2012-2013
120Hz LED TVs – Introduced in Mid 2007, a new type of LCD/LED HDTV technology has come out on select HDTVs. 120Hz refers to the frame rate of an HDTV. Currently sets are 60hz. The double frame rate 120Hz sets will make fast action less prone to blurring. This is important for action movies, and sports. Plasma HDTVs do not need this technology as they handle fast action without the need for 120Hz. Smart-Review will feature these sets as they become available. Top Rated 120Hz HDTVs.
240Hz LED TVs – Introduced in late 2008, this technology quadruples the normal framerate of a 60Hz HDTV, to 240Hz. Like the 120Hz, these sets will make fast action even less prone to blurring. For 2013 there are many higher end models utilizing this technology in their HDTVs. Top-Rated 240Hz HDTVs.
Dual Core/Quad Core Processors – New for 2012-2013 is the addition of dual core and quad core processors into TVs. Just like notebook computers, a dual core processor will speed up operations on the TV. A quad core is even better. This comes into play when using the Smart TV functionality and multi-tasking. Some TVs bog down when using their Internet Apps and browsers. The Dual core processor will make these operations run more smoothly, and add functions like voice control. In 2013 we see the introduction of Quad Core processors which are even more powerful.
HDTVs that have Dual Core processors:
Samsung ES8000 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Samsung F6300 LED TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F6400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Panasonic VT60 THX Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA7400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6900 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6200 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LM8600 LED 3D TV Series (2012 model)
Sharp LE650U LED TV Series (2013 big screens)
HDTVs that have Quad Core processors:
Samsung F8000 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F8500 Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
HDTV Firmware – Most of the newer HDTVs now are upgradeable with a firmware (software) upgrade. Usually they can be upgraded using a USB port on the TV, and some using wireless WiFi (this is how the PS3 upgrades itself). Firmware upgrades serve many purposes, including expanding features (such as more internet applications), and fixing bugs. Some TVs that end up being the highest rated may have some poor ratings initially that come from a bug that is later fixed with firmware upgrades. You can usually find these upgrades at the Manufacturer’s web site, or using a menu choice on your TV.
ATSC Tuner – Most of the newer HDTVs now include a digital HD tuner called ATSC. An ATSC digital tuner is required to receive and decode over-the-air digital television signals. Sets do not require this tuner if you are only receiving your high definition feed from a cable company or from satellite, as they will provide you with a high definition decoder box instead. This gives you the option to receive “free” over the air HD local broadcasts.
ATSC/QAM Tuner – Most newer HDTVs have not only ATSC, but also a QAM tuner. An integrated QAM tuner allows the free reception of unscrambled digital programming sent “in the clear” by cable providers (without a box), usually local broadcast stations. This varies by cable company. Most other stations however are scrambled.
Cable Card – Some sets allow you to put a Cable Card in a slot. This card is provided by your cable tv company and allows you to descramble the channels without a cable box. Some people would rather not rent the box provided by the cable company. However, you may lose the TV schedule and on demand features when you use this feature instead of the provided box.
Brand Name or 2nd Tier Brand? – When purchasing an HDTV you will see familiar top level brands such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, LG, Sharp, etc. Then you will see 2nd tier brands that sell at substantial discounts to the top brands. We recommend only top tier brands for several reasons. One is that many of these 2nd tier brands offer poor servicing should something go wrong. Some charge you the freight to either ship the TV to them or back after repair. One brand we saw offers no parts after the one year warranty is up, so in effect it is a throwaway TV. Many use inferior parts. Higher end TVs have better video processors for upconverting and reducing digital noise. For these reasons we believe that top tier brands are the best way to go even though there is a higher initial cost.
Related Article: The Latest 2013 HDTV Models
Related Article: Top Rated HDTVs 2012-2013
