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26 Televisions
 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2010

Home Entertainment:
Digital Dominates
e've finally reached the point where digital technology

W has largely replaced analog for both home video and

photography. Broadcast TV signals are now all-digital,
most cable services are Increasingly moving to all-
digital service, and satellite TV and phone-company TV
services are already there.

Digital video recorders have pushed highly-rated cameras have 10 or more

out VCRs. and high-definition (HD)
Blu-ray players are challenging DVD
players. Digital cameras have been the
norm for several years, and camcord-
ers have quickly caught up, with analog
models relegated to the sidelines. Though
the soft economy has dampened spend-
ing, many consumers sticking close to
home are still in the market for products
U» make their at home hours more enjoy-
able. Tliat includes home-entertainment
gear. There are plenty of great choices
available, often al very attractive prices,
thanks to maturing technologies and
competition lor market share among
manufacturers and retailers alike.
Here's some advice to help you make
the smartest choices from the many
products available:
High specs mighl not ensure high
quality. Ads and in-store sales pitches of-
ten imply a direct relationship between
high resolution and high image quality.
Some top-perform ing TVs boast I080p
resolution, the current gold standard
among HD video formats, and many
megapixels of resolution. But resolution
isn't everything. Some high-det TVs and
high-megapixel cameras fall short in other
respects, such as contrast or color. Con-
versely, some models with lower resolu-
tion manage fine performance because
they ace those other attributes.
Performance oñea runs in the fam-
ily. You \»'on't go wrong \S you buy a
model that scored well in our full tests.
But what about a model that isn't in our
Ratings? Our test results can give you
some guidance. Products similar to
high-rated models, .such as those within
the same brand line, often turn out tobe
fine performer'..
You might not need top performauce.
Some models set a new standard for a
particular attribute or for overall perfor-
mance. But you'll often pay a premium
for those standouts. Models that rank a
few positions lower in our Ratings often
offer fine performance at a lower price.
Don't choose by rank alone; cbeck the
overall score and scores for the attributes
that matter most to you. Our rigorous
 B L U - R A Y
lests sometimes turn up fairly subtle
perfornumce distinctions—say, between
very good and excellent performance on
,m allriliute.
Beware competing formats, llie bat-
tle over high def DVDs is over—with
one format, Biu-ray, victorious—but
lither incompatible formats linger in the
home enlertainmcnt landscape, ham-
pering you in sharing and transferring
content. Ihat's especially true ¡n imag-
ing. Cameras slill use numerous memory
vdrd lornials while camcorders employ
>in ever-wider array of discs, tapes and
storage formats.
Then there's the issue of inputs and
outputs. New digital connections that
-ue capable of carrying higher-qualitv
V ideo and audio, such as RDM I. continue
ii> arrive, bul that raises the question of
compatibility. Older gear lacking such
inputs may not be able to take advantage
of the newer connectors and the quality
improvements they olfer.
BLU-RAY &
DVD PLAYERS
Hlqh-deflnltion Blu-ray players are
big news these days in the home-
entertainment world.
With the demise of the rival HD DVD
lorinat eariy in 2008, Blu-ray has become
the only HD game in town. There are nu-
merous Blu-ray player manufacturers,
and ail of the major Hollywood studios
iire now producing movies in this disc
lormat. Blu-ray machines can play the
new breed of HD discs as well as standard
DVDs,and audio CDs.
& D V D P L A Y E R S t5
Standard DVD players are still going
strong. Almost all new standard play-
ers are progressive-scan models. When
used with an HDTV, many can provide
picture quality that's better than
that of typical standard-definition TV
programming. A growing number of
progressive-scan DVD players are
"upconverting" models ihat can convert
the video contained on all regular DVDs
to pseudo HD (when viewed on an
HDTV, of course).
This guide can help you sort through
the various options to find the right disc
player for your needs. While price is al-
ways a factor, also consider the features
and brand. The connections and the
type of discs a player supports will also
he important considerations to ensure
that the player is compatible with your
other components. And make sure you
check out our shopping advice, which
should help you find the right model at
the best price.
TYPES
If you simply want to play movies
you've purchased or rented, your first
and biggest decision is whether to buy
a high-def Blu-ray player i>r stick with a
standard DVD model.
Blu-ray player. Blu ray discs contain
lÜ80p video, currently ihe highest-^res-
oiution HO. Prices have been dropping
as manufacturers battle for market
share, and piayers now cost aboui $250
to $500 and up. Prices could drop fur-
ther as more models arrive on the mar-
ket. Blu-ray discs typically sell for
about $10 more than iheir standard-def
counterparts. You can also rent Blii-ray
movies, usually at a small premium
over regular DVDs. There are already
hundreds of Blu-ray movies available.
16 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
and many more are expected, Blu-ray
players can aiso play regular DVDs,
and. like regular DVD players, they
also can play audio CDs. Current high-
def DVD players can iioid oniy one disc
at a time.
All the Biu-ray players we've tested so
far can output video signals with a maxi-
mum resolution of IO8Op, provided you
use an HDMl connection; a component-
video connection doesn't u.sually carry
I080p. in addition, all Blu ray players can
upconvert standard DVD video, usually
to 720p, 1080Í, or
Shop smart 1080p to match the
If your TV doesn't
native resolution of
an LCD, plasma, or
contain a digital
tuner, buy a rear-projection mi-
recorder with crodisplay HDTV
a digital tuner That may or may
to receive digital not result in slight-
broadcast TV, ly improved picture
quality over 480p.
Even if the picture quality is improved,
at its best, it won't he the same as video
ihiil originated in high-def.
Besides using a stand alone player, you
can play Blu-ray discs on Sony's PlaySta-
tion 3 game consoles, which have an in-
tegrated drive. The quality is as good as
with a stand-alone player, but you also
might want to get a separate remote that's
more video friendly than the typical
gaming controls.
Blu-ray has been an evolving standard.
Many Blu-ray players share common
features and connections, but there have
heen three different Blu-ray "profiles"
that include (or omit) specific features,
such as picture-in-picture and Internet
connectivity. Some older or lower-priced
models may not have all these features,
so make sure the player supports them if
they're important to you.
B U Y I N G G U I O E 2 0 1 0
Standard DVD player. Although the
transition from standard-definition
to higb-def DVD discs is clearly under
way, there are still reasons, such as price,
that you might want to hold ofFbuying a
Blu-ray player. As the transition to high-
def DVDs gains steam, you're likely to
see fewer standard-def models being
introduced, and retailers may not carry
as many models as they used to.
Almost all new DVD players are pro-
gressive-scan models. These players can
convert (or deinterlace) the interlaced
video (480i) contained on DVDs and out-
put it to your TV as a 480p video signal.
Prices for progressive-scan players start as
low as $25, and many major-brand models
are priced in the range of $50 to $75.
A growing number of progressive-scan
DVD players are upconverting models
that can convert the 48()i video contained
on all regular DVDs to pseudt)-HD reso-
lutions which more closely match the
native screen resolution of an I.CD. plasma,
or rear-project ion microdisplay HDTV.
These players start al less than $100, with
some as low as $50.
A single-disc player is fine for play-
ing movies and CDs one at a time. But if
you want to enjoy hours of uninterrupted
music, consider one of the multidisc
models, which typically hold five discs.
A jukebox may also be handy, especially
if you'll be installing it in a rack thal's
not easily accessible for changing discs.
Jukeboxes can hold an entire library—
100 or more discs—at once, and some
can automatically sort discs by content
type: movies, music, and photos. Note,
though, that multidisc models are typi-
cally about I to 2 inches taller and 6 to 7
inches deeper than single-disc players, so
make sure one will fit on your rack or in
your entertainment center.
 B L U - R A Y & D V D P L A Y E R S 17

Despite their low prîce.s, most DVD picture files. All Rlu-ray players can play
players typically have numerous features commercial Blu-ray discs and standard
and connections, including HDMI and DVDs, plus CDs. New Blu-ray players
component-video output. In addition, will play commercially released CDs, and
many standard DVD players can play a most play CDs burned with MP3 files,
variety of disc types, including record- and download streaming movies from
able DVDs and CDs burned with music Netflix and more. A given model mayor
liles and digital photos. Some can even may not play )I*HG, WMA, or video CDs,
play high-resolution multichannel SACD or DVD-/+/R/RW or DVD-RAM discs
or DVD-Audio music discs. you've recorded.
Picture control. The aspect-ratio
FEATURES control feature lets you choose between
(iettinya DVD player with all the right the squarish 4:3 viewing format of con-
features will increase your long-term sat- ventional TVs (4 inches wide for eyery
isfaction and enjoyment, 3 inches high) and the 16:9 ratio of newer
Connections. All HD players have wide-screen sets. Picture zoom lets you
HDMI and most have component video zoom in on a specific frame. Btack-lcvei
connections, which are required to view adjustment brings out the detail in dark
HD pictures on an HDTV. Mpst standard parts ofthe screen image. If you've ever
DVDplayers also have these connections wanted to see certain action scenes from
now. plus S-video and composite-video different angles, muttiangle capability
outputs. All high-def players we've seen gives you that opportunity when used
have composite-video outputs, and most with discs that include this feature.
had an S-video connection. When used Navigation. Unlike a VHS lape, most
with high-def discs, all players will sup- DVDs are sectioned. Chapter preview
|ii)rt afleast 5.1-channel sound through lets^you scan the opening seconds of
ihe digital audio outputs. each section or chapter until you find
Disc capacity. Most standard and what you want. A related DVD player
Blu-ray players'Accommodate a single feature, chapter gallery, shows thumb-
ilisc at a time. Others have carousels that nails of section or chapter opening
can hold several (generally three or five) scenes. Go-to by time lets you enter how
discs. DVD jukeboxes are able to hold many hours and minutes into the disc
100 discs or more. you'd like to skip to. Marker functions
Disc formats. In addition to commer- allow easy indexing of specific sections.
cial DVD titles. DVD players often sup- Blu-ray interactivity allows you to navi-
port playback or display of many other gate the disc's menus and other content
liirmats. They include CD-R/RW record- without leaving the movie.
ings of standard audio CDs; the record- Surround sound. Another bcnelit of
able DVD formats DVD+R/RW, DVD R/ both Blu-ray disc and standard DVD
liW, and DVD-RAM; Video CD (VCD); players is their ability to play movies
.ind DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD recorded with multichannel surround
(SACD). They can also play CD-R/RW sound. To reap the full sonic experience
discs containing MP3 and Windows .of audio encoded into standard DVD
Media Audio (WMA) files and JPEG titles, you'll need a Dolby Digital receiver
18 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y i N G
and six speakers, including a subwoofer.
(For 6.1 and 7. i soundtracks, you'll need
seven or eight speakers.) Dolby Digital
decoding built-in refers to a DVD player
that decodes the multichannel audio
before it gets to the receiver. Without the
built-in circuitry, you'd need a decoder
built into the receiver or, in rare instances,
a sepárale decoder box to take advantage
of the audio. (A Dolby Digital receiver
will also decode an older format, Dolby
Pro Logic.) Most players also support DTS
decoding for titles
using that 5.l-,6.1-,
Tech tip or 7.1-channel en-
With an HDTV coding formal.
that iacks HDMI.
you can connect When you're
to a Blu-ray player walching a movie
via a component- un DVD, dynamic
video input to get audio range con-
720p or lOaOi trols help keep ex-
HD signals. plosions and other
noisy sound effects
from seeming too loud. Some Blu-ray
players support a few additional multi-
channel formats, including Dolby Digital
Plus and DTS High Resolution Audio,
higher-resolution 7.1-channel audio, and
new lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD
Master Audio formats that are bit-for-
bit reproductions oí' the movie's masler
soundtrack.
Most DVD players also provide fea-
tures such as multilingual support, which
lets you choose dialog or subtitles in dif-
ferent languages for a movie. Parental
control is a DVD player feature lets you
lock out films by their rating code.
SHOPPING TIPS
Here are the issues lo consider:
Standard or upconverting regular
DVD player? Most standard DVD play-
ers we've tested recently provide excellent
G U I D E 2 0 1 0
480p picture quality to an HDTV. Many
new players can also upconvert regular
DVDs to pseudo-HD, often with good
results. It makes sense to buy one if you
need a player and don't want Blu-ray.
Bui if your DVD player is fine, it's ques-
tionable. Your TV must have an HDMI
input to accept upconverted video. If you
have an LCD or plasma set, it's already
upconverting the video from your exist-
ing player to match its native screen res-
olulion. A specific player might t>r might
not handle the conversion better than
your TV. Buying an upconverting model
gives you the option of using whichever
device works better.
For top picture quality, go for Blu-ray.
True HD images from a lilu-ray disc
are inherently superior to video from a
standard-definition DVD, even if it has
been upconverted. A Blu-ray high dèf disc
contain.s far more picture data, .so images
look more dclailed and lifelike. You'll see
the benefits ol a Blu-ray player most on a
1080p HDTV, which can display all the
pixels in an image, but a 72()p TV can dis-
play more detail from a high-def disc than
from a standard DVD. Note that a Blu ray
player can send I080p high-def signals
from a Blu-ray disc only via HDMI.
Consider audio capabilities. All DVD
and Blu-ray players support 5.1-channel
surround sound (all current Blu-ray play-
ers offer 7.1) and can pass along digital
signals. They can also decode the signals
and pass the analog output (stereo and
sometimes multichannel) to a receiver
or TV with analog inputs. Many new
Blu-ray players support high-resolution
multichannel audio formais such as Dolby
TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio.
Decide on features. With Blu-ray there
are three profiles, each with different
features. Most new Blu-ray players are

Profile 2.0 models, but you may find deals
on older Profile 1.1 players. Profile l.i
models offer BonusView. a picture-in-
picture feature that displays bonus con-
lent on some Blu-ray discs in a window
while the main feature is onscreen. Pro-
file 2.0 players add BD-Live, so you can
access online content such as movie trail-
ers when playing some Blu-ray discs.
Related CR report; December 2008
Ratings: page 230
DIGITAL
CAMERAS
Buying a digital camera can be dis-
orienting. There are hundreds of
cameras available at many differ-
ent types of retail outlets (online
and in traditional stores), with
prices ranging from $100 to sev-
eral thousand dollars.
The number of megapixels tells you
how many pixels the image file has. A
camera that captures H niilli(»n pixels, for
•.'xaniple, is called an S-niegapi.Kel cam-
cra.The number of megapixels a camera
teatures can also help to determine Ihe
size photos you can print or the amount
i>f cropping you can do. For example, a
4megapixel camera may be enough for
snapshots, but it you want to print poster-
•iized images or crop heavily. 8 megapixels
(or greater) are more suitable.
The size of the sensor, and the size of
each individual image sensor element,
which corresponds to pixels, can alfecl
(ihnto quality.
Our Ratings are divided into several
categories and subcategories.
DIGITAL CAMERAS t9
The point-and-shoot category includes
all cameras with lenses built into the
camera {that is, nonremovable). The small-
est cameras among them are in our Sub-
compact and Compact subcategories.
'Ttiey are gent-rally easy to use and light-
weight. They vary in the number of options
and features they include, bul generally
they don't have a lot of manual controls.
Compacts are often the least-expensive
cameras available.
The Superzoom subcalegory includes
cameras with wide zoom ranges, from
wide angle to teiephoto. A camera must
have at least a lOx optical zoom lens
for us to consider it a superzoom. These
types of cameras often, though not
always, include manual controls. They're
often larger and more expensive than
compacts and subcompacts, although
some recent models are quite slim and
compact.
The largest cameras are single-lens
reflex models, which use interchange-
able lenses. Sl.Rs are usually the most
expensive, although recently some have
dropped significantly in price. They
offer the highest quality, greatest num-
ber of manual controls and features,
and are generally more complicated lo
use than point-and-shoot cameras. We
break this category into two subcate-
gories: Basic SLRs, which are simpler
lo use, and Advanced SLRs. which are
more complex,
For many, price is a major factor when
buying a camera. In general, look to pay
the folltiwing for the type of camera
you're looking to buy:
I'or point-and-shoots (subcompacts,
compacts, and superzooms), expect
lo spend $100 to $500; for basic SLRs.
$450 to $1,200; for advanced SLRs, $700
to S2,700.
20 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
TYPES
Subcompact. Among the many types
of digital cameras, a growing number of
models are subcompacts, small cameras
that fit in a pocket, weigh a few ounces,
and can be carried everywhere. They
cost a bit more for the same capabili-
ties as compact cameras and often come
with compromises; shorter battery life,
no viewfinder, a zoom range usually no
greater than 3x, and smaller controls that
can make it awk-
Shop smart ward to operate.
Most don't have
The smallest, manual controls.
lightest models Compact. Main-
aren't necessarily
stream compacts are
inexpensive
cameras. too big for pockets
but small enough
lor most handbags. They're simple to
use and best for everyday events such
as family gathering,s. Some don't have
manual controls for exposure and com-
position, limiting you to the camera's
assortment of preset scene modes, as
with subcompacts.
Superzoom. Superzoom cameras
are characterized by a very long zoom
range—lOx or greater, which is good for
sports, travel, or nature shooting. While
traditionally bulkier and heavier than
compact digicams, a few new models are
designed to be smaller and tigbter.
SLR. Single-lens reflex cameras are
more serious cameras, with the ability to
capture fast action or create photograph-
ic art under the most demanding light
conditions. SLRs, the largest and heaviest
type, offer the most versatility and power,
including interchangeable lenses. They
boast instant startup, minimal shutter
lag for fast, continuous shooting, a large
image sensor, RAW images, and excellent
battery life. Some SLRs now also record
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
HD video. As more people move up to
SLRs, some very convenient features are
also trickling up from small cameras. Ex-
amples include onscreen help guides and
real-time framing on the I.CD rather
ihan only through the viewfinder. Basic
SLRs are simple to use, while Advanced
SLRs are more complex to operate and
feature laden.
A new type of camera, called Micro
Four Thirds, is emerging on the market.
It offers the size and simplicity of point-
and-shoot digital cameras, yet also fea-
tures interchangeable lenses—much like
digital SLRs. As of press time, Olympus
and Panasonic had introduced Micro
Four Tliirds models.
FEATURES
Before you buy, consider the follow-
ing features, which are included on most
digital cameras.
Exposure modeN. Most digital cam-
eras, including SLRs, are highly auto-
mated, with features such as automatic
exposure control, which manages the
shutter speed and aperture according
to the available light. In that mode, the
camera generally handles setting ISO
and autofocus as well. But there are
other program modes that allow you to
control specific settings, including shut-
ter priority, aperture priority, as well as
special scene modes. Some cameras in-
clude full manual controls, which let you
set shutter speed and aperture.
Zoom lenses. This type of lens, which is
actually made up of several difterent lenses
or len.s elements, allows you to vary the
focal length. That provides you with flex-
ibility in^framing shots and closes the
distance between you and your subject,
which is ideal ifyou want to quickly switch
to a close shot. The typical 3x zoom on

mainstream cameras goes from a moder-
ately wide-angle view (35-mm equivalent)
to moderate telepholo (105-mni equiva-
lent). You can find cameras with extended
7oom ranges between 5x and 26x, giving
vou added versatility, If you want a greater
view angle lor more panoramic landscapes
>ir group portraits, Jouk for cameras with
,1 wide angle end of the zoom range of
28 mm equivalent or lower.
One common feature of zoom lenses
is that they generally protrude from the
camera when you turn it on. But some
subconipacts and a few compacts and
superzooms have non-telescoping lenses.
On larger compacts or superzooms, you
might also find a manual focus ring simi-
lar to the one on an SLR lens, although
manual focusing on a point-and shoot
works differently than that on an SI.R.
Optical zooms are much belter than
iligilal zooms, which merely magnify the
center of the frame without actually
increasing picture detail. Almost all point-
and-shoot digital cameras include zoom
lenses, SLRs. which can use interchange-
able lenses, often ship with a zoom lens,
but also u.se prime or non-zoom lenses.
Image stabilization. More and more
cameras, including many with powerful
lenses, now come with image stabiliza-
lion (IS), a technology that compensates
for handheld camera shake. Often. IS lets
you shoot with a slower shutter speed
than you otherwise could without pro-
ducing blur due to hand shake (though it
won't compensate for a subject's motion).
Optical (in the lens) and mechanical (in
the camera body) image .stabilizers are
(he best types to use, although some cam-
cra.s include simulated stabilization.
In SI.R5, some brands include mechan-
ical stabilizers, which can use IS with
every lens. But some SLR brands only
DIGITAL CAMERAS 21
include optical IS in telephoto or long
zoom lenses, which are the ones that need
it most. The optical-based IS generally
produces better results than mechanical-
ba.scd IS. But you won't have IS on every
lens because it's nol built into the camera
body. IS is a feature you should look for,
especially if the camera has an optical
zootn greater ihan 3x.
Face detection and "Smart Camera"
features. This digital camera feature at-
tempts to find a face in the image to set
focus, exposure, and color balance so that
faces appear in focus and well exposed.
When we've tried it, we found that ii usu-
ally worked well. In some cameras, you
need to turn on the feature. In others, it's
enabled at the factory, but can be turned
oil. Other types or variants of face detec-
tion are beginning to appear in newer
cameras too, such as a smile shutter mixlc,
which shoots a photo of the subject when a
subject smiles. Other types include blink
warning, which alerts you to shots in
which a subject might have blinked.
Focus. In addition to being able to auto-
matically set exposure, digital cameras
automatically adjust the focus of the lens
\yith autofocus (AF) features. Rut more
advanced cameras include additional
focusing functions. Be sure to look care-
fully at the types of additional features
available on your camera, including man-
ual focus. On SI.Rs, look for the number of
AF points they have and what types of AF
modes are available. SLRs include addi-
tional types of AF (often called dynamic
AF) that groups focus points into afieldto
more accurately track moving subjects.
Shooting modes. Most cameras have
three options for shooting still images:
.single image, burst mode, and self-timer.
The burst mode allows you to fire off a
series of shots quickly, for several, dozens.
22 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
and sometimes scores of shots. Some
SI.Rs can shoot more than a hundred
shots in a burst, and do so very quickly
(measured in frames per second, or fps).
Some newer advanced point-and-shoots
are able to capture many shots per sec-
ond, tot). As the name implies, the self-
timer mode provides a delay between the
moment the shutter button is pressed and
the photo is captured. Some cameras let
you set the length of this delay and the
number of shots you can take.
Playback modes. All digital cameras
can review images on the LCD, along
with exposure arid other information
embedded in the image file. So, you can
quickly see what the image actually
looks like, and delete it if you don't like
it. Many cameras have automatic orien-
tation features that turn the photo verti-
cally or horizontally to correspond to
how you shot the photo. When reviewing,
you can use the zoom control to mag-
nify portions of the image file. The LCD
screen is also where you would access
the camera's menu system in order to
change various settings and access fea-
tures. A few types of digital cameras
include either touch screen LCDs (jr
LCDs that swivel. The best LCDs also
don't change in color or tone (often
called solarizing) when viewed at an
angle, although we don't test for this.
Selected models include slideshow fea-
tures, and some even let you play music
or create a multimedia slideshow.
ISO. This setting expresses how sensi-
tive the sen.sor is to light. Many cameras
allow you to set various ISO settings
(anywhere from ISO 100 to ISO 1600,
although some ranges can be even greater,
particularly on SLRs). The advantage in
being able to set a higher ISO is that
you can tben have more flexibility in
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
adjusting either the aperture or shutter
speed, l-or example, if you need to shoot
an image at 1/250 of a second in order to
"freeze" the action, but you have only
enough light for a shutter speed of a 1/125
of a second, one option is to change the
aperture to let more light in. But if you re
already at the wide.st aperture, you can
instead increase the ISO from 100 ISO
to 400 ISO, and you should be able to set
the higher shutter speed.
But high ISO settings on point-and-
shoot cameras, which have smaller sen.sors
than SLRs, often sutler from image noise,
which makes photos look grainy and
degrades image quality. There is al.so con-
cern about the relationship between high
megapixel counts and sensor sizes. The
more megapixels manufacturers cram
onto the same-sized sensor, the more
visualflawscan appear in the images.
Many point and-shoots include high
ISO settings, which they market as being
able to shoot images in low light. But in
our tests, very few poini and-shoots have
been able to deliver high quality images
at ISO settings above 400. Because of
their larger sensor sizes, many SLRs can
produce quality images at ISO settings of
800 ISO or abo\'e.
LCD viewers. Optical viewfinders,
which were once ubiquitous on cameras,
are being replaced by larger, sharper color
LCD viewers. Some are now as large as
3.5 inches. These di.splays are accurate in
framing the actual image you get—better
than most optical viewfinders—but they
can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
Tliis live-view functionality, available in
point-and shoots for years, has also been
appearing on more and more SLRs, which
have traditionally used the LCDs only
for playing back or reviewing images. A
camera with both an optical viewfinder

and an I.CD viewfinder is more versatile,
especially when you shoot in bright light
iir need to conserve battery power.
Flash. Available on almost every digital
camera, a flash (or strobe) allows you lo
illuminate subjects via a short burst of
light. Nearly all have auto-flash modes, a
setting that will automatically fire a Hash
whenever ihe camera senses there Isn't
onough illumination for a correct expo-
sure. Most include other flash modes,
including red-eye reduction mode, which
minimises a common flash camera prob-
lem (although you can alsofixthis in an
image-editing program when the image is
stortd on your computer). There are pri-
marily two types of flashes associated
with consumer-level cameras: A built-in
(onboard or, in some cases, pop-up) strolie
is generally positioned directly above or
diagonally above ihe lens. An external
strobe, sold separately as an accessory, fits
into a camera's hot shoe, which lets you
attach this accessory on to a high-end
digital point-and-shoot or SLR. Many
cameras include a number of flash modes
ihat allow you to alter the type of flash or
ihe strength ofthe illumination.
Image file formats. The most com-
monly used file format is the IPEG, a
compressed image format that allows
you to use the file for a number of differ-
ent applications, such as printing photos
but also for inclusion in Web pages and
L-mailing as attachments. A number of
high-end compact and superzoom cam-
eras and all SLRs can also capture images
in afileformat commonly known as RAW.
Tliis format is most often uncompressed
and the image isn't processed inside Ihe
tamcra. as with IPEC>files.RAWfilescan
yield the best-quality images and ihe
mosl flexibility when manipulating the
photos with software.
DIGITAL CAMERAS 23
Memory cards. Instead offilm,nearly
all digital cameras record their shots
and store them on flash-memory cards,
although a few models also have had
onboard flash-memory capacities greater
than I gigabyte "GB." CompactPla.sh (CF)
and Secure Digital (SD) are the most
widely used. Other memory cards used
include Memory Stick Duo and xD.
Although these storage cards were once
quite expensive, they have recently
dropped signifi-
cantly in price. Tech tip
Connections.
A 6-megapixei
To save images, camera, or
you transfer them 8 rnegapixels
to a computer, typ- for cropping
ically by connect- and enlarging,
ing the camera lo is all thai most
the computer s USB consumers need.
port, or inserting
the memory card into a special reader.
(Many computers now have built-in
card readers.) Cameras can also be con-
nected to printers, or you can insert the
memory cards directly into select print-
ers. Both options allow you lo print
photos without needing to transfer
them to a computer. Most cameras also
include a video output that lets you view
images on your TV. Some even include
an HDMI output that can be attached to
an HDTV,
SHOPPING TIPS
Don't focus on megapixels. Despite the
prevalence of 8-, 10-, and 12- megapixel
cameras, 6 megapixels is all the reso-
lution most people need. If you often
crop or enlarge your images, get at least
8 megapixels. Higher resolution doesn't
necessarily produce better prints, so don't
let a salesperson push a camera based on
its megapixel count.
24 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Shop by brand. Before diving into
specific models, consider some charac-
teristics by brand, culled from our years
of digital-camera tests. For example,
Kodak emphasizes simplicity and ease of
use. Canon, Nikon, and Olympus offer
full lineups for every type of user. Casio
specializes in ultraslim models. Sam-
sung offers cameras with high styling
and multimedia
features. Panasonic
Shop smart uses image stabi-
To shoot group lizers and Leica
portraits or lenses throughout
panoramic its iine. Sony uses
scenes, look for Zeiss lenses, a
a zoom lens of
28-mm equivalent
brand well-known
in the camera worid.
or lower. Four camera
brands perform consistently better than
others, year after year, across a wide
range of prices, according to our first-
ever analysis uf such trends among the
point-and-shoot brands we regularly test.
Those standouts: Canon, Casio, Pan-
asonic, and Samsung.
That's not to say that those four brands
have a monopoly on making fine cameras
or that every model they make is a great
choice. They just offer you the best chance
of getting a superior performer when you
buy a camera model we haven't tested.
Try it out. If possible, try cameras at
a store before you buy. That way, you'll
know which one fits your hand,s best.
In our tests, some of the smallest didn'l
leave much room even for small fingers.
Keep your other cameras in mind.
IÍ you own a film camera with inter-
changeable lenses, you can often use the
lenses on digital SLRs of the same brand.
Tbere are some exceptions, like new
Nikon bodies that only operate autofocus
on AF-S or AF-I lenses.
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Foi^o the extended warranty. Digital
cameras have been among the mosl reli-
able products in our subscriber surveys.
Only about 5 percent of those purchased
from 2004 through 2008 have been
repaired or had a serious problem. In our
latest electronics-buying survey, more
than 70 percent of digital camera buy-
ers were pitched an extended warranty
in stores. We don't think it pays to buy an
extended warranty for a digital camera.
Related CR report: September 2009
Ratings: pages 210, 216
DIGITAL PICTURE
FRAMES
A digital photo frame could be a
good idea for anyone who's tired of
seeing the same old lineup of photos
on the mantel.
That's because you can make the pic-
tures inside Ihe frame change automati-
cally. To set a frame up, you just plug it
into a power outlet, insert your digital
camera's memory card, and choose the
photos you want to show.
Some frames contain built in mem-
ory, so you can store photos in the frame
and then return the memory card to
your camera. Some can store and play
digital music to accompany photos and
others can play short digital video clips,
although not all of those can play audio
with the video.
TYPES
Squarish vs. wide screen. Some frames
are wide-screen; others stick closer
to a more traditional squarish shape.
 D I G I T A L
Wide-screen frames usually utilize a 16x9
aspect ratio.
Simple vs. full-featured, i-nime manu-
facturers are loading a broad range of fea-
tures onto their products, including iPod
docks, Wi-Fi connectivity, speakers, and
more. There are still a few frames, how-
ever, that keep it simple, emphasizing the
photograph and nol the accompanying
helkand whistles. We recommend going
for the simple frame, although Wi-Fi and
extra storage are handy extras.
FEATURES
Certain features can help ensure your
satisfaction with a digital picture frame
long after you buy it.
Screen size. Frames generally range
in size (rom about 3x5 to 10x12 inches.
What's more important is the display
area within the frame. We tested 7- and
8-inch frames, measured diagonally.
Image quality. This is a frame's most
important attribute. Almost all of the
displays we tested were judged good or
very good for overall picture quality. ITie
screen surface also might affect how well
you see the picture. Many models have
matte, nonreflective screens. Others place
the .screen under a pieceof glass that cre-
ates a bit of glare in some cases, even if
ihe glass has an antiglare coating.
Display resoIutioD. Display resolution
is the manufacturer's stated resolution.
It's the number of pixels, horizontally
by vertically, that the frame can display.
Most 7- and 8 inch frames we tested have
a resolution of 800x600 or 800x480. In
our tests, most of those frames had good
or very good picture quality. But when
resolution went below those numbers,
picture quality was not as good.
Aspect ratio. Aspect ratio represents
the relationship between an image's
P I C T U R E F R A M E S 25
height and width. Most frames use a
4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio. They work well
because most digital cameras shoot at
4:3 and digital SLR cameras shoot at
3:2. But an increasing number of frames
display the wide screen 16:9 ratio typi-
cal of digital TVs. Many cameras can
shoot images at 16:9, but only if you
change ihe camera's default setting. If
you shoot at the standard 4:3 or 3:2, dis-
playing those images on a 16:9 frame
can distort the images as the frame
stretches and crops to make the pictures
fit. You can select a 4:3 setting on those
frames, but that leaves black bars on
each side of the image. Frames with a 4:3
aspect ratio provide the best view for
most people.
Built-in storage. Some frames have
built in memory that can store images,
which is more convenient than leaving
your cameras memory card in the frame.
Look for at least 256 megabytes (MB).
Memory cards. Most models accept
the common types of storage cards, such
as SI), CompactFlash, or Memory Stick.
Make sure a frame uses the same type as
your camera.
USB port. Ifyou want to transfer digi-
tal images directly from your computer,
look for a frame with a USB port. (Those
with a USB 2.0 port, noted in the Ratings,
have faster transfer rates than those with
USBl.L)
Wi-Fi. Ifyou get a frame with Wi-Fi
connectivity, you may be able to down-
load photos from your computer's hard
drive (provided it's also got a network
connection). Many frames also connect
with particular photo sharing sites.
A few frames let you connect via Blue-
tooth. If your camera or cell phone has
Bluetooth, you might find that's a handy
way to get photos to your frame.
26 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
SHOPPING TIPS
Make picture quality your top prior-
ity. After alt, you're looking at your fav-
orite family photos and memories.
Fit the frame to the recipient. Some
frames require only the ability to plug in a
memory card. Others may have confusing
menus or require wireless setup. Make sure
the person you're buying tor has some lech-
savvy if a frame fits the latter category.
Skip the wide-screen models. Unless
you take pictures using a 16x9 aspect
ratio (which most cameras allow, but not
by default), stick to frames with a normal
(4x3 or 3x2) aspect ratio. Otherwise, the
frame will display bars above and below
or on the sides of the picture, or you'll
have to stretch it to nil the screen.
Get at least a 7-inch frame. This size
will allow you lo display a full 4x6 photo.
Consider your photo-sharing service.
11 you use an online photo-sharing site
like Snapfish or Flickr, choose a wireless
frame that supports your site.
Related CR report: July 2009
Ratings: page 21S
TELEVISIONS
If an uncertain economy has gotten
you down, there's news that could
lift your spirits: Prices of flat-panel
HDTVs continue to fall, while their
performance continues to improve.
You can start your quest for a new TV
set by selecting types and features, or you
can focus in on what kind of consumer/
viewer you are.
With prices down sharply across the
board, buyers in search of an HDTV that
will be easy on the wallet, whether for
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
their main set or a second or third, will
find choices galore. For as little as $700
to $1,000, you can buy a very good 40- or
42-inch LCD TV or a 42-inch plasma set,
a good size for a main TV, LCDs with
32- and 37 inch screens, better for second-
ary sets, sell for a few hundred les.s.
You'ii find plenty of brands in the
budget class. Major TV makers have
come out with lower-priced lines such as
Samsung's B460 sets and Sony's L- and
S-series sets, which are sold at mass
merchants such as Wal-Mart and Target
and warehouse clubs such as Costco, and
in electronics stores. Budget sets we've
tested often have fewer features than
mainstream models.
Look for up-and-coming brands such
as Vizio and store brands such as Besi
Buy's Insignia. Those might include more
features than a similarly priced major-
brand model. Some lower priced sets
have done well in our Ratings. Also, you
can keep the cost down by sticking with
mainstream features, such as two HDMl
inputs rather than three or four, or an
LCD set with a 60Hz refresh rate rather
than 120Hz.
If you view your TV mostly as a way
to bring the movie-theater experience
home, you'll need a set that can help cre-
ate a theater-like atmosphere. To do jus-
tice to your favorite flicks, choose a TV
with at least a 40-inch screen, and think
bigger for greater dramatic impact. Plas-
ma sets generally display richer, more
movie-like images than LCD TVs, with
better blacks, truer colors, and better
detail in shadows. Because of their wide
viewing angles, plasma sets are prefer-
able if some viewers won't be centered in
front of the screen. If you want the best
image detail, get a 1080p model. Watch-
ing a Blu ray high-def movie on a set

like that will give you the best possible
home viewing.
Our tests have shown that LCDs using
LED backlights give plasmas a run for
iheir money in producing deep blacks,
great contrast, and accurate colors. While
l.FD backlighting now commands a sig-
nificant premium over models with the
traditional fluorescent backlights, we
expect prices for l.KD based sets to fall as
the technology becomes widespread,
Ihe next best thing to being at the
game is watching it on a big-screen HDTV,
especially because so many events are
shot in high-def. Look for at least a 50-
inch .screen; go larger if you'll be cheering
on the team with a crowd. Plasma sets are
great for sports, thanks to an almost
unlimited viewing angle and the ability
to display fast motion without visible
blurring. Glare and reflections are issues
with some sets; window shades are a must
lor daytime games.
Many LCDs have brighter screens than
plasmas and look better in daylight. But
most have a narrow viewing angle, so the
picture degrades it you move to the side
or up and down. Some LCD sets in our
Ratings (notably the Panasonics) have a
wider viewing angle than most. With
LCDs, l2üHz technology can reduce
motion blur when the play is fast and
furious. With a big screen, lOSOp resolu-
tion can bring out such fine details as the
lexture ofthe grass. Picture-in-picture
capability lets you view two games simul-
tiinL'ously, one in a smaller window,
i-antasy-league fans might want a .set with
online access lo Web based news and
sports data. Though many TV providers
offer sports packages, DirecTV's are the
most comprehensive.
Tbeflagshipmodels from major brands
are usually loaded with innovative features.
TELEVISIONS 27
Just be prepared to pay a premium to be
on the cutting edge.
Recent l.C^D innovations include LED
backlights and 240Hz refresh rates de-
signed to reduce motion blurring mcire
than 120Hz does; we'll test such sets and
report on tbem. In rear-project ion sets,
Mitsubishi has two LaserVue DLP models,
the first and only sets to use a laser back-
light. Samsung and Mitsubishi have 3D-
capable rear-projection DLP sets.
The biggest trend
is Internet connec- Tech tip
tivity. Most major Many higher-
brands have sets priced sets use
with direct access sophisticated
to online content, video processing
usually from spe- to reduce
cific partners. Ihey jerkiness when
require an Internet the camera pans.
connection near
your TV. ITiere's also hope for the next
generation of CableCards: tru2way tech-
nology, available for Panasonic sets in
limited areas. Unlike TVs with the older
CableCard slots, tru2way-ready sets are
designed to access all digital-cable ser-
vices, including an interactive program
guide and video-on-demand (VOD) using
the remote control.
Buying a TV involves many choices,
including budget, screen type, size, and
definition:
Budget. Of course, your budget will
aifect all of your decisions, It's possible
to find good small-screen TVs selling
for a few hundred dollars, while larger
sets go for several thousand, and there
are many models that fall in between
those extremes.
Screen type. If you're like most buy-
ers, you've probably settled on a slim,
flat-panel LCD TV. but don't rule out a
plasma set. Though LCDs and plasmas
28 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
iookvery similar on fhe outside, they use
different technologies and the pictures
have different characteristics. While
LCDs outsell plasmas by a wide margin,
don't automatically assume LCDs are the
way to go—plasma TVs have a lot to rec-
ommend them.
Front-projector TVs offer the largest
picture available, but are not ideal for
everyday use. You may still find rear-
projection and classic picture-tube televi-
sion models, though
Shop smart both these types
are disappearing
We believe most
from the market.
buyers wouid be
happy with at Screen size. This
least a 40-inch depends on your
screen for their budget, the size of
main TV. your room, where
you'll be sitting,
and the number of people who will be
watching the TV simultaneously.
You can't compare screen size between
your old and new TV; moving from a
27-inch old-format set to a 32-inch wide-
screen does not provide an appreciably
bigger picture—content will be perceived
as the same size, though wider. For the
most part, we recommend at least a
37-inch screen for a primary TV you'll
watch often, and we believe most con-
sumers would be happier with a 40- to
42-inch TV, budget and room size per-
mitting. In larger rooms, a 46-inch-or-
bigger set is often preferable. Screens of
about 26 to 32 inches are good for casual
viewing in bedrooms, and even smaller
screen sizes suit kitchens.
When deciding how a set will fit in
your room, remember to factor in view-
ing distance. TV programming tends to
look better and more natural if you sit at
least 5 feet from a 40- to 47-inch set and
6 feet from a 50-inch-or-larger TV.
B U Y I N G GUIDE; 2 0 1 0
Screen resolution. Resolution indi-
cates the number of pixels, or picture
elements, on the screen. The more pixels,
the finer the detail a screen can display.
You'll see HDTVs advertised as being
720p or 1080p, sometimes called "full
HD." While a lOSOp set has the potential
to display finer detail than a 720p set,
resolution alone doesn't determine
picture quality. Other factors such as
brightness, contrast, and color also come
into play.
You can better appreciate the finer
detail of a 1080p screen on a 50-inch-or-
larger TV, though you might see subtle
improvements on a 40-to 47-inch .screen.
In smaller sizes, the benefits of 1080p are
less obvious on typical HO content.
One exception: If you plan to use your
TV as a computer display, 1080p resolu-
tion is a plus even on smaller screens.
FEATURES
Features can help to ensure your
satisfaction with a TV long after you
park it in your living room, Many fea-
tures, such as the inputs and outputs,
are common to all TV types, while some
are relevant only to a particular type of
TV; that's indicated below. Here are
some ofthe more important TV features
to consider.
Connections. One ofthe most critical
considerations with any TV is the num-
ber and type of inputs it has for hook-
ing up to your devices. Most new TVs
have two component-video and at least
two HDMI inputs, which should be ade-
quate for most current uses. You might
want more HDMI inputs to future-proof
your set, as this type of input is likely
to become even more widely used than
it is already. Both types are capable of
carrying HD signals from devices such

as cable and .satellite boxes and digital-
video recorders (DVRs). You can use the
R[- (antenna/cable) input to feed high-def
TV signals, either from an off-air antenna
lo a set with an ATSC tuner or from a
cable to a set with a QAM tuner. S-video
and composite video inputs are generally
used for connecting older gear sucb as a
VCR or sometimes a DVD player. If you
want to hook up a video-game system
(ir digital camcorder occasionally, look
for a TV with front- or side-panel inputs,
which are more accessible than those on
the rear of the set.
Aspect-ratio adjustments. Most wide-
screen (16:9) sels have stretch and zoom
modes that expand or compress an image
U) lili the screen better. That helps to
reduce or eliminate ihc dark bands tbat
can appear on the sides or top and bol-
loin of images if you watch content thai
isn't formatted for a wide screen, includ-
ing most standard-deHnition TV pro-
grams and even some HD content. The
t radeoff is that the picture is distorted or
cut off.
Fiim mode. This improves the appear-
ance of movies converted from film
to video. That includes most theatrical
releases on DVD and many movies shown
on TV, "I'his feature (also called 3;2 pull-
down, motion compensation, or brand-
specific names such as CineMotion and
Film Mode) helps to compensate for the
difference in frame rates between fiim
(24 fps) and video (30 fp.s), which can cre-
<ite jerkiness and jagged edges on moving
images. Since most TVs and progressive-
.scan DVD players also have a film-mode
teature. experiment to see which device
does (he best job of making the images
look smoother,
TV settings and modes. All TVs have
menus with settings that enable you to
TELEVISIONS 29
adjust the picture, sound, and more.
Since most TVs are sold with their set-
tings optimized for retail showrooms
rather than homes, we suggest adjusting
the TV's settings once you get home to
gel the best viewing experience. Many
TVs have pre.set picture modes that are
already optimized for certain lypes of
content (such as movies, sports, or games);
other TVs require you to make adjust-
ments one by one. Wiih more sources for
video available all the time, il's handy to
have a feature that allows you to custom-
ize settings for each input, such as the
one you routinely use for your cable box
or the DVD player.
CableCard slots. Available on a small
nuniber nf TVs, a CableCard slot lets
you use a card, rented to you by ihe cable
conipany for a few dollars a month,
instead of a cable box. When the card is
inserted, the TV can receive scrambled
digital cable content, including high-det
programming. That eliminates the need
for an extra piece of equipmeni ajid
cables, but ihere is a downside: Most
current CableCards are one-way, so they
don'l provide an interactive program
guide, video-on-demand, or pay-per-
view ordering via the remote control.
'Ilie first two-way cards are starting to
show up.
Picture-in-picture. This lets you watch
two channels at once^one in a small
window, the other asa full-screen image.
A single-tuner TV requires another
device, such as a DVR or cable box, to
display two programs at once; dual-
luner TV models are able to display two
programs simultaneously on their own.
On some TVs, piclure-in-picture is dis-
abled when the HDMI input is used.
Illuminated remote. Some remotes
use some type of illumination—either
30 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
backlighted keys or glow-in-the-dark
keys—to make it easier to use in a dark-
ened room. Backlighting is preferred,
since glow-in-the-dark keys fade quickly.
In some cases, only a few of the most-
used keys are illuminated.
Speakers. Most TVs include built-in
speakers; monitors, which don't include
an ATSC tuner, often don't come with
speakers. Front projectors generally don't
include speakers, cither. Some models
have detachable speakers. Ihe location
of the speakers can affect the width of
the set and could determine whether it
will fit into a niche in an entertainment
center. A recent trend wiih flat-panel TVs
has been toward "invisible" speakers thai
are integrated within the screen bezel
and barely visible to the eye. Some TVs
have audio outputs that will allow you to
connect external speakers or a powered
suhwoofer.
SHOPPING TIPS
View screens critically in Ihe store.
TVs are usually sel to Vivid or Dynam-
ic mode, which pumps up brightness
and color to a level that looks great un-
der lluoresceni lights but unnatural in a
typical home. In addition, stores often
display sports programs, which tend to
have super-bright lighting and vivid
colors that minimize any flaws in the
picture. Ideally, you could ask a salesper-
son to reset a TV to Normal or Standard
mode, but most retailers won't allow this.
See if they'll tune in programming with
typical indoor .scenes (including people, if
possible, so you can evalúale skin tones).
Don't buy expensive cables. "Prestige"
brands offer very-high-priced cables,
You'll see some HDMI cables in the
6-foot-range (a typical length) selling
for $100 or more, and longer cables that
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
cost several times that. We've found
that modestly-priced brands sold at
most consumer electronics stores for
half that price or less should be fine for
typical use. Avoid inexpensive cables al
dollar stores; those might have flimsy
conneclors or inadei|uate shielding on
the cable Itself.
Try negotiating. You might be able to
talk your way to a better price, especially
for higher-priced TVs, See what a TV is
selling for at reputable online retailers
aiîd in local stores, and use that informa-
tion in negotiating il price. Once you've
chosen a set, ask for a break on installa-
tion or delivery costs, or for free HDMI
or component-video cables.
Shop where you'll gel a price guaran-
tee. Many retailers will malch or beat a
lower price from a local competitor, so
go to the store with those prices in hand.
Even after the sale, some stores promise
a refund if they reduce the price of your
TV within a specified period of time,
often 30 to 60 days, or if you find the
set selling elsewhere for less. Save your
receipt and keep checking ads.
Skip the extended warranty. It's gen-
erally not worth the money to buy an
extended warranty for an LCD or plasma
TV. Our survey data from thousands of
TV buyers show thai sets of both type.s
from most major brands have had a very
low rate of repairs for the first three
years of use, and most repairs cost less
than $200. A warranty often costs just as
much if not more Ihan thai. Use a credit
card that doubles your warranty, or shop
at a retailer like Costco, which adds one
year to the standard coverage. Detailed
repair rates by brand are available to
subscribers.
Use price-comparison sites. Many
Internet shopping sites are one-stop

shops where you can check prices for spe-
cific TVs at hundreds of retailers. You can
sort ihe listings by price, including tax
and shipping, and check reader reviews
of products and retailers. Some .sites to
consider: BizRate (and its affiliate. Shop-
zilla), Coogie Product Search, mySimon,
PriceGrabber.com, Shopping.com {and
iiffiliate DealTime). and Yahoo Shopping.
Ytiu'll also find a price comparison and
local shopping link in the Ratings at
ConsumcrReports.org.
Set price alerts. Some price-comparison
sites will send price alerts bye mail. Indi-
cate your target cost or range tor a model,
and the site will e-mail you when it finds
a store selling at that price.
LCD TVs
It's liltle wonder that LCD TVs are
by far ibe besl selling lype of TV. LCD
TVs are slim and light, and Ihey come
in a wide range of sizes including big-
screen models.
Many new LCD sets have screens
measuring 40 inches and up, and sets
with 50-plus-inch screens are now com-
mon. No matter how large the screen,
LCD sets are only a few inches deep and
light enough to be wall mounted, about
75 pounds or so for a 46-inch .set.
There are many more companies selling
LCD than plasma TVs. LCD televisions
still cost more than most comparably
sized plasma sets, but ihe gap is nar-
rowing, particularly in the 50-inch-and-
up category. Most big-screen LCD sets
have 1920x1080. or 1080p, resolution, the
highest currently available, giving them
the potential to display all the detau in a
high-def signal.
Technology has improved in a number
of ways over recent years, resulting in
better performance. High def LCD TVs
TELEVISIONS 31
have millions of pixels (the tiny elements
that make up an image) that open to
let light ihrough or close to block it,
somewhat like tiny shutters. Light tends
to leak thnuigh even when the "shut-
ters" are closed, one reason LCDs have
had trouble displaying deep black
levels. However, some new models
have minimized ihis problem by using
LF.D backlights and so called local-
dimming technology, enabling them
to produce deeper
blacks.
The use of LED
Tech tip
backlighting in-" Check an LCD
TV's viewing
stead of fluorescent angle if you won't
lights in some new aiwavs watch the
sets has addressed set head-on.
other issues too.
LED backlighting potentially enables
an LCD TV to display a wider range of
colors and more evenly distribute light
across the back of the panel for more
consistent brightness on all parts of the
screen. In addition, the use of 12OH7.
and 240Hz technology on some new
TVs has improved their ability to display
fast-moving scenes without blurring.
LEDs also use less energy than conven-
tional lamps.
'there's slight progress, in widening
the viewing angle, a traditional weak-
ness of LCD displays. With most sets,
the picture looks its best only from a
fairly narrow .sweet spot right in front
ol the screen. When viewed from otl-
center, the color, contrast, or brightness
changes, atfecting the picture quality.
A few new LCD TVs have a wider view-
ing angle, though most still have this
limitation. There's mounting evidence
that LCD TVs have been highly reliable
products requiring few repairs during
the first three years of use.
32 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0

FEATURES frames per second—120 or 240 rather

LCD TVs come in the widest range .than the typical 60—by inserting addi-
of sizes of any TV type, from 15 inches tional video frames (or black frames).
or so up to 65 inches and even larger. Because there is less time between frames,
Small sets with 15- to 19-inch screens, motion appears smoother.
including a mix of standard-def and
high-def models, are most suitable for SHOPPING TIPS
use in a kitchen or office. Those with 26- An LCD is a better choice than a plasma
to 37 inch screens might serve in a bed- in certain situations. You have a wider
room or small living room. Most LCD choice of screen .sizes and a bigger selec-
TVs with screens 26 inches and larger tion of IOaOp models. LCDs are generally
are HD models. brighter than plasma TVs, and their
A TV measuring screens are generally less reflective. That
Shopping on the
40 inches or larger makes them better for daytime viewing in
Internet? Don't "'s a good choice for rooms with lots of windows or for night-
forget to include "se as a primary time use in rooms with bright lighting.
shipping costs, set in most homes. With an LCD. there's no chance that
which can be Many LCD sets static images from video games and
substantial with a with 4ü-inch-plus computer programs—as well as station
big-screen TV. screens have 1080p logos, news tickers, even the bars along-
resolution; others side standard-dcf pictures—will burn in.
have 720p resolution. With a plasma TV, burn-in has been a
Typical selling prices for LCD sets are concern, though most new models have
about $500 to $1,000 for a 32-inch model, features to minimize that risk.
$650 to $1,200 for a 37-inch set, $700 to Some LCDs use slightly less power
SL800 for a 40- to 42-inch set, $900 to than comparably sized plasma TVs. It
$3,00(1 for a 46- to 47-inch set, and $1,300 won't cut your utility bills by more than
to $4,000 for a 52-inch set. 1080p sets a few dollars a month, but there is an
typically costa few hundred dollars more environmental advantage to using a less
than a comparable 720p model. Prices in power-hungry TV.
larger sizes continue to drop. In all size Here are points to consider if you've
categories, you'll see less-established decided an LCD TV is right for you:
brands selling for hundreds less. Check the viewing angle. Before buy-
Among LCD TV features to look for: ing, see how the picture looks if you step
I20Hz and 240Hz technology. This off to the side or move up and down. With
helps to reduce a problem that alTects many, you'll see a .somewhat washed-out
most LCD TVs: a tendency to blur during image as your viewing position angles
scenes with fast motion, such as sports away from front and center. Also check
programs. That's because LCD response out the viewing angle scores in our Rat-
times {how long it takes for the TV to ings for the expert take on this.
"refresh" its picture) have typically heen Don't get hung up on specs. Ads tout-
slower than that of other IV technolo- ing high contrast ratios and brightness
gies. To address this, some new sets dis- (in cd/m-, or candelas per square meter)
play double or quadruple the number of might sway you to one set over another.

Manufacturers arrive at specs differently,
!.o they might not be comparable. Also,
keep in mind that TVs are often opti-
mized for bright retail environments, not
home viewing.
Look for easy-to-use inputs. On many
I C^D televisions, the connections are on
the side or rear of the panel and might be
dilhcuit lo reach.
Consider a set that doubles as a com-
puter display. If you need a computer
display as well as a TV, check connectiv-
ity options. An HD set with high native
resolution, preferably 1080p, is best for
computer use. A standard VGA connec-
tion works with all computers.
Plasma TVs
Plasma TVs make a blockbuster first
impression. A scant 6 inches thick or
less, these sleek, i^lat panels display bright
images on screens measuring 42 to 60
inches or more diagonally.
A plasma screen is made up of thou-
sands of pixels containing gas that's
converted into "plasma" (ionized gas) by
an electrical charge. The plasma emits
ultraviolet light that causes phosphors to
glow red, green, or blue, as dictated by a
video signal.
Because of improvements in plasma
technology, the best sets have excellent
picture quality. They also offer a wider
viewing angle than most LCD TVs and
rear-projection sets, with deeper blacks
and smoother motion than you typically
get with LCD sets.
Bui the shiny screen of a plasma TV
can produce annoying reflections, espe-
cially in bright rooms. Many plasma sets
have screen coatings to reduce reflections.
Pla.sma sets are vulnerable to screen
burn-in, although new screen-saving
technologies minimize the risk.
TELEVISIONS 33
Plasma TVs with 1080p resolutions are
now common. Manufacturers have intro-
duced some new sets that are even thinner
and lighter, with lower power consump
lion, than the typical plasma TV.
There's growing evidence that plasma
TVs are highly reliable products requir-
ing few repairs during the first three
years of use,
FEATURES
Plasma TV prices have dropped sharply
over the past year or two. HD models with
42-inch screens generally range from about
$800 to $1,500. Most TVs with 50-inch
screens sell between Si,000 and $3,000,
and 58-inch models start at about $2,600
to $4,000 or more. In each size, sonu- sets
with the latest technologies and design
sell for hundreds more than these rang-
es. Some 42-inch plasma HDTVs have
a resolution of 1024x768, but more now
have 1920x1080 resolution; most 50-inch-
and-larger sets do as well. These so-called
I080p TVs have the potential to display all
1,080 lines in the most common high def
format, called 1080i. The improvement is
most noticeable on large screens, say those
50 inches and up.
Among plasma TV features to look for:
Antiglare screens. Most plasma TVs
have shiny screens that show retleciions
fnim windows and lamps, most notice-
ably in brightly lighted rooms. A few
LCD TVs have .shiny screens, too. If
you weren't bothered by reflections on a
tube set, this shouldn't be a major issue
for you. Some plasma sets have screens
with antiglare surfaces, which can help to
reduce reflectivity.
Anti~burn-in features. Many plasma
TVs now also come with features to pre-
vent burn in, such as Screensavers and
motion-adaptive (also called pixel shifting)
34 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
technology, which shifts the picture almost
imperceptibly every few seconds. This
helps prevent static images such as a sta-
tion logo or the bars on the sides of an
image from permanently etching into the
TV's phosphor coating, leaving faint but
persistent, ghostlike images on the screen.
These impressions disappear when you
play random video scenes. Some models
include a feature that essentially blasts the
screen with a white image tor a period of
time to remove ghosting images.
SHOPPING TIPS
Beware of burn-in. But don't worry
ahciiit burnout- Most new plasma TVs have
screen-saver teatures and use other tech-
nologies to minimize the risk of burn-in,
but don't push your luck by leaving static
images onscreen for prolonged periods.
You may have seen reports suggesting
that plasma TVs might not last as long as
other TV types. Ignore them, as there is
no evidence to that effect.
Given Ihat plasma flat-panel TVs have
been very reliable for the time covered by
many extended warranties, there's little
.sense in spending several hundred dol-
lars foi- such a warranty. You can also get
longer coverage on your set without pay-
ing a cent for it. Some premium credit
cards add up to a year to your warranty
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
at no cost when you buy a TV with their
card. Some retailers do, too. Costco, for
instance, adds one year to the warranty
for sets purchased in its warehouses or
on its Website.
Don't get hung up on specs. Ads tout-
ing high contrast ratios and brightness
(in cd/m-, or candelas per square meter)
might sway you to one set over another.
But don't let this be the deciding fac-
tor. Manufacturers arrive at specs dif-
ferently, so they might not be compa-
rable. Also, TVs are often optimized for
bright retail environments, not home
viewing, so it's hard to assess differences
in picture quality accurately in stores.
Determine what's included when com-
paring prices.
A few plasmas are monitors only; they
don't include speakers or a tuner for an
over-the-air TV signal. You won't have
to buy a tuner if you'U be using a cable
box or satellite receiver, which will serve
as the tuner for all programming. Other-
wise, you'll need a set-top box to work
with an antenna. H the plasma TV has no
speakers, you'll have to buy them sepa-
rately unle-Ss you plan to connect the set
to your existing sound system.
Related CR report: March 2009
Ratings for LCD TVs: page 271
Ratings for plasma TVs: page 279
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