The wide screen TV market has become so competitive that even full high definition (HD) plasma or LCD 1080p TVs are now selling for a fraction of what they were just a year or two ago.

LCD displays continue to improve, although the best plasma TVs offer a higher contrast ratio. This means a bigger colour range between black and white, delivering the most lifelike images. However LCD TVs typically consume half the power of a similarly sized plasma, so your decision may well end up being based on thoughts of your power bill as much as image quality.

Check the display signal
Some stores only show standard definition (SD) video on their display TVs. This is plain stupid because it doesn’t allow you to see how the TVs display HDTV or Blu-ray video, which makes choosing on quality all but impossible. SD quality is important, but if you are buying a 1080p TV, viewing 1080p content is a must.

Avoid viewing tests with cartoons
Some retailers display a cartoon movie such as The Incredibles on their display models. It’s an old trick because solid colours make every TV look good. Ideally you need real life video showing slabs of sky so that you cab check for colour banding, where continuous variations of colour end up as distinct colour bands.

Ask for the model number
Some major retailers we saw fail to specify any of the model numbers on their display TVs, which makes it impossible to compare prices with other retailers. Knowing model numbers is also important so that you can check the model at various retailers to ensure the image quality is as good (or bad) as you think.

Check 100Hz motion blurring
The latest feature being promoted on some models is 100Hz motion blurring, designed to smooth out horizontal panning shots. However, each brand implements it differently and it can give strange appearances, which may actually make the image look worse. Check before you buy.

Take your time
You will probably get sales staff coming up to you continually, but take your time when viewing models. Spending a substantial amount on a big screen TV means you should check the image quality, viewing angles and other aspects thoroughly to ensure you get what you want. Whatever you do, don’t pay the sticker price – most dealers will offer a better deal if you look serious and tell them you are shopping around.

Don’t be sucked in by extras
Internet TV, USB video playback and the rest are good extra features, but they don’t make up for a TV with poor image quality.

HD vs Full HD
The term HD has many meanings. Vendors can throw in an HD TV tuner and call it an HDTV without it actually being so. There are two types of HDTVs: basic models with a 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution called “HD” TVs, and higher end 1,920 x 1,080 pixel (1080p) models called “Full HD” TVs. If you are watching Blu-ray movies, make sure you get Full HD. The only caveat is that HD TVs are a good choice at smaller sizes (32in and smaller); the bigger the screen the more that extra resolution comes into play, which is where 1080p is ideal.

Don’t pay the sticker price
If you can’t get at least $100 off the RRP you’re not trying. Do you homework and shop around – the internet is the best place to quickly compare pricing.

Plasma or LCD?
In general, plasma delivers better overall image quality, while LCD is cheaper to run. However LCD has improved its colour accuracy considerably. Contrast ratios (the range from black to white level video) are still lower for LCDs and no amount of dynamic contrast trickery can overcome that, although LED backlit TVs are an improvement. For watching sport where you have bright colours, the very best LCD models are now starting to match plasma TVs; however they can typically do so only at higher prices, particularly at 42in and up.

BEST BUYS AS AT JULY 2010

40-42 inch
Best:
Panasonic Viera TH-P42G10A – classy plasma TV that sells for a very low $999. Great image quality and includes an SD card slot.
Also consider:
LG 42LE5510 – LED backlit LCD TV with 100Hz refresh rate, USB connection and Internet TV. Also great image quality but almost twice the price of the Panasonic.

46 inch
Best:
Soniq QSL460XT – LCD TV with 50Hz refresh rate. No extras but is a big panel for a small price ($998).
Also consider:
Sony Bravia KDL46EX500 – 100Hz LCD TV with USB playback. Good image quality but almost twice the price of the SONIQ.

50 inch and above
Best:
Panasonic Viera TH-P50S10A – at $1,499 this is one of the cheapest full HD plasmas around. Decent performer and great value for money.
Also consider:
Samsung PS50C550 – on a par with the Panasonic for price, but slightly less vivid image quality. Includes USB playback.