Buyer’s guide: How to pick the right HDTV

If you haven’t yet sprung for a high-definition TV set, the week before the Super Bowl is a good time to make the upgrade. Sports look great in HD, and football in particular is easier to follow on a big, sharp screen.

The bad economy has curbed many people’s appetites for big-ticket purchases, but consider that prices for flat-panel TVs 32 inches and smaller are now very close to what old-fashioned, tube-based TVs used to cost, with some models going for as little as $400. Of course, bigger TVs make for a more compelling viewing experience, but even a smaller HD set is a good step up from a standard-definition set.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind if you decide to go high-def.

What size screen should I get?

A common rule of thumb is this: Take the distance you’ll be sitting from the TV set, in feet. Multiply it by four to get the number of inches of screen diagonal you should get. If you sit 10 feet from the TV, that works out to a 40-inch set. That’s the minimum size – you will certainly appreciate an even larger one.

If you’re choosing between a smaller TV with premium features or a larger TV for the same price, go for the larger one. Advanced features like 1080p resolution (see below) aren’t of much value on small sets anyway, and nothing beats the enveloping feel of a large screen.

LCD or Plasma?

Liquid-crystal displays, or LCDs, have become the default choice for HDTV buyers, with nearly 90 percent of the market. But don’t rule out plasma sets. These can be cheaper for the same size of screen, and yield excellent image quality, with deeper black images than most LCD screens. But plasma ones are thicker, and heavier, and use more power than LCD screens. The most noticeable difference is that plasma screens have glossy glass surfaces, which can produce annoying reflections from windows and light sources, so placing them requires some care.

Rear-projection sets are still around, accounting for a few percent of the market. Consider these if you want the largest possible screen and don’t mind that they’re not flat, wall-mountable slabs like LCDs and plasma. Image quality can be good, but they’re less bright than flat panels and even dimmer when not viewed straight on.

720p or 1080p?

This refers to the resolution of the screen, with 1080p being the sharpest. But chances are you won’t notice the difference unless you sit fairly close or the screen is very big. A 720p set is fine for DVDs, which aren’t high-definition. If you plan to get a Blu-ray player or to hook up an Xbox 360 or other video-game console to the set, 1080p makes more sense. For LCD screens 40 inches or larger and all rear-projection sets, 1080p is now standard.

So how does the set hook up?

You’ll want to have as many HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs as possible. HDMI cables provide the best connection between a TV set and a signal source like a set-top box, DVD player, or game console. They’re also simple to connect, with one HDMI cable replacing as many as five video and audio cables. Three inputs have become standard, but some cheaper sets scrimp. HDMI cables can even be used to connect some late-model computers to the set. HDMI cable can be very expensive, but don’t need to be. In stores, prices can hit $50 for a few feet of cable. Smart shoppers should hunt online, where HDMI cords can be just a few dollars each.

You’ll also find a standard antenna input at the back of the set, in case you get your TV signal through an antenna rather than from cable or satellite. If you do, you have another motivation to get a digital set right now. Most analog broadcasts are set to disappear on Feb. 17 (though there could be a delay until June).

High-definition signal!

Some people get an HD set and then think they’re watching HD, when in fact they’re watching blurry old standard-definition programming. The cable or satellite company can walk you through getting an HD signal, but if you’re in a hurry to watch the Super Bowl or don’t have pay TV, connect an antenna and tell the set to scan the airwaves. The local NBC station should be broadcasting the game  in high definition. Outdoor antennas are best, but you can pick up a modern indoor antenna designed for digital broadcasts for $50.