HOWTO: Buying an HDTV - Comments Page 2

You forgot to mention the power consumption differences between the different types of TV's. LED is by far the cheapest to run Plasma uses as much power as the old CRTs.

EDITOR'S NOTE: UPDATE: When I first published this article, I decided not to dwell on the purported energy saving features of LEDs versus plasma. Here's why... you will probably spend MORE in the long run with LED! Plasma sets have advanced when it comes to lowering power consumption. And the extra cost of the LED set (an average of $300 - $350) will probably FAR outweigh the pennies you save in electricity costs.

See this excellent calculator, which shows the expected electrical usage for LED and plasma TVs. Bottom line, you'll save MAYBE $10/year in electricity, but it'll take at least 30 years to break even! (In my case, the savings would only be $4/year.)

http://www.rtings.com/info/lcd-vs-led-vs-plasma/power-consumption-and-electricity-cost

What about projection TV? Excellent specs and lowest cost in terms of $ per inch.

I heard on a radio tech program (Kim Komando) that it could be possible for smart tv's to get viruses or possibly (?)keep track of what you watch. Big Brother.

sometime ago i saw that the highest tv ever rated by the most competent tv reviewer in the industry (i think he represents cnet) was for a panasonic model..

I must make at least a few comments here, Mr. Rankin:
[I should preface my comments with the facts that I am a die-hard Plasma fan, I love audio, I also hate 3D TVs and detest complexities of proper surround sound]
1) You state "LCD was the standard in HD television sets for quite a few years, but it's starting to become obsolete": This may be confusing starting point of your initial paragraphs, as all non-Plasma TVs still rely on the LCD technology with the only difference being that the backlighting have changed from florescent lighting to LED lighting. So, this is another confusing point for the uninitiated consumer.
2) It should also be mentioned that there are different varieties and technologies that are used for LED backlighting of LCD TVs.
3) Another very reputable brand that you forgot to mention is Vizio LCD TVs that get very good reports and Costco has always made them available for sale, even when they were a small start-up out of SoCal.
4) Vizio and Philips are the first 2 companies that make LCD (yes, with LED Backlighting) TV models that are "Cinema View" format of 21:9 (rather than the current standard 16:9).
5) If I may make a prediction, the OLED technology TVs (coupled with 4K resolution) will probably reach "economy of scales" within the next 3 years and the OLED TV prices will be way below the current Samsung/LG models being advertised for $9k/$15k (respectively) [ 6) You mention 60Hz/120Hz/240Hz refresh rates for LCD TVs, yet you forgot to state that the inherent refresh rates for Plasma TVs are above 600Hz (no motion blur for fast moving sports and action movies).
7) The most forgotten variable during a TV purchase is NOT the size ("Bigger=Better") nor is the 2nd most important factor the contrast ratio. The MOST important part after Video quality is Audio. By stepping down one (or two) size level and w/these savings, purchasing proper stand-alone Speakers+Receiver (for SOUND quality) is a wiser investment. It is impossible to get the proper audio/sound characteristics (as intended) from metal/buzzy sounding small speakers that are in the rear of most all TVs. Just like you should not listen to a live symphony orchestra sitting with your back to the stage...
8) Caveat Emptor. Since the availability of non-CRT TVs, the manufacturers, the stores and even ConsumerReports fell for the hysteria and pushed LCD TVs with excuses of "power consumption" and "image retention" practically killing ALL of the advantages of Plasma TV. Finally about 3 years ago, ConsumerReports had a change of heart and now recommend plasma TVs, instead. And they are usually cheaper in price, hence the reason for Panasonic folding their Plasma manufacturing in April 2014(can't make a profit).
9) For years, the electronic stores (especially BestBuys) would intentionally set their LCD TV for super high intensity to fool consumers how great an LCD TV was (since they make more profit on LCDs). Just like 'bigger is NOT better'; color (gamut) accuracy and (dark) black levels (of Plasma TVs) cannot be achieved by LCDs.
10) Specifications and accuracy wise, the Panasonic ZT series of Plasma TVs cannot be technically achieved by another other manufacturer/brand nor model currently available (excluding very pricey OLEDs).
I must apologize for disagreeing with you on so many levels but I strongly feel these above points are important for us 'consumers'.