How do we find our way in the jungle of 40 inch and larger televisions? Why are there so many models?

To this last question, we can respond quite simply that 40 inch TVs constitute the junction between the entry level and high end.  Less expensive models, around 26 inches, often come in 40 or 42 inch versions.  On the other hand, the best TVs start at 37 inches and are mostly found in the 40 to 52 inch category.  The 40 to 49 inch class is therefore a battlefield for manufacturers and it is here that we find the largest part of their catalogues.

HD Ready and Full HD

We can, however, make a big distinction here between HD Ready and Full HD televisions.  The first generally display 1366 x 768 pixels while the second offer the current best in this domain of 1920 x 1080!  This means getting the most out of your Blu-ray disks, certain TV channels (cable, ADSL, satellite, etc.) and the latest generation of game consoles like the PS3.  It will also enable taking full advantage of HD digital cable which will arrive in France at the end of 2008.

While still being compatible with HD sources, HD Ready definition is more adapted to DVDs and TV which are both in SD (Standard definition: 720 x 576).  HD Ready’s lower definition enables rescaling SD images with minimal alteration as a 720 x 576 pixel image is degraded less if it is converted to 1366 x 768 instead of 1920 x 1080.  However, this is all relative.  Sometimes it’s better to have a quality Full HD TV that carries out efficient rescaling rather than a poor HD Ready model that may not necessarily do this very well.

HD digital cable is coming

Another point to consider is the digital TV tuner.  We still find models without this component and equipped with a standard tuner that is incompatible with HD programming due to arrive at the end of 2008.  These models will therefore require an additional box for reception as the HD tuner will be obligatory in December 2008.  Until then, manufacturers are trying to sell off stocks of ''old tuners'' in certain new models.  Do not forget to verify this before buying!

HD tuner or not, HD Ready or Full HD, simple or advanced algorithms for rescaling SD sources… These are the many characteristics that explain the difference in price and quality between TVs.  So is paying attention to these points alone enough to guarantee the purchase of a high performance model? Unfortunately, no.  A panel’s intrinsic performances and settings have a significant influence on the image displayed on the screen.  Our tests therefore strive to indicate the real quality that you can expect from the TV in question.

Finally, once your TV is unpacked and installed in the living room, do not forget to adjust it properly.  A movie mode is often offered which enables automatically optimizing colors for a good Home Cinema session.  So is it that simple? No, because these models still do not make the pop corn yet.

Here are our tests in other TV categories based on diagonal size:

> Product Survey: 29'' and smaller TVs

> Product Survey: 30'' to 39'' TVs

> Product Survey: 50'' and larger TVs