But many of the changes are coming to market more slowly than anticipated. To be sure, HDTV offers dazzlingly detailed picture quality. Given that paucity, and the probability that prices will drop, we think it's a reasonable strategy to stick with conventional TV for now. TVs in general offer more for the money than ever before. There are plenty of high-quality sets on the market, and many new models come with a long list of features.
Features are important, but what counts most with a TV is the picture quality.
Overall, the sets we tested were very good or good, as determined by panel members trained to assess the clarity and color accuracy of each set's picture. Sound is also a critical part of the equation. Those with lower-quality sound should be adequate for news, sports and talk shows, but not for more demanding programming fare. Exhibiting little or none of the curve of conventional TV screens, flat screens show fewer reflections.