TV Buying Guide

Beyond the basic features, there are some features that cost extra money, begging the question of whether they're worth paying for. We can't answer that question directly--buyers usually have different definitions of "worth it"--but we'll describe them below to help you form your own opinion. Many of these features go by proprietary names, and, of course, their implementation varies somewhat, so check out our individual TV reviews for more details.

3D: Among flat-panel TVs, the capability to display 3D content is only found on the highest-end models of major makers in 2010, so it's expensive to begin with. The necessary 3D glasses, in addition to 3D sources and 3D content, can also increase the price. That's why you shouldn't worry about 3D compatibility unless you're buying a high-end HDTV anyway. If you are, make sure you understand the downsides. See our 3D TV FAQ for more information.

Internet connectivity: Video services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, audio from Pandora and Rhapsody, photos from Picasa and Flickr, and access to Facebook, Twitter, and even Skype are built into midrange and higher-end TVs. However, before you pay extra for these features, consider that you'll need to either connect an Ethernet cable to the TV or buy a Wi-Fi adapter; most Internet TVs don't have Wi-Fi built-in. Also, many of these services are available on other devices, such as an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, TiVo, Blu-ray player, or dedicated external set-top boxes such as the Roku player. Check out Internet services on TVs compared for more information.

Photos, video, and music: USB ports or memory card slots can let TVs display digital camera photos, video, and even play MP3 music files via the TV's speakers or a connected audio system. A few TVs, usually those with Internet connectivity, can also stream those kinds of files from a PC in your home. Some TVs even have built-in iPod/iPhone docks. Using a TV as a big photo viewer is definitely nice, but most digital cameras can connect directly to the TV via standard-definition video or even HD connections. Streaming video from a networked PC is also cool if you have a lot of such files, but often devices like game consoles, Blu-ray players, and DVRs perform these functions, too.

LED backlight: LCD-based TVs that use LED backlight technology cost a lot more than ones with standard fluorescent (CCFL) backlights. Unless they use local dimming, LEDs don't do much to affect picture quality. However, they use slightly less power, but since CCFL LCDs are pretty efficient to begin with, it will take years (or decades) at today's electricity prices to make up the difference. Using LEDs can also let manufacturers shave a few inches off the TVs' thickness. See LED TVs: 10 things you need to know for details.

120Hz, 240Hz, 480Hz, and dejudder processing: As we mentioned in the "Specs to ignore" section, the difference in blurring afforded by these faster refresh rates is really difficult to discern, and definitely not worth paying extra for, in our view. TVs with these extras usually incorporate so-called dejudder processing, too, with names like "MotionFlow" and "AutoMotion Plus" that introduce a smoothing effect to motion that's usually only visible in films. We usually don't like the smoothing effect of dejudder, but if you're interested in seeing it for yourself, it's best to experience it in person before you pay extra for it.

1080p/24 or 24p compatibility: This feature isn't always mentioned on spec sheets but is popular with videophiles since it's one of the few extras designed to deliver an experience closer to what the director intended. It's usually associated with 120Hz and higher LCD refresh rates (and 96Hz on some plasmas), but unfortunately it doesn't always work correctly on TVs that purport to have it. It requires a source capable of delivering 1080p/24 video, typically a Blu-ray player playing a film-based Blu-ray movie. Even then, the effect will be subtle for most viewers, manifesting as a smooth-but-not-too-smooth cadence most visible in camera movement, that reproduces the look of film. If you're curious, HDTV resolution explained has a section on 1080p/24.