Inputs/Outputs

You can never really have enough inputs. You need to watch cable and/or satellite TV, play Xbox and/or Playstation 2, and view DVD's and/or VHS tapes. It would also be nice to hook-up your video camera for direct viewing. You may also need to hook up your computer. And when you thought you couldn't possibly bring another AV component to your living room, someone buys you a TIVO and now you're looking for a way to hook it up.

When it comes to hooking up your TV, you have two main options. You can buy a separate AV Receiver and connect everything to it and run a single cable from the receiver to the TV. A good AV receiver, which can cost at least $500 and up to several thousand dollars, is a great investment and you probably will need one in the future, but if you don't already have one then you may want to consider your second option. Look for an LCD TV with an adequate amount and kind of inputs.

Sometimes you will have to make decisions if you have limited inputs. If your TV only has one DVI input, then you have to decide whether you want to use it for your HD-cable box or your DVD player. Video games can be HD too, so would you rather use your one digital input for that? You can see the dilemma. Since we usually buy TV's to be with us for years, get one with enough inputs for the future. Or start saving for a good Audio/Video Receiver.

I wish it were as easy as saying a certain TV model had everything you could want in an LCD. Unfortunately, those TVs that truly have all you need cost the most. That's why it's important to know about the specifications so you can decide what you may be willing to sacrifice to save a little money. Luckily prices are falling, and good TV's can now be had for less than $1500. Next we look at what is considered the top LCD television, see what makes it so great, and look for less expensive models with similar specifications. Currently we are concentrating on 32-inch screen sizes.

We will revisit this comparison at the beginning of each month and review the top bargain-priced LCD TVs.  If you sign up for our LCD Newsletter, you can get these comparisons emailed to you once a month.

Next we will review a few of the options for LCDs starting with what we call the "standard" and then comparing it with some lower priced LCDs.

If you are interested in a low price plasma display, consider the Hyundai HPT-4250H which we bought and are very happy with. We've reviewed it at www.funkyplasma.com.