TVs

The bottom line: While it costs more than just about any rear-projection big-screen, the 58-inch Panasonic TH-58PZ700U plasma offers superb image quality.

Price: $2,717.95 - $2,954.12

The bottom line: If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD TV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality.

Price: $1,649.95 - $2,798.99

The bottom line: The SXRD-based Sony KDS-55A3000 exhibited excellent color accuracy and stellar performance in general, making it the year's best performer in the rear-projection HDTV category.

Price: $1,499.99

The bottom line: Accurate color helps set apart the excellent picture quality of the Samsung PN50A550 50-inch plasma TV.

Price: $1,179.95 - $2,199.99

The bottom line: A couple of issues keep its picture out of the top tier, but excellent black-level performance still makes the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U plasma TV stand out from the pack.

Price: $1,219.99 - $1,899.99

The bottom line: The Olevia 252T FHD deserves consideration among budget 1080p flat-panel LCDs, but still had a hard time making hay against the better plasmas.

Price: $1,899.99

The bottom line: Despite our usual picture quality quibbles, the well-equipped Vizio VO47LF 47-inch flat-panel LCD stays true to the company's good-value reputation.

The bottom line: Panasonic's TH-42PX80U 42-inch plasma sets the picture quality-to-value standard for entry-level plasma TVs.

Price: $674.99 - $999.99

The bottom line: Solid picture quality propels the Samsung LN32A450 LCD TV to the front of small-screen class.

Price: $569.95 - $799.00

The bottom line: The bargain Insignia NS-LCD32-09 32-inch LCD performs better than its basement price would indicate.

Price: $479.99