LG's 60-inch plasma with
built-in HD DVR
LG 60PY2DR 60-inch plasma TV
The product: This year, we'll be seeing more HDTVs with built-in digital video recorders, and LG's trotting out this 60-inch plasma with a 160GB hard drive recorder built in that will allow you to record HD programming. There's also a built-in CableCard slot, which means you won't need a set-top box to receive HD programming. LG will also offer a 50-inch version of this set, the 50PY2DR.

• 1,366x768 resolution
• Built-in 160GB hard drive DVR
• CableCard ready
• Two HDMI inputs
• Four solutions to prevent burn-in
• 60,000-hour lifespan (25 years of average use), or so LG says

The price: LG has yet to announce a price for the 60PY2DR but says the TV will hit stores in the second quarter of 2005.

The prospects: If you can afford it and you're a minimalist who prefers to have fewer home-theater components, this 60-inch plasma is a dream come true. The only drawback is that you're stuck with the integrated DVR, even if something better comes along.

By David Carnoy, executive editor, CNET Reviews