Samsung's LA40N81BD offers a good choice for users looking to take the leap into high-definition video. While there were some minor aliasing and noise issues during gaming tests, high-definition playback was impressive on the whole, and standard definition was rendered crisply considering the amount of scaling required.

Another great plasma from Panasonic. The TH-42PZ800A produces a great picture with some of the best blacks we've seen; it only suffers from a few niggling issues.

If you don't want to connect a PC and are after a full high definition 1080p screen, the Sharp LC42D63X may suit you nicely. It offers good image quality with just a few small problems and comes in a stylish body with a good range of connectivity options.

While the image quality is high and the sound quality is good, the connectivity options on the 42PFL7532D, as well as the required calibration time, aren't user-friendly.

For the price point, the TEAC LCD3733A is a reasonable unit that offers good performance when viewing DVDs in SD while also delivering favorable results in HD too.

Bravia is easily one of the best quality televisions we have tested and while its not perfect, its still a top buy with a price tag that reflects its quality.

The Toshiba REGZA 42C3000 performed brilliantly in high definition but scored poorly in standard definition. The fact that the panel can display 1080p signals is a huge bonus, but the fact that a regular DVD will look poor, is a detractor. Before purchasing this unit, we suggest you decide what you need it to do and choose accordingly.

With excellent image quality and a good range on connection options, the LA32R71B is sure to win hearts.

While the price is right for this television it is so poor that we can’t in good conscience recommend it to any of our readers.

The Sanyo PDP-42XS1 is not the best plasma on the market and considering the fact that it is standard definition and has image flaws, it is not our first choice.

If you are looking for something that is absolutely huge and will wow people but don't care too much about a few image problems, then the LG 52sZ85R is for you.