HOWZAT

So far, only Sky (hd.sky.com) has announced HD plans for “early 2006”, promising six channels of HD programming. Briggs says: “Considering that two-thirds of consumers are not interested in pay TV, we don’t think it’s a huge issue right now.”

You can save money by buying a standard television — such as the Panasonic reviewed in Option 1, below — but going for an HD-ready flat panel is your best guarantee of future-proofing and that you are investing in the latest screen technology. Don’t forget, broadcasting is not the complete picture: your DVDs will look better if connected through the HDMI socket; and next-generation games consoles will take advantage of higher resolutions.

So, go television-hunting with these golden rules. First, unless you receive cable or satellite broadcasts, choose a set with a built-in Freeview digital tuner. Second, trust your eyes: check the picture in-store for clean whites and blacks, movement without blurring and fine detail in backgrounds. Third, rely on respected brands for “HD-ready” screens. LCDs start at £1,000, larger plasmas at £2,000. Fourth, ensure your prospective purchase has the relevant sockets for connecting future devices. Oh, and before you leave the shop, check that you have the right cables.

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OPTION 1 — ALL-IN-ONE DIGITAL SET

An integrated digital television (iDTV) is the TV set with screen and tuner all in one package. Digital brings three choices of screen: traditional cathode-ray tube (CRT), plasma or liquid-crystal display (LCD).

PLASMA SCREEN: PIONEER PDP-436XDE — typically £2,700, or £2,385 from www.digitaldirectuk.com

Imperious plasma that pulsates with power

The imperious Pioneer snatches the crown among plasmas, where 1024 x 768 resolution is now standard. Its enhanced contrast ratio of 3,000:1 means richer blacks and boosted brightness. For colour brilliance, pin-sharp pictures and sheer vibrancy, this 43in plasma reigns supreme. If anything, it exposes the meanness of current broadcast signals, though DVD unleashes its startling powers. It has digital and analogue tuners, as well as a plethora of connectivity. Optional speakers are impressive.

• Consider: Hitachi 42PD7500 — typically £2,200, or £2,000 from www.prcdirect.co.uk. Not quite as powerful as the leading plasmas, but a fine performer.

  CRT SCREEN: PANASONIC TX32DTM1 — typically £700, or £520 from www.comet.co.uk

  Epitome of traditional technology — sensational value

  While the world is easily beguiled by the charms of wall-hung flat televisions, many “traditional” cathode-ray tube sets perform better than the poshest flatscreens. These humble beasts may never be HD-ready, but at current prices, it’s easy to see why CRTs still account for about half of UK sales. Panasonic is flying the flag with this excellent-value 32in iDTV, which is unusual for a CRT because it includes a Freeview tuner. Despite a skimpy pair of Scart sockets and no digital inputs, pictures are sublime, with superb detail and rock-solid definition. Indeed, the analogue picture is so good that switching to the digital tuner offers virtually no improvement, other than extra channels. Impressive depth of field and spot-on colour balance add to the sense of realism.

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