Five big-screen HDTVs for under $1,000

These are tough times for many across the nation, and splurging on that $4,000 HDTV is probably out of the equation. However, getting a great, big-screen HDTV doesn't have to cost and arm and a leg if you're a smart shopper. As someone who's personally looking to find a new HDTV to light up their living room, I can tell you I've looked high and low and have done my research. Here are five great HDTVs under $1,000 that will leave you happy.

Panasonic TH-42PZ80U: This 42-inch plasma set from Panasonic features 1080p resolution, 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, 20,000:1 contrast ratio (although contrast ratios are largely arbitrary), and an HD tuner—meaning that will work over the air without a DTV box. A set this size is perfect for medium-to-large living rooms, and the warmer, softer colors along with deeper blacks makes this plasma a great choice for those who are big into movie night. Currently, this set is available $899 at TigerDirect.com (via Yahoo! Shopping) and Amazon.com. If $899 is too steep, go for the older Panasonic TH-42PX80U. It also has 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, HD tuner, and a 42-inch size, but it comes in at 720p resolution (1024 x 768 rectangle pixels) and has a lower contrast ratio of 15,000:1. At $715.99 plus tax shipped, it is a downgrade, but don't get me wrong, it's still an awesome big-screen set for the price. 

Sony KDL-40S4100: Sony's 40-inch LCD is a member of the BRAVIA lineup, and it features 1080p resolution, an HD tuner, 3 HDMI ports, 2 component inputs, and 24 fps "True Cinema" playback. This 24 fps refresh rate (don't confuse this with 120hz playback) allows compatible Blu-ray players to playback movies at the original rate that they were filmed at—24 frames per second. This actually solves an existing problem with DVD players and ubiquitous 60Hz TV sets, since 24 frames per second original film doesn't divide nicely into a TV refreshing its screen at 60 times a second. Of course, this can get really technical and complicated if you want it to, but if you don't want to get into that, just know that if you're going to be watching a ton of Blu-ray discs, 24 fps compatibility needs to be considered. Right now, this set is $995 plus tax (free shipping) at Amazon.com, and $999 at Crutchfield.com (via Yahoo! Shopping).

Toshiba REGZA 40RV525U: This 40-inch LCD from Toshiba is another 1080p LCD with 3 HDMI ports, 2 component inputs, an HD tuner, and a VGA port. This set comes in at a very reasonable $679 (plus shipping) from TigerDirect or $749 from Beach Camera (free shipping), making this set a great value. However, this is missing the 24 fps compatibility that the Sony has, but if you're going to mainly be watching DVDs on an upscaling player (like the Oppo DV-980H) or don't mind watching Blu-rays with 3:2 pulldown, this set will be fine for you. Again, great value with this set.

Westinghouse TX-42F430S: Ok, first things first: This 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV set is currently available $689 at Buy.com with free shipping, but it is factory refurbished. I'm not sure how some of you feel about refurbished products, but I personally feel that factory refurbished items are excellent deals and rival the quality of new, off-the-shelf items. I have consistently purchased factory refurbished items and have had good experiences with all of them. Of course, make sure it's factory refurbished and not refurbished by any other company/retailer. This HDTV features 4 HDMI ports, 2 component ports, HD tuning, and an 8ms response time. If you're looking for something smaller or cheaper, there also is a 32-inch Westinghouse LCD with built in progressive-scan DVD player for only $399 shipped (again, refurbished). Both are great deals. UPDATE: Buy.com no longer has these TVs for sale, but here are some alternative places: 32" Westinghouse no DVD - $399, a 47" Westinghouse 1080p LCD for $664, and a 42"1080p Viewsonic $649. All refurbished.

Samsung LN40A650: This one tips the scale over $1,000 (about $1,200 shipped), but if you have a little extra cash, this new Samsung 650 series is an excellent, excellent LCD HDTV. You get all of the latest features: 1080p resolution, 120Hz (which is compatible with 24 fps), 4ms response time, 4 HDMI 1.3 ports, USB ports, and more. Again, higher than most would like to pay, but Samsung's 6, 7, and 8 Series are truly an impressive bunch. However, you'll find me drooling from over by the window.

There you have it—five (actually seven, minus one since the Samsung is over $1k) excellent HDTV sets that will leave you happy this holiday season. Leave me a comment and let me know if I missed anything, and shop on!

One more thing: Buying the TV is just half the battle. Make sure you have your TV and HD settings set up correctly for the best picture. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. Ben Patterson has a great write up on things you should know about HDTVs.

Related Links:

Holiday shopping guide: Blu-ray TV shows & movies

Holiday buying guide: Best DVDs and box sets