There really wasn't much difficulty in picking the best plasma buy this season. It's the 50-in. Panasonic TH-50PX60U, which we found in retail stores on the East Coast for $2,300 on sale (and it's cheaper online). If you sit close to your TV, buy the similar 42-in. TH-42PX60U instead. For most people's needs, bigger is better. You just don't want something so big your head is swiveling back and forth.

The TH-50PX60U supports 480p, 780p, and 1080i. Most HD cable TV is 720p. For right here, right now, this is the widescreen that delivers what you need for HDTV and nothing you don't need, at a savings over last year of at least $1,000.

Next year, plasma sets will probably support the much better image quality of the 1080p standard. If you're big on DVDs and you're willing to shell out for a DVR that supports 1080p, there could be a distinct advantage to a widescreen 1080p HDTV.

Another trade-off for all HDTV sets is that they don't do the best job with standard TV. Believe that, because it's true. On plasmas, the edges between color areas may appear to be a little blotchy or vaguely jaggy. Another way to say it is that the lines aren't sharp. So it depends on how many HD channels are available to you, and what you tend to watch.

But one thing's sure: If you're into HD and saving money, this is the one to get.