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These televisions, which provide a brighter, sharper picture than traditional sets, come in four types:

1. Cathode Ray Tube: Like the basic TV of the past few decades, this type of set uses tubes to make a picture. These sets don't come in a flat-screen format, and they're limited to screens of 34 inches or smaller.

2. Digital Light Processing: These come in a flat screen flavor and use small mirrors to create a picture.

3. Liquid Crystal Display: Inside these sets, electric charges swim through liquid crystal molecules. They come in a flat-screen format and tend to be lighter and more durable than other options. LCD HDTVs also use less power than the cathode ray tube and plasma TV options.

4. Plasma TVs: These have a higher resolution and wider screens, which let viewers watch many movies in the widescreen, theater format.

No matter what, buying an HDTV is going to cost you, Angie's List says. Here are some ways you can make sure your investment is sound:

* Check whether a set is a full-out HDTV or just HDTV-Ready. Televisions with built-in tuners don't require you to make extra upgrades. HDTV-ready sets, on the other hand, will require you to get a high-definition box from your cable provider. There's no additional cost for these set-top boxes through local provider Time Warner Cable, according to the company's Web site for the Greensboro area.

* Find out whether it's worth it in your area. The number of HD channels available to consumer vary by region and cable provider. In this area, TNT, a 24-hour Discovery network, UNC-TV, HBO and Showtime are available in high-def. Local network affiliates for ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC also offer some HD programs. Time Warner also carries an HD package that includes movies and sports for $7 in the Greensboro area.

* Check over-the-air signals. In some areas, particularly if you're close to transmitters for local TV stations, you can pick up the HD signal with rabbit ears or an antenna.

* Go for resolution of at least 720p or 1080i - these are measures of the quality of your television's picture.

* Understand the aspect ratio. The most common one, standard 4:3, means that the set has four inches of width for every three inches of height. For watching movies, go for widescreen 16:9.

* Ask the store salesperson to adjust the TV's display level so brightness, color levels and contrast are about equal. That way, Angie's says, you can better evaluate the picture.

* Bring a familiar DVD to the store and play it there to test a set's picture.

* Try out all the different picture modes.

* Don't confuse an SDTV (Standard Definition Television) or EDTH (Enhanced Definition Television) with an HDTV. The picture on a true high-def set will be better than that on either of the other two.

* Shop around and patronize stores that will match the lowest advertised price. Angie's claims you can buy a solid HDTV for as little as $700, though plasma models start at much higher prices.