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Sharp Aquos 42-inch LC42D64U
$1,800

The Aquos line has become well known for upstanding picture quality and thinner designs, and this one is no exception. This 1080p-resolution model has a slimmer design with a piano black glossy finish. It even has a PC input should you choose to use it as your computer monitor as well.

Sony Bravia 46-inch KDL46XBR5
$3,500

This 1080p LCD set's claim to fame is the "MotionFlow" feature, which doubles the frames-per-second rate so those action movies or sports programs show no blur. It also includes an input for watching digital Blu-ray movies in 24 frames per second, just as they were filmed.

Panasonic Viera 42-inch 42PZ700
$2,500

Considered one of the best plasmas on the market, this model displays 1080p resolution with impressive clarity. It also includes a built-in digital tuner so you can watch free over-the-air HD channels with a digital antenna. An SD memory card slot allows you to view photos and video.

Samsung 58-inch FPT5884
$3,200

This big 1080p plasma model displays some of the deepest blacks and most accurate colours of any screen. Thin chrome speakers run down the side panels, adding to its sleek look. It also has a swivel stand for easy pivoting, and a PC input as well.

LG 50-inch 50PY3D
$3,500

This is one of LG's higher-end 1080p plasmas, and it is meant to complement home décor as much as display a high-quality image. It's optimized to work seamlessly with other LG equipment and has a USB function enabling easy connections for digital cameras and other devices.

Toshiba Regza 46-inch 46RF350U
$2,500

This 1080p LCD has one of the thinnest bezels of any flat-panel available, measuring just two centimetres. But it also displays an impressive picture and should be a real hit with those who love movies and video games.

Philips Ambilight 42-inch 42PFL7432D
$2,200

This LCD model has ambient lights along its backside, resulting in a "floating" effect that is meant to make viewing easier on the eyes. It has also been well-received for its display of rich colour in HD movies and video games.

HP Mediasmart 47-inch SL4778N
$2,200

This LCD TV can be made part of your home network, allowing you to sync to your PC to tap into content available online — all wirelessly. This way, you can view content in your living room after downloading it from your PC in the next room.

DVD PLAYERS

LG Super Blu HD Player
$1,000

This unit plays both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. While it skews more toward Blu-ray in its functions, this player is meant for those who like both formats and don't care to pick a side in the ongoing format war.

Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player
$300

At almost half the price of last year's model, this new HD DVD player is also smaller and thinner, with more features to boot. There is also an "up conversion" feature that is meant to enhance the picture quality of conventional DVDs.

Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray Player
$600

It's still a pricey proposition, but those who have the funds and love Blu-ray movies will take kindly to this player. It pretty much has all the bells and whistles any high-definition player should have, and that includes improved audio support with compatible AV receivers.

PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDERS

Bell ExpressVu 9242 Personal Video Recorder
$600

High-definition programming on satellite TV gets a boost with this new receiver from Bell. The built-in personal video recorder (PVR) gives you 200 hours of standard-definition programming or 25 hours of HD programming. The dual tuner means that two TVs can be tuned to two different channels, while the unit records a third channel.

Rogers 8300HD Personal Video Recorder
$600

For those who have Rogers digital cable, the 8300HD PVR allows you to record up to 90 hours of standard-definition programming or 20 hours of HD programming. It also sports a dual-tuner that allows you to watch one channel while recording programs on two others simultaneously.