Best HDTVs for Gaming
Posted by hdtv buying guide on July 27, 2009 under HDTV Buyer Guides | 
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The right HDTV takes gaming higher
As high-definition televisions become more commonplace, many manufacturers have taken steps to make sure their products are tailored to the needs of a diverse audience.
More recently, a number of companies have offered “gaming” versions of their standard HDTV models. They feature things like “picture enhancers” and “advanced processing power” to make sure the game is displayed in glitch-free high definition.
While that’s a great idea — and a great way to reel in more customers — it’s not really necessary. The best HDTVs — the ones that earn high scores for picture quality and blur-free action — are more than good enough for gaming duty as well.
As with any other application, gaming needs to have a crisp, clear picture with accurate color reproduction and no blur when the action heats up.
For LCD flat panels, that means a refresh rate of at least 120Hz (the image on the screen is updated 120 times per second). Look also for a response time of 4 milliseconds or less. Most mid-level HDTVs have at least this spec as a minimum.
Most low-end panels, however, do not. Response time is often as slow as 12 or 16 milliseconds and refresh rate is around 60Hz. Both will mean blur streaks across the screen.
For plasma-screen televisions, refresh rate and response time is less of an issue. Plasma has always outperformed LCD in those aspects, so a good mid-level plasma would be a good gaming television as well.
Here are a few good choices for gaming, as well as standard TV viewing. All of the selections are 1080p resolution unless noted.
Samsung LN46B650
Part of Samsung’s Series 6, the LN46B650 is a 46-inch LCD retailing for $1,600. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4 millisecond response time. It also features a Game Mode and internet connectivity.
Sony Bravia KDL-40V5100
Currently discounted to around $1,200, Sony’s V-Series 40-inch television offers similar features to the Samsung Series 6 models. More HD inputs are offered on the Sony, which also has 120Hz refresh rates and a Game Mode.
Panasonic Viera TC-P50X1
Part of Panasonic’s new entry-level X1 plasma series, the TCP50X1 offers 720p resolution, a 50-inch screen and a 600Hz panel for $879. It would be better to have 1080p resolution, but the fast panel can make up for it.
Those are just three choices, and there are hundreds more. While many offer gaming modes, look under the hood — or behind the curtain, if you will — for more information. If the numbers align, it’s a great buy. If not, it’s game over.
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