If you are planning on picking up an HDTV in the near future, HD Guru's list of the 10 worst HDTV ripoffs for 2008 is required reading—pure and simple. Chances are, many consumers have already heard about the issue with HDMI cables—which is probably one of the biggest scams of all time (right up there with Q-Ray ionized bracelets and the Ionic Breeze). Other scams, like the one involving contrast ratio specifications are also making their way into the public consciousness.

However, there are still plenty of pitfalls that the novice consumer needs to avoid before making the commitment to drop a serious amount of cash on a new HDTV. The list summary is as follows:

•Fake HD and Cable Satellite Channels: Did you know that a number of HD channels broadcast a lot of "fake HD?" Anyone who has ever watched some of TNT's HD broadcasts can attest to that.

•Dynamic Contrast Ratio Measurement Specification: The contrast ratio number is basically meaningless.

•Line Conditioners: They do nothing to improve the HDTV image.

•Deep Color: No deep color sources makes this a worthless feature.

•x.v.Color: Until Laser TVs and xv Color HD discs appear on the scene, this feature is not truly useful.

•1080p HDTVs below 42" (diagonal): If you own a HDTV under 42", chances are you won't recognize the quality difference over 720p—unless you are standing really close to the TV.

•Flat LCD HDTVs 26" and Smaller: The image quality of LCD HDTVs in the 26" inch range or lower is generally poor.

•120Hz HDMI Cables: As mentioned before, expensive HDMI cables are a huge ripoff. Case in point, decent HDMI cable for less than $2. I bought a few myself and they work fine.

•Off Brand Model HDTVs: No-name brands may cost you more down the line.

•HDMI: Horrible connector design can prove problematic. Always pretest your connections.

So there you have it. If you do your homework, you can save yourself a lot of problems (and money) down the line. For a full explanation on the items in this list, check out the HD Guru link.

I disagree with the no-name or minor brand HDTV's costing more in the long run.

Buying no name brands will save you money, but they may be nearly as expensive to repair as to replace after the factory warranty expires. In fact, some models have no post warranty service or parts available. For more information go to
http://hdguru.com/your-new-disposable-flat-panel-hdtv/107/

I disagree with number 6. I have an Acer 3705 which is a 37" 1080 and there is a significant difference over the non high definition set. People come in and comment on the picture. It was also discernible in the showroom, when showing the same picture as the others along side it. It was chalk and cheese.

I cannot comment about sets smaller than 37" as I have not had a HD version.

I think you misread that. The article was saying that you'd not likely tell the difference between 1080p or 720p at that screen size, not the difference between 1080p and SD.

A local retailer near me that sell “Monster Cable” have a side by side demonstration of their superior quality. The display consists of two LCDTVs one connected with “out of the box” cable and the other with “Monster cable”. The difference is very sticking, the monster cable looks so much better. BUT! Look more closely and you see that the “out of the box” cable is composite and the “monster cable” is component.

How can they live with them selves?

Re: "Fake HD"

A&E-HD is also notorious for doing this. They show many many programs on their HD channel which are upscaled 480i/480p material. Sure, it may look better than the analog equivalent, but it still looks awful compared to true HD (at least 720p). When I subscribed to these HD channels, I expect to get at least 720p material, not a bunch of upscaled SD material. If they don't have enough true-HD programming, they should not be broadcasting a HD channel.

You have this new state of the art TV but you get the best picture by hooking it up to the giant metal monstrosity on the roof you havn't used since cable came down your road? LOL!