Top 5 HDTVs

SOURCE: AskMen.com

'Microdisplay-based rear-projection HDTVs are more popular than American Idol. These sets use LCD or DLP (digital light processing) light engines, fit into tight spaces, and cost more than regular CRT-based big screens. Only one, Hitachi's 50V500, earned CNET.com's coveted Editors' Choice award, but all five high definition televisions are worth a look.

5. Gateway 56-inch DLP HD-ready TV

The good: Relatively inexpensive; excellent connectivity; versatile PIP; bright and incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.

The bad: Still much pricier than similar-size CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) rear projectors; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes; inaccurate color.

The bottom line: Gateway's budget DLP rear projector won't win on style, but its picture is a pleasant surprise.

4. Samsung HLN467W

The good: Striking design; excellent connectivity; bright, incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.

The bad: Expensive; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes.

The bottom line: This smaller projection TV offers razor-sharp images and boatloads of features, but it also costs as much as a plasma.

3. Sony KF-50WE610

The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.

The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs (Rear-Projection TVs); lacks independent memory per input; expensive.

The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.

2. Sony KF-60WE610

The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.

The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs; lacks independent memory per input; expensive.

The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.

1. Hitachi 50V500

The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim and light design; custom "day & night" modes for each input; excellent feature package.

The bad: Black-level performance still less than perfect; expensive.

The bottom line: While not quite as fetching as some, this set offers the best out-of-the-box performance we've seen yet from a rear-projection LCD.'