CNET Tech Expert Gives Advice On Holiday TV Buying

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - TVs are on a lot of shopping lists this holiday and there is no shortage of deals at retailers. However, you should always remember that you get what you pay for.

Starting this weekend, the big box stores should offer discounts that rival Black Friday prices. However, not every TV is worthy of your wall. Take those no-name doorbusters, says CNET tech blogger Geoffrey Morrison.

"The difference in price doesn't tend to be that much different to step up to one of the name brand TVs, and the picture quality increase is going to be significant," Morrison said.

As for technologies, he says plasma is generally best for picture quality and all-angle viewing.

"LED TVs tend to be a little more energy efficient and a they tend to be a little bit brighter."

Because of that, Morrison says your eye may be drawn to the LEDs in the stores. But you should research before taking the bait. Morrison says they are usually pricier than LCDs and far from uniformly better.

Then, there is the matter of accessories. Do not overpay for the HDMI cable that takes hi-def video and audio from your cable box or DVD player.

"The only reason these stores are pushing these expensive cables is because there's a tremendous markup. They'll make $80 on a $82 HDMI cable. So people should save their money and buy the HDMI cables online."

Morrison tweets @TechWriterGeoff, and his latest columns on TVs and home theater can be found here.