Key to the summary test reports

Ease of use score. A score which combines the overall ease of use rating and overall convenient features score – both explained below. It is a weighted score on the basis that ease of doing things is more important than the helpful features that each product had.

Ease of use ratings
The star ratings are scores out of 5, where 5 is easy and 1 is awkward to use. The ratings measure: isetting up; remote control; on-screen TV guide; advanced use and front panel -using the controls on the box itself if you have lost the remote. These and the overall ease of use rating were assessed by our experts – see test methods.

Features score. This score is calculated by adding up all those features that made the product versatile and convenient. They include things like direct access buttons for important features and favourite channels. A total of over 50 items were included, with some given higher importance than others.

Type. All the TVs on test had integrated tuners for digital terrestrial TV.

LCD: This is a flat panel style that uses backlit Liquid Crystal Display technology. In the most recent LCD screens the backlight is provided by LEDs allowing them to be ultra slim. The quality LCD screens has improved dramatically and can produce some of the best picture qualities.

Plasma (or PDP): - This is a flat panel style that is made up of an array of small of ionised gas cells which are illuminated by applying electical charge. PDPs generally best suited for larger size displays, typically greater than 50". They are not as energy efficient as LCDs and although they can produce very good picture quality, many LCD displays are better.

e product, or otherwise the price we paid for it. Once every six weeks we check on line for widely available high street and internet prices for all the current products on the site, and update to the cheapest of these.

Screen size. A measure of the screen diagonal. All the TVs tested are widescreen so these dimensions may look bigger than the dimensions used for traditional TVs. A 32” widescreen TV is roughly equivalent to an old-style 26” TV.

Digital tick. A TV can carry this logo if it has been tested to carry on working through and after digital switchover. Currently it does not guarantee the box can take on new features that are being introduced – see updates in the more information summaries for manufacturer assurances on this.

Verdict. Our view of the pros and cons of each product.

Key Features

Internet Services. The TV can be connected to a broadband Internet connection and access a variety of services. The actual services varies slightly with different brands but most give access to services such as YouTube, BBC iPlayer, music, movie and photo web sites plus 'apps' including games and information. The system requires that your home has a local area network (LAN) connection to the internet. The TV may have a wired (ethernet) connection or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection (or both).

HDMI inputs. The HDMI socket is the new connector that is required for high definition devices such as Freesat and Freeview HD channels and Blu-ray players. This socket replaces the old SCART connector.

Tuner. The type and number of tuners inside the TV. Most have a single digital terrestrial (Freeview) tuner (and an old style analogue tuner). Some also have a digital Freesat satellite tuners (the TV needs to be connected to a satellite dish). Most now have High Definition (HD) Freeview or Freesat tuners to receive the HD channels. These offer higher quality, more realistic pictures - see HDTV.

Screen size. A measure of the screen diagonal. All the TVs tested are widescreen so these dimensions may look bigger than the dimensions used for traditional TVs. A 32” widescreen TV is roughly equivalent to an old-style 26” TV.

On-screen TV guide. An electronic/interactive listing of channels and programme times, often refered to as EPG.

Favourite channel groups. Shortlist the channels you watch regularly. With some digital TVs, different members of the household can set up their own favourites. We check if favourites work from both the TV guide and the basic channel listing.

Now and Next. See the title of the current programme and what programme is coming up next displayed as a banner on the screen. With most digital TVs you can also scroll through these N&N titles for all channels – all while keeping up with the programme on the screen.

Programme information. Most digital remotes have an ‘info’ or ‘i button’. Press this for a brief description of each programme. With most digital TVs this can be done for the current programme, for the N&N screens or, if you are really planning ahead, for the TV guide.

High Definition (HD) TV. This offers higher quality, more realistic pictures - see HDTV.

HD Tuner. The TV can receive Freeview or Freesat high definition channels (e.g. BBC1 HD, BBCHD, ITV 1 HD and Channel 4HD)

HD Ready. This means the TV screen is of high enough quality to show the improved quality of the HD channels and Blu-ray HD films. However, this claim alone does not guarentee that it has a Freeview/Freesat HD tuner built in so an external HD set top box or PVR may be required. See Jargon Buster.

Technical Performance
The result of basic technical tests covering picture quality and how well the terrestrial boxes performed in weaker signal conditions. See the detailed information summary on each TV for its technical performance.

Watching and listening. Sessions to make sure there were no problems with picture and sound quality and synchronisation.

Power consumption - in standby and in use. The lower the better – for the environment and your pocket.

Audio description When available this feature can decode extra spoken descriptions of what is happening on the screen – when these are broadcast. It is intended for people with visual impairment. See audio description [in our existing general report] for how to get it on the different platforms.

HDMI. This is the connection required for connecting external High Definition devices such as Sky HD or Blu-ray players. It gives HD picture quality, stereo or surround sound and should give automatic switching functions with compatible equipment.

Connections
SCART socket. Convenient way to connect most older, standard definition devices together. The SCART connection gives stereo sound, the best picture quality and automatic switching functions. Two SCART sockets are good for connecting a set top box and a DVD player for example recording. .See connecting up to record.

Slot for pay TV or common interface slot. The Common Interface slot on a TV allows a pay TV card reader device to be fitted. The card reader is necessary to receive TopUp TV and ESPN Sports subscription channels for example. The card reader is available from electronic retailers or direct from the broadcaster.