What in the HD World?

If you are contemplating buying a new TV during this annual consumer madhouse, then here's my simple guide to finding the TV of your dreams - or at least one that doesn't bust your budget.

I'm keeping this basic by limiting it to a couple bullet points. If you want the uncut version, then you can peruse our HDTV Buying Guide for all the details.

As a veteran reviewer of TVs, it's my professional responsibility to begin by promoting the importance of a TV's picture quality.

Panasonic ST60 50-inch Plasma HDTV, $980 (on sale)

If you consider yourself a videophile, and you have a limited bank account, then the choice is simple, buy a plasma HDTV.

Even though the higher-end LED backlit LCD displays - and especially the new quantum dot LCDs - are nipping at their heels, plasmas are still consistently valued for their deep blacks and rich colors.

OLED TVs are finally appearing in the marketplace and even inveterate plasma fans are conceding that OLEDs may have ascended to the top of the picture quality hill. But the first OLEDs cost about nine times more than similar-sized plasmas. Therefore, unless you are a dot.com mogul, set your sights on a plasma TV.

Panasonic, Samsung and LG still make high performance plasmas. Not all plasmas, especially the top of the line, fully featured models can be considered inexpensive, (like the gorgeous 60-inch Samsung PN-60F8500 [on the right} that I'm reviewing [$2500 on sale, 11/24 - 12/2]).

Currently, I'm seeing the best plasma TV deals on the 50-inch size.

If you are really bargain hunting, you probably will find a few 50-inch plasmas under $500. (For example, I am seeing a Samsung 51-inch plasma for $427.) Their resolution may be 720p instead of 1080, but I have found on plasma displays, the lower resolution is not always a deal breaker.

Also, at these bargain prices, don't expect features like Internet connected Smart TVs. To fill that void, you can always buy a $35 Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player or for a little more, a Roku box or a Smart Blu-ray player.

Of note, if you are a plasma fanatic who has been waiting to pull the trigger, plasmas manufacturers are sadly fading away. Unless something drastic changes in buying habits, we may see the last of plasmas in a couple of years.

Well, I have done my duty as a responsible reviewer. Now let's talk what's important for the other 90% of TV buyers who opt for LED backlit LCD TVs.

Even if you don't have aspirations of assembling a home theater, my suggestion is to buy the biggest TV (screen size) you can afford.

When I began reviewing HDTVs, a 40-inch screen was huge and it was hard to imagine anything bigger in a normal sized TV room. But recently, I have had the privilege to test larger and larger screens and it's surprising how quickly you can get used to a 65-inch TV.

Your significant other may balk at the idea of that enormous black box dominating a room, but the immersive experience of a big screen can often convince even the most skeptical spouse.

If you stream any movies or watch sports, live large.

You should be able to find 60-inch Smart TVs for under $1000 from all the major players (LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, and VIZIO). Walmart is even offering a Black Friday (starting at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving) special on a 70-inch VIZIO for $998.

VIZIO 70-inch HDTV

If your bank account or mate cannot support the "bigger is better" proposition, you can find more moderately sized 55-inch models selling for under $700 and 46-inch screens for under $500. And you can nab a 720p 32-inch TV for about $225 - less than half the price of a 9.7-inch iPad Air.

Now, I'm quoting prices of TVs from the major brands that I listed above. I have reviewed enough of their TVs to feel comfortable about their quality and reliability. I'm not disparaging house brands like Insignia. I simply have not had enough experience with them to pass any judgment on them.

Also, as I mentioned some of these specially priced TVs will not include all the features of the more expensive models. And as you are planning your budget, make sure you have room for covering any extras like streaming media players. And if you do spring for a large screen TV, remember that you have to transport it home.

And if you want to make your TV look even better, set aside some cash for a separate audio system. The integrated TV speakers in even the high-end models do not do the display justice.

Pioneer Speaker Bar system (SP-SB23W), $399

If you are not prepared for the expense or the logistical hassle of installing a full blown 5.1 surround sound system, consider a sound bar, especially one with a subwoofer. Even the inexpensive ones will be a worthwhile audio upgrade.

As I was browsing for HDTV deals, I noticed that Sony has dropped the prices of their Ultra HD TVs - up to $2700 off for the XBR-65X900A (bundled with the Sony's 4K Ultra HD Media Player).

In particular, their 55-inch XBR-55X850A is reduced $1500 to $2995. I'm reviewing this Ultra HD TV and its 4K picture quality is divine. Combine it with the Sony FMP-X1, the 4K Ultra HD Media Player, and they make the perfect stocking stuffer for the Early Adopter in the family.

Sony XBR-55X850A, $2995 with FMP-X1, $499 (when bundled)

Of course, keeping with my "Go big and bring it home" theme, a 65-inch UHD TV would even be better and the 84-inch variety would inspire sugar plums to dance in my head.

And judging from the survey that LG just released, Ultra HD desire is not exclusively a male craving. "Would you rather have a receive a 84-inch Ultra HD Smart TV or a piece of jewelry or an expensive watch (valued around $16,000)? Well, 52 percent of the people in a new nationwide survey chose the TV - including 42 percent of the women!"

84-inch LG-84LM9600 Ultra HD TV, $17,000

Ho, ho, ho! Happy holidays.

Stay tuned.

90-inch Sharp LC-90LE657 HDTV, $8,000 (on sale)