We have Diwali looming on the horizon, and I'm quite kicked about the prospects of having my entire neighbourhood transforming into a warzone, replete with deafening explosions and the joy of choking on gunpowder smoke. This is the kind of stuff that brings tears to my eyes. Not because the fireworks industry forces children to work in hazardous conditions, but largely due to the fact that I'm allergic to pollution from firecrackers.

With such misery unfolding outside, the best way to spend the Diwali vacation is holed up in an air conditioned and soundproof room with some popcorn, and a good movie for company. For that you need a good television set, which isn't a problem with the surge of excellent offers on TV sets. However, before you go about buying a TV, you're better off figuring out which technology is best suited to your needs. Once you have decided whether you need a plasma or an LED-backlit LCD television, take a gander at these paisa vasool deals spread across the budget, mid-range, and high end segments.

Budget Segment

LG 32LN5650 Jazz TV
Screen Size: 32-inch
Panel Type: LED-Backlit LCD
Pixel Dimensions: 1920x1080
3D Capability: No
Smart TV: No
Deal Price: Rs 31,500



The LG 32LN5650 Jazz TV is a reasonably priced 32-inch LED-backlit LCD TV that delivers excellent picture quality and a loud (not spectacular) twin-woofer sound system. The TV's native pixel dimensions of 1366x768 might sound like a raw deal, especially since this sort of money can buy a Full HD TV. However, it's nigh impossible to tell the difference at this screen size from the ideal viewing distance. What this TV lacks in stellar audio fidelity and connectivity, it more than makes up for in terms of video performance. This TV therefore comes recommended for a simple reason that it offers picture quality far superior to what most TVs can deliver in this price range. Don't believe me? Well, read my review then.

LG 42PN4500
Screen Size: 42-inch
Panel Type: Plasma
Pixel Dimensions: 1024x768
3D Capability: No
Smart TV: No
Deal Price: Rs 35,200



This entry-level plasma is a completely no frills TV that makes a case for itself based on two of the most important aspects—screen size and picture quality. At 42 inches, you can't buy a larger panel at this price, which makes it an irresistible deal despite its parsimony with connectivity options. The underlying plasma technology ensures brilliant colours, impressive contrast, and really deep blacks.

Before you panic at the seemingly 4:3 resolution, don't worry, because the panel uses rectangular pixels that create a wide-screen aspect without any issues. Moreover, after having compared it side-by-side to Full HD LCD panels at reasonable viewing distances of 4-5 feet, its lower pixel density isn't a bother at all. In fact, the colours and blacks rendered by the LG plasma overshadow even those of more expensive LCD televisions.

Mid-range Segment

Panasonic TH-P42UT50D
Screen Size: 42-inch
Panel Type: Plasma
Pixel Dimensions: 1920x1080
3D Capability: Yes
Smart TV: Yes
Deal Price: Rs 57,800



If you have more money to spare, it doesn't hurt to get your paws on a Full HD plasma panel. Unlike the budget LG offering, this one comes with all the bells and whistles such as full 3D capability and smart TV features. The TV employs active shutter 3D glasses, which means you get full 1080p capability unlike half the resolution offered by the passive 3D alternative. Although, I'm not a big fan of the smart TV gimmick, it is nevertheless a welcome addition at this price. Even if you don't care much for these features, Panasonic's sublime plasma panel is well worth every paisa.

LG 42LA6620
Screen Size: 42-inch
Panel Type: LED-Backlit LCD
Pixel Dimensions: 1920x1080
3D Capability: Yes
Smart TV: Yes
Deal Price: Rs 71,600



If you like your bells and whistles, the LG 42LA6620 should be your first choice. Unlike the competition, LG's smart TV feature set is actually quite usable thanks to a reasonably intuitive interface, and for maintaining a fairly optimised and lag-free experience. The bundled Magic Remote is a delight to use, and comes at no extra cost. Its Passive 3D implementation may not offer the best resolution, but it renders stable and flicker-free images. What's more, you also get four 3D glasses, which should have your entire family covered. A kickass panel forms the perfect base for this smart TV and 3D icing.

High-end Segment

Samsung 46F7500
Screen Size: 46-inch
Panel Type: LED-Backlit LCD
Pixel Dimensions: 1920x1080
3D Capability: Yes
Smart TV: Yes
Deal Price: Rs 1,17,700



This particular Samsung TV is my absolute favourite amongst LED-backlit LCD panels. It delivers surprisingly good blacks for an LCD panel and really accurate colours to boot. It's no plasma, but it's the closest you can get to it with an LCD, and praise doesn't come higher than this. Considering the price it's only fair that you get every imaginable active shutter 3D and smart TV gimmick from motion control to voice recognition. If money is no object, you can't go wrong with this one.

Tags : Displays, Buyers Guide, Diwali Tech Deals