How to buy a flat-panel HDTV

With technologies improving and prices falling, could it be time for an upgrade? Get ready, get set.

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Step 5: Cables

Get the Cheapies

Even if your new TV comes with component cables, which have multiple audio and video jacks, buy an HDMI cable anyway. It's a single cord so it's easier to set up and it transmits the highest-quality digital video and audio. That said, you don't need the $100 kind, says Paul Gagnon, director of North American TV market research for analysis firm DisplaySearch. Stick with store brands or those from Monoprice.com, and save yourself $70 or more.

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Last updated January 23 2009: 5:54 AM ET

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