The digital television transition is right around the corner, so high-definition TVs — with their built-in digital tuners — will top many gift lists this holiday season. But before you buy, make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

HDTV prices are expected to reach unprecedented lows during the holiday shopping rush. Some 42-inch sets will sell for well less than $1,000. You may even see 32-inch models for less than $400.

You'll find plasma and digital light processing, or DLP, sets, but LCD has become the most popular type of HDTV. Here are some tips for finding the perfect budget LCD HDTV.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Resolution differentiates HDTV from standard TV. HDTV resolution is 1,280-by-720 pixels (720p) or 1,920-by-1,080 pixels (1080i and 1080p). The letter "i" stands for interlaced; "p" stands for progressive.

Full high definition is 1080p. But don't worry too much about resolution. You probably won't notice a difference, especially on smaller sets.

Pay particular attention to response time. This is the time it takes a pixel to turn on and off. Response time is measured in milliseconds. Aim for 8 milliseconds or faster, otherwise, you may notice smearing in action scenes.

Brightness and contrast ratio are also important. Brightness is measured in candelas per square meter, or cd/m2. Higher numbers are better. The picture will look better in bright light.

Contrast ratio is the difference between the whitest white and blackest back. Shadow detail improves as the contrast ratio increases. Don't accept less than a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.

Make sure the set has connections for your current home theater components. Buy one with more than one HDMI input, if possible.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

You'll see plenty of off-brand sets this year. In fact, off-brands will dominate early sales. Don't let the names deter you.

Budget brands may not be as physically attractive as the big boys, but that doesn't necessarily mean the quality is any less.

There are few manufacturers of LCD panels. Off-brands often share the same panel as costlier models. Different manufacturers make the software and other components, though.

Some extras may not be available on budget brands. Don't expect card readers, swivel bases or ambient lighting. You'll be fine without these features, though.

If you must have a brand name, wait. Prices on brand-name sets should start falling three weeks before Christmas.

Read online reviews carefully before buying any set.

WATCH OUT FOR EXTRAS

Competition is forcing stores to lower HDTV prices. You can bet they'll try to make up for it elsewhere. So, watch out for heavy-handed sales tactics.

Retailers make a killing on extended warranties. The truth is, you don't need one. Manufacturing defects should become apparent within the standard warranty period. Most brands are reliable, according to Consumer Reports magazine. Included in that group are Sanyo, Sony, Sylvania, Panasonic, JVC, Sharp, Toshiba, Visio, Samsung and Philips Magnavox.

Repair costs after the warranty expires will probably be cheaper than an extended warranty. Anecdotally, I have heard little about TV problems.

You should also watch out for cable prices. Budget about $20 for component video cables. An HDMI cable should cost less than $40.

And remember to budget for installation if you want to wall-mount your set. You'll spend $100 or more for the bracket. Professional installation starts around $100. Again, shop around. Some professional installers are expensive. A good handyman can do this job.

KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

Don't limit your shopping to electronics stores. You'll find great HDTV deals at department stores such as Sears and Wal-Mart.

And check warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam's Club. They often have lower profit margins than retailers. Retailers' profit margins are about 25 percent. At warehouse stores, this drops to 10 percent.

Online retailers will also offer bargains on HDTVs. Don't forget shipping costs, though. And no matter where you buy, always check return policies.