The following are transcripts of reports by Call 4 Action's Aaron Saykin that aired on Oct. 9, 2007 and Sept. 26, 2007, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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There are new ratings out that could help you decide which type of high-definition television you'll want to buy this holiday season.

These ratings, which come from J.D. Power and Associates, are determined by thousands of customers who bought high-definition televisions during the last year.

All of them weighed two factors when choosing the TV: price and picture quality.

The ratings for high-definition television largely depend on what size TV you're looking for.

We'll start with the most popular range: 37- to 49-inch flat screens.

The top performer in the category by far was the Sony Bravia LCD or liquid crystal display TV.

Behind those were LG plasmas and LCDs.

Coming in third were both types of Samsung flat panels.

The ratings are a little different if you're looking for a mammoth, high-def flat panel anywhere from 50- to 65-inches.

In that category, the highest rating was given to the Pioneer plasma, which is also among the most expensive.

Right behind it was the Sony Bravia LCD and the LG plasma came in third.

For those of you looking for a rear-project high-def, the ones you cannot hang on the wall, Samsung's DLP ranked first.

Sony's Wega came in second, and Toshiba's DLP was rated third.

For more information, visit www.ConsumerReports.org or www.jdPower.com.

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If you've been holding out for a new flat-screen, high-definition TV, prices appear to be coming down as the holiday season approaches.

The problem is that most people have no idea what to buy. The trick is knowing exactly what you want before walking into the store.

Fortunately for consumers, the latest issue of Consumer Reports has rated all of the leading brands of flat-screen TVs, including the ones thin enough to hang on your wall.

There are two different types, so we'll begin with a plasma TV.

The thing to remember about plasma high-definition TVs is that they're less-expensive and almost as good as the other kind, LCD.

So when it comes to the massive sets, "then you're starting to get into price-wise," said Gary Pietropola of Laketon TV.

"Plasma is going to be the best bang for your buck," he said.

But is it the best service and dependability?

For example, if the same image is left on the screen too long, it could permanently burn into it.

On the plus side, a plasma picture looks clear from every angle, no matter where you're sitting.

For 50-inch or larger plasma HD TVs, Consumer Reports picks Panasonic as the best overall brand.

It also gives high scores to Samsung and Pioneer.

If you're looking for something a little smaller, Consumer Reports likes the Panasonic 42-inch plasma the best.

Right behind it is LG and Samsung, and all three are comparable in price.

But if you're looking for a television about 42 inches or smaller, Consumer Reports and other experts typically recommend going with LCD instead.

"If you're going to the 40-inch or below, if you're looking at plasma or LCD, I would do LCD," said Pietropola. "I think you will get a better service dependability set."

The downside is that the LCD picture isn't always perfectly clear unless you're watching head-on, but there's no chance imagines will burn into the screen.

For high-definition LCD TVs 40- to 42-inches wide, Consumer Reports gives the highest ratings to Samsung and Sony.

But it believes the Toshiba Regza, priced at $1,150, is thE best bargain.

For the smaller 32-inch LCDs, Sony comes out on top, followed by Panasonic and Samsung.

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