The old cathode-ray tube is still the gold standard when it comes to exhibiting rich color, smooth motion and deep blacks with superb detail. So Canon and Toshiba used the same technology to create a better flat panel. Called SED (surface-conduction electron-emitter display), it uses 6,220,800 electron emitters-one for each color per pixel-that cause red, blue or green phosphors to glow. SEDs have higher contrast, more accurate color and better motion response than LCD or plasma, while consuming less power. And they'll cost less when produced in high volumes.

When buying a big-screen TV, you can go flat or you can go fat. Flat (with a plasma or direct-view LCD screen) means you can hang your TV on the wall, but you'll feel the pinch in the checkout lane. In the fat camp are the rear-projection screens, which offer larger screen sizes, great resolution and more affordable prices. Rear-projection TVs will also be the first to be
digital-cable-ready, eliminating the need for a digital-cable box. And the best news of all-they're not even that fat anymore.