The 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, with its customary slew of HDTV announcements, promises televisions with better specifications and technology improvements arriving just around the corner. So if you're in the TV market now, it makes sense to check out our blogs covering the new models and decide whether they're worth the wait, or whether getting a 2008 model for a discount is the way to go. Below you'll find our favorite HDTVs of the 2008 model year, which are all pretty dang good right now, and pretty tempting if you can't wait for the 2009 reviews. As always, we'll update these Best lists as soon as we review new sets.

Pioneer PRO-111FD

Best overall picture quality: The deepest blacks in the business and dead-on color make this expensive plasma the best HDTV we've ever reviewed.

Price:$2,895.00 - $4,499.98 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs

Panasonic TH-50PZ800U

Best picture for the money: If you don't have the scratch for the Pioneer, the THX-certified Panasonic is a worthy substitute for half the price.

Price:$2,249.99 - $2,249.99 (check prices)

Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8

Best flat-panel LCD: It costs a mint, but this LED-powered LCD is the new champion of the superheavyweight flat-panel LCD division.

Price:$4,798.00 - $5,999.99 (check prices)

Samsung HL61A750

Best big-screen: The practical choice for those who want a huge screen and don't want to sacrifice the image quality.

Price:$1,448.00 - $1,899.99 (check prices)

Panasonic TH-42PX80U

Best flat-panel bang for the buck: There's no reason to scrimp on performance when you can get a solid plasma for a price like this.

Price:$799.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)