Going digital: tThe smart shopper's guide to cameras, HDTVs, and more.

When it comes to buying video and camera equipment, digital technology now dominates your choices--and how. Digital cameras, the hottest category by far, are more numerous and diverse than ever. More TVs are high-definition sets: In fact, these digital sets will account for about one out of four TVs purchased this year. Other electronics gear, including camcorders and video recorders, is also going digital in a big way.

There are a few reasons to consider digital devices over still-viable analog options such as film cameras and regular TVs. Digital products can deliver better performance than their analog counterparts. With a digital camera, camcorder, TV, or video recorder, that means sharper, cleaner, more detailed images. In addition, you'll get capabilities you could only dream of in the predigital era. With cameras, for example, you can preview photos and delete the clinkers, print only the best, and even use your computer to crop the tour guide out of that great shot of Niagara Falls.

Now that prices have fallen from the stratosphere to down-to-earth levels, many of these products offer outstanding value. Basic digital cameras sell for less than $200, while HDTVs start at $550 or so. You can spend far more--especially on an HDTV--to get even better image quality, a bigger screen, or additional features and functionality.

If you're among the millions of consumers making the move to digital photography and entertainment, we can help. The reports in this section offer a clear-eyed assessment of what each technology can and can't do. Throughout these pages, look for "You Need to Know" boxes for straight talk about the problems and pitfalls you may encounter--things the salesperson might not know or tell you and that you might not think to ask.

The many features and capabilities of digital products can make them more complicated than the devices you've used for years, so expect a learning curve. Note that there are still some wrinkles to be ironed out regarding connections, storage media, recording formats, and copy protection. We'll alert you to such potential concerns and suggest ways to minimize hassles.

Of course, there are the unbiased Ratings you expect from us, with details on more than 140 products. If you know what you want, head straight for the Ratings charts and zero in on a particular model. Want a helping hand to get started? You'll find it throughout this 24-page section.

DIGITAL CAMERAS AND CAMCORDERS