The holiday season is rolling around and there's no gift more exciting than a television, whether you're on the giving end or the receiving end.  You can expect to see some absolutely crazy deals this holiday season, especially as Black Friday rolls around, but deal or not, you've got to make sure you get a great set for your money.

Up to $1,000

We'll start out at the entry level with sets that sell for $1,000 or less.  You get what you pay for, of course.  Sets in the $1,000 range won't boast the same video quality and features as a set that you'd put in your main viewing room, but they're great for second viewing rooms, cottages, or even as gifts for someone you love.

Top Pick: Sony 40" Internet TV

If you're looking for a set that can do just about everything, this is it.  The Sony Internet TV, Sony Google TV, or NSX40GT1 – whatever you want to call it – does almost anything you need it to do.  It's a nice looking set that uses LED edge lighting for a solid contrast ratio, but it's not the video quality that sets the Internet TV apart.

As you might have picked up from the name, the Sony Internet TV absolutely dominates when it comes to online content.  It's got plenty of apps, a built-in flash capable web browser and it can even let you search your DVR without having to switch inputs.  It doesn't do 3D and it won't go over 60Hz, but if you're looking for entertainment options, it'll get you there.

Samsung 50" C490 Plasma PN50C490

You're not going to find a cheaper 3D capable plasma set than Samsung's.  Though it has an MSRP of $1,099, the PN50C490 isn't being sold for more than $999 anywhere you look.  It's a nice looking set, but that low price comes at the cost of resolution.  Samsung's inexpensive set is only 720p.

This is a great set to buy if you're not yet sure about making the jump into 3D.  It's cheap, it's plasma – the preferred display technology for quality 3D – and it boasts 3D capability, but doesn't come with the required glasses.

Mitsubishi 60" Home Cinema DLP WD-60638

If you're looking for the best size to money ratio, you won't do better than DLP.  It's a less often seen technology these days, but don't count DLP out.  Mitsubishi's WD-60638 has a massive 60 inch 1080p screen with a six color processor to keep those images bright and vibrant.

Like the Samsung Plasma, Mitsubishi's DLP is 3D ready.  Unlike the Samsung though, you'll need to get more than just glasses to make it work.  An adapter and an IR emitter will be needed, both of which can be purchased from Mitsubishi in a starter pack with two pairs of 3D glasses.