How to Choose an HDTV

If you are in the market for a television, you might have decided that you want to purchase a HDTV. Now that you’ve decided on the type of television you’re going to buy, it is time to find the right HDTV for you. Doing a little research will help inform your decision.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Measuring tape

1. Measure the area where you intend to put the HDTV. Know the maximum space available for your TV choice.

2. Determine which style of HD suits you best. There are three types: HD-ready (can display standard-definition programs on their own, but require a digital cable/satellite box to get other digital channels), integrated HDTV (has an ASTC digital tuner built in and need no additional equipment when used with a roof antenna) and Digital Cable Ready (DCR-or plug-and-play, can plug a digital card from a cable/satellite company directly into TV).

3. Consider aspect ratio. The 4:3 aspect is a square screen, similar to conventional TVs. A wide screen aspect, 16:9 or 15:9, has a rectangular shape that resembles a movie screen, also known as a letterbox. Any content set to one type of aspect ratio will have to be modified to the other, should you use it.

4. Think about any extras you’d like in an HDTV. If you watch a lot of DVDs (in non-progressive scan modes), you’ll want to look for 3:2 compensation, also called CineMotion or film mode. Stretch and zoom modes can expand or contract images to best fill screen space.

5. Consider what you’ll be hooking into your new HDTV. Be sure there are enough outputs that are conveniently located for devices such as cable/satellite boxes, VCRs and DVD players.

6. Find how much HD content is available where you live. If there’s not much content availability, it may not be worth the extra expense you’ll pay for HD, or you may want to wait until more HD programming is available before you spend the money on an HDTV.

7. Search the Internet for options. Look at review Web sites, such as Consumer Reports and chain store Web sites, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Target and Wal-Mart. By typing “HDTV” into any search engine, you can find many different pieces of information.

8. Go shopping. See what’s available and compare prices. Talk to sales staff and get their opinions from their personal sales experience and expertise.

Tips & Warnings

• If HD is too expensive for your budget, consider ED (enhanced definition). The quality isn’t quite HD, but it comes close. Some can even accept HD signals and broadcast them at a somewhat lower quality.
• If you can hold off on buying a new TV, HD prices are continually falling. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that HD prices will drop. If you can’t wait, scope out sales ads for special sales, or wait until times of the year when electronics tend to go on sale (before the Super Bowl, for example).
• Best selling brands of HDTV are JVC, Magnavox, Sony, Sharp, Sanyo, RCA, Samsung, Philips and Toshiba. Some of the best models are: Sony WEGA KD-34XBR970, Sharp AQUOS LC-37D40U, Sony KDS-60A2000, Panasonic TH-50PHD9UK and the Optoma HD72.
• HDTV is more expensive than other types of television. Be prepared to spend more money for the better quality that HD provides. Be sure an HDTV fits into your budget before shopping.