How to Buy a HDTV

With all of the cutting edge television technology, it seems to be getting increasingly difficult to decide which type of TV to purchase. HDTVs, or High Definition Televisions, offer crystal clear pictures with vivid colors and amazing sound systems. Choosing the right HDTV is somewhat subjective, as everyone's tastes differ and each prospective buyer has different needs. Below are a few key features to take into consideration when deciding which "bells and whistles" you need in an HDTV and which one's fit your budget.

Instructions

1. Analyze the room in which the HDTV will be displayed. Take measurements and decide exactly where you want the TV placed to get the most out of your purchase. Try not to place the TV directly across from a window, unless the windows have coverings, as the glare will reduce the picture quality. You also don't want to sit too close to the screen itself, as the HD effect will be compromised and you will see the actual color pixels. The closer you sit, the worse your picture quality will be.

2. Determine a screen size, in accordance with the size of your room. You'll want to make sure that the HDTV you choose does not overpower the entire room (or maybe you do). Remember this formula when deciding on screen size: for HDTV multiply the distance you will be seated away from the TV (in inches) by 6 to determine the appropriate screen size (diagonally in inches) that you should buy. Therefore, the closer you are sitting, the smaller the screen should be.

3. Wait for sales in local electronic stores or department stores. If you pay full price for your HDTV, chances are that an improved, more cutting edge model will be revealed within the week, dropping the prices of the others. As quickly as manufacturers find a way to improve HDTV, it is almost inevitable that the consumer will never have the most up-to-date technology.

4. Choose the style of HDTV that will suit the area best. The rear projection models will obviously take up more space because of their large back panels which typically stick out about two-and-a-half feet from the wall. If you have room to spare, you can afford a larger screen with these rear projection TV's. If you're limited on space, or even just limited on floor space, a flat panel HDTV can be hung on the wall to allow you to utilize more floor space for media towers to house your other electronic components. Keep in mind these flat-panel models do tend to cost more, so you may have to downsize your screen size.

5. Decide between an Integrated HDTV or an HDTV-ready model. The integrated style already will have a decoder/tuner built right in and are ready to receive broadcasts through an antenna. The HD-ready models, while typically less expensive, require you to buy a separate decoder/tuner to allow reception of broadcasts through an antenna.

6. Sit in front of the HDTV displays in the store and look at the picture quality of each brand. Just because something is cheaper does not always mean it is a better deal. Be sure to turn the sound up (most electronics stores only have the volume up on the most expensive, best sounding models) as some TV's reel you in with a decent picture quality, but terrible audio. Chances are, these display models are hooked up to HD channels, too, so ask how the picture quality is on non-HD channels and ask to see the picture. There probably still will be an improvement over your existing TV, even on non-HD channels.

7. Keep your receipt after you purchase the HDTV. Be sure to ask the company's return policy and whether or not there is a "restocking fee" for electronic returns. If you get home and have buyer's remorse, many electronic stores will accommodate you, but don't count on it, find out for sure.