How to buy an HDTV

A few tips for buying your first HDTV.

Instructions

1. You need to pick a HDTV that will fit the room you are putting it in. A big TV in a small room can be uncomfortable. While a small TV in a big room will have your eyes strained. If you have a spot to put your new TV in a room, use the following equations to pick the correct screen size: Multiply the feet between you and the screen by 7 inches.

2. This number will give you an idea of what size HDTV would be good for you. (In general, Thirty-two inches and larger is a nice size for a family television or entertainment center.

3. The following are things that will affect a TVs performance. These are a few things to consider when buying an HDTV.

4. The first factor is VIEWING RANGE. This is the angle that a TV can be watched at with no distortion. HDTVs are best viewed at a small angle because of how they produce the picture.

5. The second factor is BLACK LEVEL. This is a TVs ability to produce the color black. Hint: CRT televisions produce the best black color.

6. The third factor is RESOLUTION. This is the number of pixels per square inch. The higher the resolution (number of pixels) is, the better the picture quality. HDTVs can produce 1920x1080. "p" (progressive scan) or "i" (interlaced).

7. The fourth factor is BURN. This is the damage done to a screen by static images.

8. The fifth factor is GLARE. Buying a flat panel HDTV will greatly reduce the glare caused by ambient light.

9. If you are buying a PLASMA TV consider the following: They have a large screen size, slim profile and can be wall mounted for convenience. They also are very expensive, can burn easily, and have poor black level. Be careful when buying a plasma TV as some are not "true" HD (852x480). Make sure that the resolution is 1920x1080 (1080i or 1080p).

10. If you are buying a LCD TV consider the following: They have a very slim profile, their price is falling, very sharp image quality. They also have limited screen size, and poor black level.

11. After you get your TV home you should change the COLOR TEMPERATURE. Your TV is broken down into three colors (Red, Green and Blue: RGB). On a TV, color temperature affects the type of grey in the overall picture. Mess with the temperature until you get a neutral grey.

Tips & Warnings

• I hope this will help you choose a great high definition TV.