How to Buy a New TV

Find the right screen for your home entertainment system.

Television shopping has definitely changed. It used to be the only thing you worried about was whether to buy a color or black and white TV. Now, we have LCD, plasma, HDTV, 1080i, 1080p ... it's overwhelming. Choosing the right new TV truly depends on where you want to watch the TV and what your other entertainment needs are.

Instructions

1. Write down the other things you will be using your TV screen for. Do you own a Blu-ray Disc player or a DVD? What type of video gaming system will you be hooking up to the TV? 1080p capable TVs give you the highest resolution possible to take full advantage of high-end electronics, such as Blu-ray Disc Players and PS3 gaming systems. If you have a DVD player and don't game, you can go with a 1080i or even a lower resolution and save a little money.

2. Decide where you will be watching the TV and jot down the room specs. Plasma TVs don't offer screen sizes smaller than 42 inches, so if you're looking for a little unit to put in your bedroom, you'll need an LCD TV. Also consider the room's TV viewing angles. Plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs in terms of viewing angles in that their picture doesn't blur when watching from the side. However, if you are planning on placing your TV straight in front of you, the LCD will save you money in the long run.

3. Consider your short-term and long-term budget and notate it. Both TVs have a relatively similar life-span, but the LCD TV is lighter, less expensive and more eco-friendly. Purchasing an LCD TV will save you money at the onset, and over the life of the TV in terms of your energy bills. That said, if you're looking to have the best possible viewing experience in your home theater, most critics will agree the plasma provides a higher quality picture.

4. Take your list of needs to your favorite electronics store and discuss your planned TV usage with a qualified sales representative. Find out what your best viewing options are and then, most importantly, take a look at each TV the store has to offer. View the TV screens up close, far away and at various angles to see how the picture holds up. Ask the sales representative to adjust the store's lighting so you can see how each TV responds to different lighting. Take the time to really choose the TV that's best for you before you make the financial commitment.

Tips & Warnings

• Most electronic stores run the best possible HDTV feed through to the TV screens to show the enhanced viewing capability of each unit. You will not receive the same picture at home unless your cable or satellite provider presents programming using the same HDTV specifications.

References

• CNET Australia: Plasma vs. LCD: Which is Right for You?; Randolph Ramsay, Ty Pendlebury; June 2011