How to Pick the Right HD Television
High-definition television is popular, and with the crystal-clear images it provides, it's not hard to see why. Before you rush out and purchase the HD television which looks the shiniest, however, it pays to do a little research. The right TV depends on your particular circumstances; with a little foresight and planning, you can find the one that works for you and avoid having to exchange an expensive item almost as soon as you get it out of the box.
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Instructions
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Consider the space where you intend to put the HD television to help you determine what size TV you need. Ideally, you need a distance from 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal width of the TV screen (the TV's listed size) between the TV and the viewing position. If the TV is bigger than that, the viewing experience won't be optimal; measure the space and select a screen size that fits it.
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Measure the chosen location for your TV to ensure that it fits in that space. Like many electronics, HD televisions have vents for letting excess heat escape. Leave a few extra inches clear around the perimeter of the TV to ensure that the vents can do their job.
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Think about whether you would prefer a plasma screen TV or an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV. Both offer clear images in high definition, but the differences in screen technology offer various advantages and disadvantages. Plasma screen TVs usually have deeper, richer colors than LCD TVs and can be viewed from oblique angles more readily. LCD TVs, however, are often lighter and use much less electricity. LCD TVs also work well in altitudes above 6,000 feet: the thinner atmosphere causes problems with plasma screens.
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Look for the best possible screen resolution you can. Resolution is listed as a number, followed by either a "p" or an "i". The number refers to the number of horizontal pixel lines on a given screen (720 or 1080, for instance), while the letter refers to either an integrated image (i) or a progressive image (p). The higher the number, the more pixel lines and the sharper the image. Integrated sets flicker rapidly back and forth between one half of the lines and the other--which the human eye can't differentiate, but which isn't quite as sharp as a progressive television set, which shows every pixel line at once. 1080p sets provide an outstanding image, but sets with a lower resolution are often cheaper and the differences in image quality are very small.
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Do some comparison shopping to find the brand you like at the best price available, then make your purchase accordingly.
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Tips & Warnings
Many HD televisions are flat screen, which allows you to mount them to the wall if you wish. Be sure to include a little extra money for a proper wall mount if you choose this option.
Make sure you get an HD package with your cable or satellite service before you purchase an HD television. They charge a little extra per month, but if you don't get it, you won't receive your programming in HD.
