How to Choose LCD Size
As of 2010, LCD TVs are the highest-selling type of flat panel HDTV. This can be attributed to their high-quality picture, sleek design, affordability and wide range of sizes. This size range creates options for consumers, allowing them to select a TV that is ideal for their particular viewing location. When choosing which screen size best fits your needs, a few factors can be taken into account to help narrow your search parameters.
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Instructions
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Set a dollar amount that you can comfortably afford to spend on a new TV, and do some research to see which screen sizes are available in that price range. With a figure in mind, you can then look for the largest size available for that amount. Sources for obtaining this information can be the manufacturers' websites and those of major TV retailers including Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Visit those stores in person as well to get a firsthand look at how large each screen size actually is.
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Identify the primary role or purpose this TV will play -- will it be the centerpiece of a home theater system, for watching Blu-Ray movies and other HD content, or a secondary viewing option in another room, such as a kitchen or bedroom, for watching basic cable channels? This can help you decide how much space in the room you want the TV to occupy, and will factor in when setting a price limit as well, as larger screen sizes offer higher video quality.
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Take note of the screen height, as well as its diagonal measurement. When watching content in the standard 4:3 aspect ratio, a flat screen LCD TV (which has a wider 16:9 aspect ratio) will need to have a larger overall diagonal reach to have the same size picture as on a standard 4:3 screen. For example, a 40-inch LCD is required to have the same screen height as a 32-inch standard screen.
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Decide how you will display the TV, standing it upright on its pedestal stand, or mounting it on a wall. The weight of the LCD TV will obviously increase the larger the screen is; ensure that the selected wall will be able to bear the weight of the set you choose, if you elect wall-mounting.
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Use the intended location for the TV as a consideration in choosing a screen size -- how large is the room, and what will be the distance between the TV and those watching it? Larger viewing distances will call for a larger screen size for optimal enjoyment.
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Measure the dimensions of your entertainment center or other cabinet to be used as to place the TV, to see how large a set it can accommodate. Note the height and width of any TV you are considering, to ensure that it will fit in the available space.
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