A television is one of the biggest purchases consumers make for their homes, and these days a wealth of options is available. One of the most enticing is the big-screen television, but consumers should take many factors into account before making a commitment.
Location
Where to position the TV is a serious consideration. Randolph Ramsey, who writes for CNET.com, says potential consumers should make sure they have the room for large televisions. When determining how far you will sit from the TV, make sure the distance is one-and-a-half to three times the screen width for wide screens and three times the screen width for 4:3 aspect ratio televisions. Also determine where in the room you want to put the TV so you can decide whether to purchase a mountable flat screen or a freestanding projection model.
TV Types
According to Ramsey, four types of TVs are available. Direct view tube TVs are the new generation of cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions. They still deliver great picture, but the larger models are bulky, so you will need plenty of room to watch. Liquid crystal display (LCD) and plasma models are sleeker and provide great pictures, particularly if you are considering high-definition (HD) television. These TVs also save space, especially when they are mounted on a wall. Rear projection view televisions are undergoing a transformation, Ramsey reports. Some are still bulky and take up plenty of space, but others are becoming sleeker and as stylish as their LCD and plasma cousins.
Consumers should also take into account whether they want wide-screen or non-wide-screen televisions. Ramsey recommends reviewing your viewing habits before you buy. If you watch a lot of movies (many of which are now letterboxed for broadcast), a wider screen may be your best choice.
Digital
Any new television can display digital reception, but there is a difference in the definition. Standard definition (SD) shows programs in their standard format (4:3 aspect ratio), with picture quality as good as you will find on DVDs. HD is broadcast in at least 576p (horizontal lines progressive) and goes as high as 1080p (this is usually a 16:9 aspect ratio). HD pictures are sharper, thanks to a resolution that is two times higher horizontally and three times higher vertically than SD. Make sure the TV is HD ready if you want an HD picture, but note that some shows are not broadcast in HD.
Features
Ramsey says that consumers should take other intangibles into account. Check a TV's brightness level if you plan on putting it in a bright room. A high contrast ratio can help produce dark images with great detail. Resolution relates to screen detail. The higher the resolution (or number of pixels), the better the picture.
Plug Ins
Ramsey says you should take note of what items you will be plugging into the TV. VCRs, DVD players, satellite tuners, gaming stations and digital video recorders are just some of the potential items to plug into a TV. Count how many connections the TV has before purchasing. A combination of HDMI ports (for HD video), S-video ports and composite ports is best.
Cost
Ramsey reports that LCD, plasma and big-screen televisions are becoming less costly every day. LCD is still a bit more expensive than plasma televisions, but the gap is diminishing. He also reports that rear projection televisions are a great value if you have the room for them. Cost should be your final determination. By weighing the other options, you will narrow your choices considerably.
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