2 Steps to the Right HDTV
By Jennifer DeFeo
There are lots of considerations when it comes to buying a new television, but only two decide whether you'll be truly happy with your purchase: know what you can expect to pay for each size, and know the stats of your space before buying.
First, look around your space. Are you going to wall mount the TV or place it on a stand. If you have a TV stand, measure it and bring the measurements to the store. There’s a chance your new TV won’t accommodate your old stand.
If you’re going to wall mount the TV, you’ll likely have to pay someone to help you install it. (Those TVs are heavy when it's a one-person job!) When they do, make sure the TV isn’t mounted too high. A TV placed above the fireplace looks great in those design magazines, but in reality, having to tilt your head up, even slightly, to watch TV gets tiresome. Try to keep TVs at eye level.
Some LCD models have glossy displays. In dark theater rooms, these are ideal, making colors really pop. However, if you’re going to place your TV near a big, bright sunny window, you’re going to see excessive glare. If this is your set up, choose an LCD with a matte screen. The color is still great, and you’ll be able to see it much better in broad daylight.
In the store, you’ll see Plasma TVs, LCD TVs, and LED TVs; LCDs are your least expensive option and a very good value right now. With so many choices in this category, you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck with an LCD and still be impressed with the picture quality.
What you’ll pay. If you need a small TV for a small living space or bedroom, you can find a 32- or 37-inch LCD TVs ranging from $329.99 to 799.99. If you’re making the step to a new LCD, we recommend something in the 40-49-inch category. You’ll find the most choices here. You can purchase 40, 42, 46, or 47-inch displays ranging in price from about $550 to $1800. If you really want to splurge, you can get a 52- or 55-inch HDTV starting at $1100 and going all the way up to $5,000.
Reader Q&A:
Q: What features should I look for besides size?
A: Resolution and refresh rate are both commonly used to compare TVs. Resolution is either 720p or 1080p. 1080p TVs are a bit clearer and sharper. Another measurement is refresh rate, which is how fast the image on the screen refreshes. The faster the refresh the less likely you’ll see blurring or motion distortion during fast-action sequences. The three rates are 60hz, 120hz, or 240hz. 240hz is new and found on the more expensive TVs.