Looking for an HDTV to put under the tree this year? Walking into an electronics store in search of a TV these days can be a bit overwhelming. There are a gazillion different models to choose from – each with a slightly different set of features. The trick is in finding the right blend of options for the right price. Here is a handy guide for figuring out which HDTV is best for you.
Budget
How much are you willing to spend? Televisions range from $300-$3000 and above, so it’s best to determine your budget right at the start.
Size
Most HDTVs purchased today are 32″ or larger. Keep in mind the number one complaint of new HDTV owners is they didn’t buy a big enough TV. Therefore, it’s important to measure your room and normal viewing distance to determine your optimal screen size. With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be you would want 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches of distance between yourself and the TV. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size in inches for the best experience.
Do I really need 1080p?
In general if you’re TV is less than 42″, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between 1080p and 720p (or 1080i). You’re much more likely to find a bargain on an HDTV if you’re willing to forgo the 1080p.
Key Features
Manufacturers often try to differentiate their brand by advertising a laundry list of available features. Unfortunately many of these don’t come cheap.
HDTVs often come with picture-in-picture (PIP). Ask yourself how often you would really use this feature. Also consider that many cable/satellite boxes now offer PIP capability on the box itself, so this feature is sometimes redundant on the television.
Plenty of today’s HDTVs come with universal remotes. With the assortment of cable boxes, stereo receivers and DVD players commonly found in many households, a universal remote can be very useful.
Inputs and outputs are an often overlooked feature on HDTVs. These can range from the “old school” RF cables all the way to the latest and greatest HDMI cables. HDMI is quickly becoming the standard, even on the cheapest of sets.
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Tags: Buying Guide, HDTV