Tip of the Week
How to Choose a High-Definition TV
High-definition television, or HD TV, is the most popular television on the market today. Everything is going high-definition, including many cable companies.
High-definition television is one of the most dynamic and useful electronic investments you can own. It is the centerpiece of most American living rooms. Families often gather around the TV set to watch their favorite programs. Many people own more than one set. They place them around their homes to make sure they don’t miss a moment of news or entertainment.
There is an enormous amount of flat-screen TVs on the market. All that competition means you are likely to find good deals. But with all of the modern features and styles available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping for a new HDTV.
Reputation
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer as well as the retail store.
Be very cautious about purchasing bargain brand names. Any deal that seems too good to be true is likely to be a rip-off. There are a large number of low-cost flat-screen TVs from no-name manufacturers. Many of them will fail after only a short amount of time.
When you are not familiar with brand names, inspect the warranties. Quality manufacturers will support their products with strong warranties directly from the factory. The best retailers will offer additional warranties that will certainly give you peace of mind.
Purchase your TV from a solid retailer with a long track record of happy customers. The salespeople should be informative, not insistent. They should be able to explain the technology and various features so you can make an informed decision.
Size
For many Americans, the biggest TV is the best TV. Large screens give you the feeling that you are in a theater.
But before you begin shopping, take out the measuring tape. Make certain that the TV will fit correctly wherever you are planning on putting it. Remember that screen sizes are measured diagonally, so you will also need to know the external dimensions for the new TV. If you think it might be tight, bring the tape measure with you to the store to double-check the dimensions.
Plasma, LED or LCD
The most common HDTVs these days have plasma, LED or LCD screens. Which one is the right choice? Keep in mind where you will put the set, along with how you plan to use it.
Plasma TVs look best in dark or dimly lit rooms because their screens reflect light easily. So keep these TVs away from windows or bright lamps. They do offer vivid picture quality for sports, video games and other fast-moving action.
LED TVs have a deep, rich color spectrum. Their thin screens are slick and easy to mount on a wall. In the past, they’ve been more expensive than basic LCD sets, but that price gap is rapidly narrowing.
LCD TVs are the most popular type of HDTV. They have the widest range of sizes. Although they can be inexpensive, these TVs might not offer the same quality of color and brightness as the other sets.
Features
These days, TVs are becoming more integrated with computers. You will find plenty of extra features that will help you create a more enjoyable experience.
You can find TVs that connect directly to the Internet so you can stream videos or access services such as Netflix. Others can provide a 3D viewing experience with or without the special glasses.
As always, think about the sound quality of the TV’s speakers. You may want to connect them to a home theater audio system. Check the number of inputs and outputs to make sure you have the amount you need in case you want to connect video players and other accessories to the TV set.
