I purchased my first flat screen TV back in late 2007. It occurred to me that I had never taken the time to provide my thoughts on this big purchase.
I know some of you probably haven’t made the transition to the flat screen TV, but it seems these TVs are becoming more and more affordable each day. So if you’re in the market for one, I hope you enjoy my take on buying a flat screen TV (please don’t confuse this for a serious technical review though):
How to Decide Which Flat Screen TV to Buy
Three factors come into play when I think about deciding on a flat screen TV:
1. 1080p or 720p- In my opinion, unless you are a serious gamer or Blu-ray DVD watcher, skip the 1080p and get a 720p. You’ll save a little money and be just as happy. Current satellite and cable TV is being sent in 720p. So, for regular HD programming you won’t notice a difference when watching your favorite TV shows with a 720p set vs a 1080p set. The TV manufacturers aren’t making many 720′s anymore though so you may have to search hard for one.
Update: These days, 1080p is about all you can find, and prices have come down. So, this isn’t much of a decision anymore.
2. Plasma or LCD- At the 40″ size range, I’ve heard it’s pretty much a toss-up on quality. Above 50″ and I think the plasmas have the advantage. Get an LCD though if you’re not going too big, and if you have a bright room (they have less glare). Also, LCDs are more likely to have a VGA connection if you ever needed to use it as a monitor.
3. Size – In my opinion, the size suggestions out there are designed to sell bigger TVs. In a normal 20′ x 20′ living room, a 42″ will do just fine, and in a bedroom a 32″ will work. The measurements out there are based on an immersion factor (where your whole viewpoint is contained within the TV screen). Basically that’s the kind of thing the average person shouldn’t be worried about. Again, just my opinion.
Where to Buy a Flat Screen TV
You’ll definitely want to do some of your initial research online. Then, once you’ve narrowed it down to 2 or 3 models and sizes, determine who sells your TV and visit the store. Look at the TVs and make sure you’d be happy with it.
Once you’ve decided on a particular set, head home to do price research. Find your lowest price online and call your local store to see if they will match it. Then, just make your purchase and enjoy your TV.
I’ve been really happy with my selection, a 42″ 720p LCD. It’s kind of past it’s prime though now.
Tip about Cables and Cleaners: Don’t buy the expensive HDMI cables at the store, try and score some of those from your cable guy or buy them online. Newegg.com
is a good place to look. Also, I’ve never needed the professional cleaners they sell at the electronic stores for my TV. I just wipe it with a dry cloth.
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I'm going to be buying 1 or 2 flat screens for the house and I have got a lot of good info and help I know 1 will be a 42 but isn't it true LCD tvs are cheeper to run and also I have an older mid 90s 64" rear pro. its a sony and it still has a good pitcure but takes up a lot of space and I think cost a lot to run the space and run cost is the reason I'm getting rid of it or should I keep it until it burns out?
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