So you have decided that you want to buy a large screen TV and are ready to take the plunge. This article will cover some of the key features that you will need to review and use to make the best decision for yourself. We will cover the top four items in the article, price, screen size, key features and picture quality.

Price

You have some residual cash and would like to buy a big screen TV.  The price for big screen televisions can vary from as little as $300 to as much as $3000.  You need to determine what your television budget is before you go out to buy one.  The next thing to decide is what size TV screen you should get.

Screen size

Choosing the correct size television screen for your viewing area is just as important as some of the other features we will discuss. Getting a screen that is too large is just as bad as getting a screen that is too small.  The results will be the same in that you will not be able to enjoy a clear picture.  Most stores have theater areas where you can test how a TV will look at different distances.  Measure your viewing room at home so that you know the minimum and maximum viewing distance from all the places where people will be seated to view the television.  This will help you make the correct decision on which size big screen television is right for you.  Next we will cover some of the key features to consider when buying a large screen TV.

Key features

Many big screen televisions come with extra features at an extra price.  Will we will cover three of these features so that you can make an informed decision about whether they are right for you.  First is Picture in Picture (PIP), a feature that will allow you to watch two programs at the same time, one being a smaller window on the larger screen.  The thing to be aware of here is that if you are receiving your signal from a satellite or scrambled cable line, you will not be able to watch the second channel at all. You will only benefit from this feature if you are connected directly to the TVs two tuners.  Next, is the universal remote.  This can be handy if you can get a model that is guaranteed to control all your current accessories.  Not all universal remotes will work with every version of DVDs, DVRs, cable boxes, satellite boxes, etc.  Again, be sure that the remote you are getting will work for your situation, especially if it is going to cost you extra.  Finally, is the audio.  Most TVs today come with a stereo system like MTS.  If you plan to use your home theater audio system, then the audio feature is not worth paying extra for.  Only consider paying more for this feature if you plan to use the TVs audio system and speakers by themselves.

Picture quality

Picture quality on a large screen television, is probably the most important feature to consider.  And this is truly in the eye of the beholder.  With the advent of flat screen TVs like the Philips 42" Plasma HDTV , the picture quality has been greatly enhanced. Ultimately, you must decide what is best for you.  Try to compare the TVs that you like in subdued light if possible.  Remember, the lighting in your home is typically much darker than a very brightly lit store.  If you have a portable DVD player that you like, take it with you and ask if you can plug it in to watch instead of the store’s cable signal.  DVD is very close to a HDTV signal and can give you the best comparison.

Now that you are armed with all this knowledge, you are ready to make a very informed decision on your next large screen television purchase. Enjoy your shopping and when you get your new television set home enjoy your TV viewing!

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