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1. Pick the right screen size
We know you want a big TV, but just how big can you go? Setting aside cost, take the screen size (measured diagonally) and multiply it by 1.5 to three. That will give you an approximate minimum to maximum seating distance for that TV. Next, measure the distance you expect to sit from your new TV and view multiple TVs from that distance in stores to get an idea how they’ll look in your room.
2. Listen, Don’t Just Look.
Picture quality is only half of the HDTV experience. Most programs are broadcast in 5.1 surround sound, and Blu-ray movies have even better sound qualities than DVDs. Invest in a good surround system at the same time you buy your TV.
3. 1080p or 720p
One of the latest buzzwords for HDTVs is 1080p—that’s the current maximum resolution you can buy. But do you need it? It’s almost impossible to see the difference on TVs under 42 inches, and not even always obvious on larger TVs.
4. Multiple HDMI
(especially version 1.3) is the best input for high def sources. Make sure your TV has multiple HDMI inputs—the more the better for cable boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray players, and HD camcorders.
5. USB Connectivity
Many TVs now have USB ports that accept flash drives for playing MP3 music files, JPEG pictures or videos. USB ports are also helpful for doing firmware upgrades on the TVs.
6. What About the Network?
Several new models from Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Sharp and others include network connections (Sony TVs require a separate adaptor). The network gets you free access to Web-delivered content like news, weather, videos and even customer service.
7. Control Connections
If you plan to have your TV connected to an advanced control system (such as Crestron) then make sure the model you select has an RS-232 port included.
8. Contrast: More is Better
This feature determines the range of gradations between black and white as well as how black the TV can actually go. A TV that’s better at producing black will also create more accurate and vibrant colors.
9. Sharpness: Less Can Be More
Everyone wants a sharp, detailed picture, but sharpness controls on most TVs actually detract from real detail by adding artificial edges. Use the sharpness control with caution.
10. Remote Control
A good remote can make the difference between a satisfying TV experience and a frustrating one. Remotes that can be configured to control multiple components make life easier, as can back-lit buttons and a smart, comfortable button layout.
11. Glare or No Glare
Some TV screens and bezels are particularly susceptible to glare. If your room has a lot of sunlight, look for a TV with an anti-glare screen and a non-shiny bezel.
12. Plasma or LCD
Which is better? The truth is that now both technologies can produce excellent TVs. Pick the TV that has the features and quality you like, not the display technology it’s based on.
13. CableCARD or tru2way
If you want high def cable TV service but don’t want a cable box, then get a model that supports CableCARD or tru2way. These features replace the box, but get you virtually the same service. The latest, tru2way, allows for all the interactive services from a cable company (except DVR) but won’t be available in all parts of the country until mid 2009.
14. Viewing Angles
Does everyone sit directly in front of the TV? If not, make sure the TV you select has a wide side viewing angle. Many LCDs and DLP TVs lose some contrast and color when viewed from an angle.
15. Ambient Light
If your room has a lot of light pick a brighter TV. LCDs tend to be brighter than plasmas. Some TVs have ambient light sensors that will adjust the TV’s brightness based on room light.
16. 120Hz
Video is processed at 60Hz (frames per second), but on LCD TVs, that can introduce judder on the screen. Many new TVs include a process that converts 60Hz signals to 120Hz to remove the judder and create a smoother picture. There are multiple ways to do this, but they all work pretty well.
17. Response
LCD TVs produce their picture by allowing light to pass through liquid crystals. The speed at which these crystals switch on and off is called response. The faster the response time, the smoother the picture. LCD TVs are generally faster than LCD computer monitors.
18. Burn In
Burn-in on plasma TVs happens when a static image sits too long on screen and is retained in the TV’s phosphor layer. It’s a lot rarer than you may think, and most TVs now have several features to prevent or reverse it, but it’s still technically possible.
19. Clean Your Screen
Plasma, LCD and micrdisplay screens (even projector lenses) should never be cleaned with standard household window or surface cleaners. Those contain ammonia and alcohol that can damage the screen’s coating (same goes for camera screens and lenses). Use a screen cleaner and micro-fiber cloth designed for TVs (Sanus, Monster, Dust-off and others produce TV screen cleaners).
20. Calibrate
Out of the box, most TVs are set up to be too bright and over-saturated for accurate home viewing. Adjust the brightness, contrast and color temperature with a test pattern DVD or set the TV to “movie” or “cinema” mode for a better picture.
21. View with SD Too
Your new HDTV will probably be used to watch a lot of standard definition content too, so make sure you find out how well it does with low resolution signals. Built-in video processors can improve SD content to some degree.
22. Add A Blu-ray Player
Currently, the absolute best video signal is available from Blu-ray disc (BD) players. There are about 700 Blu-ray titles available, and every new movie is now released in BD format. All Blu-ray players also play DVDs.
23. On the Wall or Table
Flat panel TVs look great hanging on a wall, but doing the work can be challenging for some DIY’ers. Know what you’re getting into before you start cutting holes in the wall. Many TV furniture companies (Omnimount, Sanus, Bello and others) offer tables and stands designed for plasma and LCD.
24. Not Above the Fireplace
Flat panels may look nice mounted above the fireplace, but installing them there is a big chore, and then you’ll get a sore neck from looking up all the time. The best placement is to have the center of the TV at or just above eye level when you’re sitting.
25. Not Ready
Don’t want to buy an HDTV just yet, but don’t want to lose your TV programs when February 17 comes along? Get a digital converter box from any major electronics retailer. They’re easy to use, and with the government’s coupon program, will only cost you about $10.
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