Here is a condensed version of my previous article Buying A Television: What You Need To Know. For the full article, check the links at the end of this How-To.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 4 hours
Here's How:
- Measure the space the TV is to be placed in (include height, width and depth).
- Take note of the size of the room the TV is to be in. Make sure there will be comfortable viewing distance between you and the TV.
- Measure the interior space of the vehicle you will be transporting the TV in. If your vehicle is too small, be prepared to make appropriate delivery arrangements with your retailer.
- Take note of the picture quality of the TVs you are considering to purchase.
- Take note of the viewing angle of the TV (this is important when purhasing projection TVs).
- Take note of the curvature of the picture tube or the screen surface. Flatter screens have less light glare and shape distortion.
- Check the darkness of the screen when the TV is turned off. Darker screens can display higher contrast images.
- Listen to the TV's audio quality. This may not be a factor if you intend to connect it to an external audio system -- in which case, make sure the set has the appropriate audio outputs.
- Check the remote control for ease of use.
- Take note of any other features (PIP, TV Guide Plus, Universal Remote, Color Temperature adjustments, number of AV Inputs, etc.) that you may want to consider.
- Using the measurements made in Step 1, make sure the TVs you are considering will fit in your intended space.
- Consider an extended service plan on a Projection TV or if the TV is more than $1,000.
- Make arrangements to deliver or take the set.
- Unload the TV carefully from your vehicle when you get back home (or make sure you have a clear pathway for the delivery crew).
- Connect Cable (or Antenna, or satellite, DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, etc...) Plug it in and turn it on!
Tips:
- Plan a reasonable budget for your TV purchase, but don't make your decision solely on price.
- Keep in mind the Digital TV Transition has now taken effect and HDTV broadcasting is becoming more common. If you can afford an HDTV, get one.
- If the TV is to be the primary family TV, get a consensus from from all the family members on your choice.
