Note: Although CRT-based (Tube) televisions are being rapidly phased out at this point in time, information on what to consider when buying a CRT-based television is still provided in this article for those that may be buying such a set on clearance, through private parties, or online sources.
Tip #6 -- Remote Control/Ease of Use
When shopping for a television, make sure the remote control is easy for you to use. Have the salesperson explain it to you if you are not sure of some of the functions. If you need to control several items with the same remote, make sure it is a universal remote and that it is compatible with at least some of the other components you have at home.
As an added consideration, see if most of the TV functions can be controlled on the TV itself (the controls are usually located on the bottom front of the TV, below the screen). A few TVs may actually have the controls on top of the TV. This can be very important if you misplace or lose your remote. Exact replacement remotes are not cheap and generic universal remotes may not control all the important functions of your new TV.
Of course, there are many other tips that can aid you in buying a TV, features such as picture-in-picture, commercial skip timers, channel block (every new TV now has the V-Chip), TV Guide Plus, etc... can all be taken into consideration, depending on your needs, but my purpose in this article was to point out some fundamental tips that apply to any TV purchase that we often overlook in favor of the "gadgets" or "good deal" approach to TV purchasing.
Some Final Considerations
In conclusion, let's discuss some final considerations regarding your television purchase.
Needed Accessories: When buying your television, don't forget additional accessories you might need, such as coaxial and audio-video cables, power surge protector, and any other items that you will need to make the installation of your television complete, especially if you are integrating your TV with an overall home theater system. Also, if you purchase a video projector, keep in mind that you will have to replace the light source bulb periodically, and to take that cost into consideration as a needed accessory cost down the line.
Extended Service Plans: Consider an extended service plan on a projection television or if the TV is more than $1,000. Although televisions rarely need repair, those repairs can be costly, especially for a CRT-based projection set. CRT projection sets house three projection tubes, one for green, one for blue, and one for red. If one projection tube becomes defective, all three must be replaced to insure the correct color balance. In addition, if you buy a Plasma or LCD television and something happens to operation of the screen, the entire set would probably have to be replaced, as these units are basically a single, integrated, piece.
Also, extended service plans usually include actual home service and may even offer some type of loaner while your set is being repaired. Lastly, many home service plans for projection televisions include a "once-a-year" tuneup where a technician will come out to your home, open the set, clean out all the dust and check for the proper color and contrast balance. If you have invested a lot of money in your projection set, this service is well worth it to keep it top notch condition; if you choose to take advantage of it.
For an additional, helpful, resource go to the following link to get a great abbreviated check list to take shopping with you: How To Buy A Television
If you are confused about buying an HDTV, be sure to check out my HDTV FAQs - Answers To Basic Questions About HDTV.
Additional related articles to assist in your Television purchase from Matt Torres, About.com Guide for TV/Video:
