TVs from A-Z
One of the most stressful big-ticket items you can buy for your house is a new television. Technology changes at such a fast pace that it can be difficult to stay on top of the current trends, and walking into your local electronics store can be a very intimidating experience. Your typical store will have a whole wall full of mounted televisions -- often three televisions high and up to 20 across. While it is an impressive sight to behold, it can be very overwhelming to say the least. This is especially true when you're in a crunch to pick up a new TV and accompanying entertainment systems before the start of this year's March Madness.Check out: March Madness Must-Haves
There are so many different types of televisions, with each type available in several different models, that before you know it, your head is on the verge of exploding from all of the choices before you. Yes, buying a new television can be scary, but with a little homework before you go shopping, your experience can be much smoother, and much more enjoyable. View our gallery of top picks for each type of high-definition television on the market today. We've chosen these based on value -- taking into consideration quality and price. Below our gallery, you'll find additional tips on how to nail down the best HDTV for you and your needs.
HDTV Buying Guide
There are four main types of high-definition televisions that are currently being sold, and they are: LCD, Plasma, LED and 3D televisions. Let's take a look at a few deals of each type of television.
Size Matters
The first thing you will notice when you look at the wall of televisions in front of you is the various sizes. Some people get caught-up in the moment and decide that they will buy the biggest television that their budget can handle. Bigger is not always better, and finding the right size television is more important than finding the biggest television. Although, it is important to get the biggest television your room (and budget) can handle.You first need to measure the distance from where you will place your new television to where you will be sitting. A general rule of thumb is that you do not want to sit closer than 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measure, and no more than three times beyond than that measurement. Let's assume that your seating distance is 10 feet. 10 feet x 12 inches = 120 inches. Take your 120 inches and divide by 3 and your minimum screen size would be 40 inches. To determine your maximum screen size, you simply divide 120 inches by 1.5 and you get a maximum screen size of 80 inches. Generally speaking, somewhere in the middle is fine and offers a good viewing experience.
720p vs. 1080p
The two types you resolutions will have to chose from are 720p and 1080p. The main thing to remember is that in order to take full advantage of current high-definition devices, you need to consider buying a 1080p television. If most of the television programming you watch is standard definition cable, then a 720p television will be just fine. But, this is not the case for most people. If you watch high0definition television channels, then it is important to understand that in order to get full high definition you need a 1080p television.Where the real difference really comes into play is when you want to start watching Blu-ray discs, or if you are a gamer. Blu-ray players send their pictures in 1080p resolution, and you will not get the most out of your Blu-ray player unless you are watching on a 1080p television. For gamers, Sony's Playstation plays in 1080p, and your gaming experience will be much more enjoyable on a 1080p television.
What Type of Television Should You Buy?
So now that you have determined what size range and resolution you should be looking for, you need to start thinking about the different types of televisions on the market. There are four main types of high-definition televisions that are currently being sold, and they are: LCD, Plasma, LED and 3D televisions. Each has its own pros and cons, and while they are all very nice televisions, there are some differences to keep in mind. Scroll through our above gallery for the basic differences and for our top-value TV picks for each type.In conclusion, buying a new TV can be a daunting experience. You have a lot to think about, but if you have read through this buying guide, that means that you are doing your homework. Give yourself kudos because that is the first and most important part of the buying process. Consider making a trip to your local Best Buy or hhgregg for some hands-on research to make sure you are getting what you expect. While there, don't be afraid to ask questions! Their salesmen will be more than happy to talk to you. Once you have seen the televisions with your own eyes, go back home and do some research for the best prices online. When you finally get it shipped to your home, enjoy!
It's a daunting experience, but it can be a very rewarding one with a little homework.
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Comments page 1 of 2
Highest Rank
ac said 3-03-2012 @9:26AM
So if I'm sitting 10' from the TV, a good "range" is 40" to 80"? What kind of help is that? Good to know I should have a movie theater or cell phone as my living room TV. And anyone who knows anything knows that 80" is way way too large to be enjoyable at 10'. You'd be staring at individual pixels.
replyHighest Rank
Meh said 3-09-2012 @11:27AM
Actually at 10' a 72" would give you a decent immersion factor if you're source material is generally movies. As specially if its 2.35 cinematic screen. Probably on the big side for broadcast TV like news or what have you. 62" would be a decent all around size at 10'. 50" is the minimum I would go and at that distance with such a small screen 720P would be sufficient even with BD.
Highest Rank
Jeremiah said 3-03-2012 @10:06AM
Love the "hook" - Best TVs starting under under $500. Yes there was one TV selling at $499. The rest were way over $500.
replyHighest Rank
Dan said 3-03-2012 @11:31AM
You say almost NOTHING about LED TVs . I'm told they use 40% less energy, and I know they emit far less heat than the others. The ones I've seen are superior in picture quality as well. Plus, what about the refresh rate, you also say nothing about the 120 Hz vs. the 240 Hz versions , There is also a big difference in them. Especially when viewing sports event.s
replyNeutral
Bill said 3-04-2012 @12:49AM
The refresh rate is determined by your cable sevice provider.In my area only 6o hz refresh rate is available. Alot of people spend extra money on a higher refresh rate and then get the TV home and think something is wrong with the TV because the setting only says that your getting a 60 hz refresh rate. When there are alot of graphics on the screen or fast action sports, like football you will experiece a wash out effect on an LCD with a lower refresh rate. Check with your cable provider and ask what they provide to your house. Other than that my picture on my Westighouse is excellent in HD, but sound is horrible so factor in another 100 bucks for a sound bar.
Neutral
Bill said 3-04-2012 @11:23AM
The refresh rate is determined by your cable sevice provider.In my area only 6o hz refresh rate is available. Alot of people spend extra money on a higher refresh rate and then get the TV home and think something is wrong with the TV because the setting only says that your getting a 60 hz refresh rate. When there are alot of graphics on the screen or fast action sports, like football you will experiece a wash out effect on an LCD with a lower refresh rate. Check with your cable provider and ask what they provide to your house. Other than that my picture on my Westighouse is excellent in HD, but sound is horrible so factor in another 100 bucks for a sound bar.
Neutral
R duffy said 3-03-2012 @9:44PM
No tv shows are currently being shot in 1080 so unless you you watch Blue ray don't waste your money on 1080.
replyHighest Rank
Paul said 3-04-2012 @11:46AM
You're right they aren't being shot in 1080...they are being shot in slightly higher resolutions and then your broadcast system downgrades them to 1080P or 720P or 480P or 480i depending on what the system and your TV are capable of. Its obvious you don't have a 1080P TV and are looking to justify your mistake in your purchase, or justify why you were too cheap to bye a better TV. if you did, your TV would tell you when its operating in 1080P. So stop hating because you screwed up...don't do that to other people. If that's not the case then you are just ignorant and running your mouth for the sake of running your mouth.
Neutral
buz whelan said 3-03-2012 @12:49PM
Nothing about OLED? That's what all the new top models are. Much brighter picture, faster refresh rate. More money, but big jump forward in tech.
replyHighest Rank
Gene Forcht said 3-03-2012 @12:54PM
A bunch of worthless junk from a self styled " EXPERT "
replyNeutral
Bozzy68 said 3-03-2012 @1:53PM
This is JUST typical diriguer page fill from AOL /Huffpo and others that fill wasteful space online guised as IF informative but mere commercial enterprisementing...This is where unemployed writers live trying to scratch a few bucks for their coffers as in general print media is succombing to 'budget' cuts to feed THEIR bottom line with barely a glance to the fact they HAVE lost 'readers/subscribers/etc' in the vague (non) information overload they flood upon the general audience and thensome !!!
Highest Rank
Richard said 3-03-2012 @2:42PM
No mention that at 32 inches or less the human eye can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080
replyNeutral
Fredsrok said 3-03-2012 @2:39PM
I didn't get anything out of this article, that I didn't already know.
replyI'm looking for LED, but no one seems to be able to explain it.
Like, what is the differance between backlit and edgelit and what are the advantages?
What is the best LED technology?
Why would I want 120 hz. vs. 240hz.? (So I can watch NBA plalyers travel 3 -4 steps before making a slam dunk?)
I want an Internet connectable TV, also. No info. on that either?
This article doesn't show the sets with the features that I want.
I'm waiting until my 36", CRT, that weighs a ton, goes out first.
Maybe the technology will be settled down by then.
Neutral
audiohtarchitect said 3-03-2012 @7:30PM
Edgelite simply refers to an LCD TV that uses LEDs on the edges to enhance brightness because LCDs typically lose contrast at the edges.
I would suggest you take a look at my post about DLPs.
Lowest Ranked
Dohse said 3-03-2012 @3:36PM
60 hz, vs. 120 hz., vs. 240 hz... I'm actually looking right now! The article talks nothing of one of the MOST SIGNIFICANT aspects of the new tvs. Is there a significant difference? What is the difference? Power consumption? contrast ratio? WHY DON'T your "expert" articles EVER DISCUSS significant points... the writer makes absolutely one point... tvs exist... other than that worthless time... as are 99% of everything you publish...
replyNeutral
Josie Madrigal said 3-04-2012 @2:55AM
Go Dohse! Go Dohse! You said it!
Neutral
Bill said 3-04-2012 @12:26AM
Here is something that is never mentioned, but usually makes a 100-200 dollar difference or more in price. If your cable provider only provides 60 hrz thats all your gonna get, no matter what the TV is rated. My service only provides 60 hrz so I never get the 120 hrz refresh rate that my TV is..makes a difference when watching fast action or alot of graphics all at once. find out what you cable provider has, I dont know of any around my area that provides over 60 hrz.
Neutral
steven said 3-03-2012 @6:43PM
So where is everyone going to go for hands-on research if everyone follows your advice and doesn't buy from those stores?
replyHighest Rank
Ed Perkins said 3-03-2012 @6:57PM
On the contrary, I would argue that the most important feature to think about in buying a new TV is its sound system. Speakers are now in the back of the set, and some brands have extemely poor sound. I know because I recently bought a LCD with sound so bad that it was necessary to put it back in the box and return it. I finally got a replacement -- Samsung and Sony tend to have the better sound systems for sets in the $400 to $800 range. A serious problem for shoppers is that you can fairly easily test the picture quality in the store but not the sound system. So good luck.
replyHighest Rank
Paul said 3-03-2012 @7:03PM
Actually there is another type of television the industry doesn't talk about, nor do they want you learning too much about.
replyIt's DLP Rear Projection(or front projection if you are so inclined to install a screen) The fact is DLP is brighter and more capable of competing with ambient light without glare, It's produces more complete blacks which in turn provides better contrast and better color. The image is also incredibly smooth because the way the microscopic mirrors overlap in a DLP light engine, you will NEVER see any pixelization, no matter how close you are to it.
The best part is its much less expensive to buy and to own.
The best rear projection DLP you can buy on the market will give you 73" for under $1900, on average.
The reality is less than 20% of households actually ever install that flat screen on a wall, and if you you are placing said TV on a piece of furniture the largest DLP, 92", still is only around 15" deep. Not exactly the giant footprint in the corner of trhe living room they used to be.
So, if you don;t HAVE to hang thats TV on a wall, there is NO good argument for a flatscreen over a DLP.
Now for the best part and the part the industry doesn't really want you considering...ready?
A DLP uses a SINGLE, USER REPLACEABLE BULB THAT COSTS AROUND $130!
So when that plasma starts to have little starbursts, or the pixels in an LCD begin to have dificulty activating, or the LED goes out altogether, the industry expects you to buy a new one or upgrade.When the bulb on your DLP goes out...you buy a new one..and your TV looks new again. Assuming you've taken good care of it to begin with.And when I say industry, I mean the retailers too. It wouldn't serve them either to have you buying new bulbs rather than new TVs
Good luck and spread the word..I really hate to see people spend their hard earned money on an industry that has purposely kept them in the dark .