Television Buying Guide
Our television buying guide will teach you how to properly shop for a new flat screen. There are 3 different types of TV's on the market these days. You have plasma televisions, LCD televisions, and LED televisions. The more popular of the bunch as of late is LCD and LED; but we'll break down the differences between each of the three.
Size:
Some television buying guides will tell you the bigger the better. Many people (guys in particular) want the biggest screen they can get into the room! I know because I'm guilty of that sin. But the truth is, you want to TV to compliment the size of the room for the best picture. Here is a chart with the size break-down.
| Screen |
Viewing distance range |
| 26" |
3.25-5.5 feet |
| 32" |
4.0-6.66 feet |
| 37" |
4.63-7.71 feet |
| 40" |
5.0-8.33 feet |
| 46" |
5.75-9.5 feet |
| 52" |
6.5-10.8 feet |
| 58" |
7.25-12 feet |
| 65" |
8.13-13.5 feet |
| 70" |
8.75-14.75 feet |
So make sure you measure the distance between where your eyes will be and the TV. I once bought a 62-inch that was 5 feet from the couch. Not only did it suck to watch but it gave me a headache after about an hour or two of watching. So in this instance folks, bigger isn't always better!
Glare:
If you're talking to a techie person or reading most television buying guides; the whole glare conversation can be cumbersome. So I'll simplify it all here. LCD/LED TV's do great in bright environments. So if there is a lot of natural light where the TV will be going then an LCD or LED flt-panel is what you want.
Plasmas do great in dim/dark rooms. They are also better for angled views. A plasma TV will have a great picture whether you're directly in front of the screen or to the side, laying on the floor etc. LCD/LED's show their best picture when viewed head on.
Plasma, LED an LCD television review & comparison chart
Display
Type |
Screen
Size |
Viewing
Angle |
Picture
Contrast |
Video
Motion |
Color
Gamut |
Power
Consumption |
Pros & Cons |
| Plasma |
42"-65" |
Excellent |
Very Good to Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
Pros: excellent contrast and black levels; effortless motion; rich colors Cons: not as power-efficient or thin as some LCDs |
| LCD with standard fluorescent backlight |
19"-70" |
Good to Very Good |
Good to Very Good |
Good to Excellent |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Pros: panels weigh less than plasma and use less energy
Cons: picture slightly less natural and "filmlike" than plasmas |
| LCD with LED backlight |
22"-60" |
Good to Very Good |
Very Good to Excellent |
Good to Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Pros: panels use the least energy and weigh less than plasma; models with local dimming capability can have black levels rivaling plamas
Cons: picture slightly less natural and "filmlike" than plasmas |
Here are some Sony and Samsung televisions from Best Buy I recommend
 
Samsung 42" Class / 720p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV ($599)
 
Samsung Factory-Refurbished 46" Class / 1080p / 60Hz / LCD HDTV ($699; refurbished but can make a great deal if a Black Tie warranty is purchased with it.)
 
Sony Google TV 40" Class / 1080p / 60Hz / LED-LCD HDTV ($999)
Leave television buying guide and return to small appliance page
|
