How far you sit from the TV is an important factor to determine the size you need.
Brand loyalty does not mean as much today as it did a several years ago. With a little investigation you may be surprised to find that two different TVs from different brands and at two different price points, use the same LCD screen manufactured by the same company in China. When picking a TV it is more important to compare the specifications, features and warranty of each brand. Decide first what type of TV you want, and what size, then you can compare the brands based on similar models.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Decide what type of TV you want before comparing brands. It is difficult to compare one brand of plasma TV with another brand's LCD TV, or an high-definition television with a non-HDTV.
2. Calculate the size of TV you want. Measure the amount of space you have available on your wall or on your TV cabinet to help determine the size of TV you want.
3. Measure the distance between the TV and your usual sitting place. If you are buying an HDTV, this distance should be between two and four times the size of the screen. If you are buying a non-HDTV, this distance should be between one and a half to three times the size of the screen.
4. Bring your measurements with you when shopping, especially if you are tight for space. TV screen sizes are measured diagonally and the stated screen size does not include the stand or frame. To compare physical dimensions look at the technical specifications for each TV.
Comparing Specifications
5. Compare resolutions. Resolution is the number of pixels in a one-inch line. Most resolutions today range between 720p to 1080p. A higher resolution is most important when watching high resolution media, like Blu-ray movies or high definition video games, or for screens 32 inches or larger. If you are watching on a smaller screen, or watching standard television, you will probably not notice a difference between a 720p resolution screen and one that is 1080p.
6. Compare refresh rates between brands. Refresh rates represent the amount of time it takes to refresh an image, measured in milliseconds. A lower number is better. A poor refresh rate can result in ghosting when there is fast action.
7. Examine brightness. This is a number given in Candelas per square meter (cd/m2). In this case, a higher number is better, especially if you watch TV in a brightly lit room.
8. Compare contrast. Contrast is a ratio, like 4000:1, showing the brightest and the darkest the screen is capable of showing at the same time. Dynamic contrast is a different ratio, showing the brightest and darkest the screen is capable of showing at different times.
Comparing Features
9. Make a note of which brands will connect most easily with the technology you have in your house. Many brands come with built-in Wi-Fi, computer network adapters, and USB ports. One brand may be worth a few extra dollars if you can watch movies from your iPhone or easily connect it to your computer to play video games.
10. Compare warranties. Ask about procedures should you need to return your TV. Ask how it is shipped, and who pays for shipping. Can you return your TV to the store?
11. Ask specifically about the warranty on burned-out pixels if you are buying an LCD TV. Some brands, for example, will only allow you to return a TV if more than two pixels are burned out when you open the box and turn it on for the first time. This can be a frustrating experience, seeing a bright white spot on a brand new TV.
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