How To Buy LCD TV: Which One Is Right For You?
Posted by hdtv buying guide on June 11, 2009 under HDTV Buyer Guides, LCD HDTV | 
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When high-definition television first became a part of public consciousness a few years ago, plasma was the trendsetter. With brilliant colors and hefty price tags, it was the object of many affections.
Lately, though, LCD has become the standard-bearer for the HDTV industry. Inexpensive to manufacture, LCD (short for liquid-crystal display) is energy efficient and lightweight. Companies like Sharp have sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into creating state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in order to make the finest panels possible.
When selecting an LCD TV (or any other kind), it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The first is budget — know what you want to spend and try to stick to it. Sure, more expensive models might have exciting features, but you’ll need to weigh the reward against the extra cost.
Second, know how much space you have for a new TV. Sure, your entertainment center might be 48 inches across, but that 46-inch television is measured diagonally, and will likely have 1 to 2 inches of plastic surrounding the screen. Look for actual dimensions of the whole television before buying. Good retailers will have the numbers displayed, and if not, they’ll find them for you. Here’s a good HDTV size guide.
Third, know about the differences in resolution. There are two HDTV standards — 720p and 1080p. They both refer to the number of horizontal lines on the panel, stacked on top of each other vertically. The higher resolution is 1080p, which adds more detail and definition to images.
Depending upon the size of television you’re looking for, 720p may be perfectly fine. For screens 32 inches and smaller, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p. For larger screens, especially in home theater-type applications, definitely aim for 1080p.
Finally, don’t get wowed by numbers and terms. Manufacturers lately have been touting things like “dynamic contrast ratio” and “ultra-bright panels.” By nature, almost all LCDs are bright. And contrast ratios refer to how bright the whites are compared to the depth of the blacks.
In stores, the brightness will be cranked up in order to gain your attention. A good LCD will have multiple settings to allow for adjustment of brightness and contrast. Quite often, the store settings are far too bright for everyday viewing. Look instead at included features like internet connectivity and peripheral ports.
With all of the companies trying to take advantage of the advance in TV technology, there’s a very good chance at least one of them has something that will work for your budget and space requirements. Take the time to research those offerings before you’re ready to buy, and you’ll leave the store knowing you made the right decision. Samsung LCD TVs, for example, are worth checking out.
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