10 tips on buying a new TV

By David Katzmaier, David Carnoy, and John P. Falcone
Mar 07, 2007

You've probably heard a lot of scuttlebutt about new TVs (HDTVs in particular)--such as, "You need an extra, expensive box to watch HDTV" or "The FCC is mandating that all programming be in high-definition." Or older rumors, such as "You need to sit dead center to watch rear-projection TVs" and "LCD screens are better than plasma." All these points are correct. And incorrect. Or partially true. Or they were right at one point but not any longer. The point is this: forget everything you think you know about TV technology. If it hasn't changed in the past three years--or three months--chances are it will in the next three years.

Previously, HDTVs were pricey luxury items that required a significant investment in time, effort, and additional expense--just to watch a few measly hours of actual high-def programming. Now, the situation has improved dramatically: entry-level HDTVs can be purchased for less than US$600, and HDTV programming is easier than ever to get from all three national satellite companies and most cable operators around the country. So even if you're eyeing a small (less than 27 inches), old-fashioned analog-only TV, you should seriously consider spending the few hundred extra dollars for HDTV compatibility. You'll be kicking yourself next year if you don't.

After you take our advice and spend the extra scratch for a high-def model, you may not be so happy when you discover that the majority of the TV you watch doesn't look as good as it once did. Unfortunately, now that you have a better TV, it's able to display all the flaws in the TV signal you're receiving. So non-HD channels, even digitally transmitted ones, can look worse than before. On the flip side, high-def channels look great. And there are more of those high-def channels popping up every few months.

With most of today's programming still displayed in the standard-definition, non-wide-screen format, you may be tempted to purchase an HDTV with a standard, 4:3 aspect-ratio screen--especially if you're considering a smaller model. Sure, you like the idea of playing DVDs in their native wide-screen format, but if you've plugged the numbers into our screen calculator, you know that, for example, the 4:3 image on a 30-inch wide-screen (16:9) model is really the equivalent to that of a 24-inch standard TV. Using that math, it seems to make a lot of sense to just get a 32-inch 4:3 HDTV, which is cheaper than a 30-inch wide-screen model. But just keep in mind that the trend is toward more wide-screen-formatted programming, and TVs last a long time.

From a home-theater perspective, you want the most immersive picture you can get, so bigger is usually better--as long as you have the room. For wide-screen HDTVs, a good rule of thumb is to sit between 1.5 and 3 times the screen's diagonal measurement away. For example, a 42-inch wide-screen set should be placed at least 1.6m from the couch. When watching non-wide-screen TVs, you'll want to sit farther away: no closer than three times the width of the screen, or you'll begin to notice major flaws in the picture. Conversely, a TV that's too small can cause eyestrain since you have to squint to make out the details. Also: while the difference between a 42-inch wide-screen TV and a 50-inch model may seem like "only" 8 inches, the 50-inch model actually offers 39 percent more screen real estate--a big jump.

The good news is that HDTVs are now available in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, thanks to a growing variety of television technologies. The bad news is that with so many choices and acronyms (CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, and so on), you feel like you need to take a class to make an informed purchase. In lieu of that, we suggest you bone up with our four styles of HDTV feature. Keep in mind that the technical details of the varying technologies aren't really important. Instead, you'll want to make an informed choice based on how their relative strengths and weaknesses dovetail with your personal preferences.

People tend to consider TVs for their price, size, overall aesthetic, and picture. But don't forget to take a quick look behind the set to see what inputs you get (along with the ones on the side or front). If you have a large number of video sources--say, two game consoles, a DVD recorder, a VCR, and a satellite or cable tuner--making sure your prospective TV has the correct number and type of A/V inputs is another important factor to consider. Even with a well-appointed A/V receiver, it never hurts to have as many inputs on your TV as possible.

Ultrathin plasma and LCD sets are the ultimate in tomorrow's TV tech. You can hang these beauties on the wall or even the ceiling, and their pixel-driven panels are perfect for use as computer screens. The problem is price. Especially among larger plasmas and LCDs, prices are still extremely high compared to same-size projection TVs. That's why LCD, DLP, and LCoS projection models, which continue to slim down with each passing year, are becoming so popular.

Before you spend anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars on your new TV, don't forget that it's only one of several new devices and accessories you'll need for a complete home-theater experience. If you've taken our advice and purchased an HD-ready TV, you'll want an HD cable or satellite box (or an antenna and a tuner) so that you can actually receive high-definition programming. A TiVo-style DVR or DVI-enabled DVD player that can scale up your movie collection to HD-friendly resolutions may also be in order. Oh, and be prepared to invest in a bevy of cables so that you can connect all these products together in optimal fashion. Just don't buy anything without checking with your cable or satellite provider first: most companies have set-top boxes with built-in HD tuners and/or DVRs, available for cheap (and even free).

Yes, prices on high-definition and flat-panel TVs are dropping. Yes, whatever you're eyeing today will be cheaper in six months. And yes, those giant flat-screen TVs may even be priced at less than US$1,000--someday. But the fact is, your 9-year-old, 20-inch CRT TV just died, and you need to replace it with something. So take the tips above to heart, make a choice, whip out your credit card, and close the deal. And if you want some consolation--instead of kicking yourself when you see what you could have gotten for your money next year--talk to the guy who spent twice as much as you 24 months ago. Then turn on DiscoveryHD, sit back, and enjoy.