The size screen you'll need is determined by how far away you will be sitting.
When shopping for a big screen TV, the technical specifications and the array of options can easily leave you bewildered and unsure proceed. There are LCD, LED, plasma and projection-based big screen TVs available, as well as different resolutions, input and output ports, and contrast ratios. Learning to decode the technical hype and advertising spiel can help you get the right big screen TV for your needs. Equipped with the right information, the world of big screen televisions is less bewildering, and you can make a clear-headed, rational choice.
Instructions
1. Measure the distance from your seating location to the TV. This distance optimally determines the right choice in big-screen size. The general rule is that you should sit at least one and a half times the screen size away from the screen. Sitting two times the width of the TV away is preferable to many users, because you feel immersed in the image, but you can sit further away and still enjoy the TV.
2. Choose the type of big screen TV. LCD TVs are generally prevalent because they are the relatively inexpensive and consume less power than plasma screens. LED TVs will generally be more expensive than LCD TVs, but they are very thin and more energy efficient. There often isn't a noticeable difference in picture quality. Plasma screens are better than LCDs and LEDs in darkened rooms, but consume more power. They also can reflect light in very bright rooms, because their front panel is glass. Rear projection TVs are the best option if you want a huge screen, but require a darkened room to be viewed clearly.
3. Learn about resolutions. The different resolutions available are determined by the amount of pixels that make up the image onscreen. Pixels are minuscule squares that compose the image, and the more you have, the better the quality. HDTVs are anything from 1280 x 720, and this is generally abbreviated as 720p. The "p" means it in a progressive scan fashion, sequentially from top to bottom. Generally, you should look for a 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) TV if you want to be compatible with highest resollution program sources such as Blu-Ray.
4. Consider connections. TVs all come with different input ports, and the different ones on the model you are interested in can determine how effective the performance is of your your favorite entertainment gear. Ensure that it has all the connections you require. The most important inputs you're likely to be looking for are HDMI and RCA. These are the digital and analog cable inputs, respectively.
5. Read independent reviews of TVs. Contrast ratio is an important measurement, as it determines the lightest and darkest images that the TV can produce at the same time. Generally, modern TVs will claim at least 10,000:1 contrast ratio, but LCD TVs can have as low a ratio as 600:1 and plasma models can have a ratio of 1000:1. Unfortunately, the measurement of these values isn't standardized, and manufacturers can easily exaggerate their set's output. Independent reviews give you a more objective understanding of image quality.
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