Buying a television in today's market can be confusing. Plasma, LCD, high definition: There are a lot of terms to learn and a lot of options. Considering how much you want to pay, how large a TV you want and your particular uses for a television will help you narrow the field. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, buying a used TV may be an option.
Plasma or LCD?
When searching for a television you'll find two main options, LCD and plasma. LCD televisions work by passing current through small liquid crystals. Plasma televisions work by stimulating gas with an electrical charge. Both come in flat-screen models.
While very similar, the main difference between the two is size. LCD televisions are thinner and lighter because of the way they work. If you are buying a television that is larger than 40 inches in size, then plasma is your likely option. LCD televisions more than 40 inches are hard to find and are very expensive. Plasmas used to have longer viewing angles, thus making their picture clearer. However, most LCD televisions today offer virtually the same or better viewing quality than plasmas.
Get Your Money's Worth
If you're shopping at Walmart, you can expect to pay anywhere from $329 for a 26-inch LCD television to $898 for a 50-inch plasma television. You may pay more at an electronics store, but you're likely to find more variety. At Best Buy, a 50-inch plasma runs about $1,000, while a 26-inch LCD costs about $300.
Keep in mind that a 50-inch television that has a 26-inch price may not be a bargain in the long run. If you plan to take advantage of TV programs broadcast in high definition or movies on Blu-ray Disc, make sure you buy an HDTV.
Budget Buying
If your TV budget is limited, shop for a used set. Some people like to keep up with the rapidly changing technology, and their old television might be just what you want. Scour the classified ads.
While projection televisions may be a thing of the past, their picture quality is on par with many LCD and plasma TVs sold today. Getting somebody's old projection television may be a great buy. When shopping for a projection, make sure you find one with a bright picture. If the picture is dull, you may need to replace the lamps. When a lamp does burn out, you'll have to get a technician to replace it. This can be expensive.
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