Steps To How To Buy An Lcd TV

By: Stephen Thiele

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Looking for the steps on how to buy an LCD TV? Buying an LCD TV can be an exciting experience, but also a costly one. You want to make sure to do your research ahead of time so that the salesman at the store does not talk you into buying something bigger than you need. Knowing what some of the specifications mean and what to look for in the LCD TV can make your buying experience much more pleasant.

  1. Screen Size. Of course, everyone wants to have the biggest LCD TV possible. However, if the screen is too big for the space the LCD TV is going in, your overall picture quality may suffer. The key to picking the correct screen size is multiplying the screen size by two. For example, if you purchase a 50 inch LCD TV, you will get the best viewing experience when watching the LCD TV from 100 inches away.
  2. Contrast Ratio. When dealing with LCD TVs in particular, the contrast ratio is very important. You want your LCD TV to have good black tones, and for this to happen, you need a good contrast ratio. You should look for a contrast ratio of about 10,000:1, but your eyes will tell you if the black tone is good.
  3. Tuners. If you are someone who still receives their broadcast television via an antenna, then you need to ensure that the LCD TV you are purchasing has a built in TV tuner. Without that tuner, it would be impossible for you to watch television without using a cable or satellite box. With technology always evolving, many LCD TVs are being designed specifically for use with a digital cable or satellite receiver.
  4. HDMI. This may not seem important at first, but you need to pay attention to how many HDMI inputs the LCD TV you're looking at has. As a general guideline, do not purchase an LCD TV that has fewer than four HDMI inputs. If you are an electronic junkie, you will need those ports for your cable or satellite receiver, your video game console, your home entertainment system, etc.

Tips and Warnings:

  • Before you purchase any LCD TV, check the Internet and start reading reviews. Go to various retailers and see what the customer's are saying. Go to a professional review website to see what they are saying. Stores using different set ups to make their LCD TVs look better. You may not get that same quality in your home.
Posted on: May. 21, 2010