| Admit it. Buying a television is a major decision. You | | | | want to buy bigger LCD TVs, be prepared to pay |
| really don't feel the same about shelling out money for | | | | premium, particularly for top brands. You could, |
| a TV as you would when buying a winter coat. | | | | however, save a lot if you opt for lesser-known |
| Besides, you don't treat a TV in the same manner | | | | brands or discounted sets. |
| either - especially not if it's an LCD TV. If you're in the | | | | What you'll like: no matter how big you go, LCD TVs |
| market to buy your very first LCD TV, here are some | | | | won't be heavier than a supermodel. They're as light |
| tips you might want to keep in mind: | | | | as they are thin, which means you won't have a lot of |
| Understand the technology. | | | | problems in case you want to move them around in |
| LCD means liquid crystal display. It's the same stuff | | | | your home in the name of good interior design. Watch |
| you see on calculators, handheld games, digital | | | | your budget. |
| watches and computer monitors. The reason why | | | | Budget is a huge deciding factor when buying an LCD |
| they're so popular is that they are easy on the eyes, | | | | TV so make sure to shop around for the best deal |
| don't emit as much glare as older CRTs and are | | | | before you make your final pick. Better yet, read |
| capable of producing sharp, clearer pictures with colors | | | | magazines or go online to manufacturers' and retailers' |
| to match. | | | | websites to find out which brands sell what with which |
| Find your size. | | | | features. This will help educate you on what specs to |
| Bigger is not always better, although LCD TV screens | | | | look for. |
| are certainly not wimps in that department. If you want | | | | Look for information on resolution, picture quality, |
| big, you can go as high as 52 inches for most brands | | | | refresh rate and viewing angle, among others. |
| or if you have something bigger in mind, Sharp offers a | | | | Although these specs shouldn't place an overwhelming |
| 65-inch living room wall filler. | | | | influence on you, at least you'll know what to expect |
| However, before you get carried away with the | | | | when you're out there facing a very enthusiastic |
| promise of a spectacular home theater show, | | | | salesperson. This will also help you maintain the budget |
| remember that size is relative. You do need to | | | | you set. |
| consider the available space in the room where you | | | | Test the unit. |
| intend to put the TV. That is why it's prudent to | | | | Unless you've made a decision based on specs alone |
| measure the space first before you head out of the | | | | or the recommendation of a friend, you might want to |
| house. | | | | head off to the electronics store and check out the |
| LCD TVs that range in size from 15 to 19 inches will | | | | LCD TV before buying it. Look at the screen and |
| work well in smaller rooms such as bedrooms and | | | | determine if the image impresses you. Move forward |
| kitchens. Mid-sized screens starting at 26 inches up to | | | | and away from the screen, go to the sides to find |
| 37 inches are good choices for living rooms, dens and | | | | how wide the viewing angle is and test the audio. |
| some bedrooms. If you go higher starting at 40 inches, | | | | Ultimately, an LCD TV is simply a large gadget - it |
| you better have at least 5 feet of viewing space | | | | should perform for your viewing pleasure and no one |
| between you and the TV. | | | | else's. |
| Remember, too, that size is relative to price. If you | | | | |