Friday, August 6, 2010

A Guide to Buying an LCD HDTV


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Are you ready for the big game? Do you have a TV that will bring the action right into your living room in a big way? Do you want to feel you are at the game? Do you want a brighter and crisper picture? If you do, read on. Be ready to cheer your team on to victory! With an LCD TV, all you need is your favorite beverage and snack, sit in your easy chair and let the kick-off begin. This guide is designed to assist you before buying a LCD HDTV.

What is My Current Situation?

Are you still using a CRT TV, but have been thinking about buying a LCD TV? The LCD TV is very different. The screen height is narrower than the width; its profile is thin; the picture is different. In fact, since it is so different I would suggest you go to the nearest shopping mall and look around. Ask the salesman to highlight some of the differences. But do not think about buying yet. It is important that you plan and do some research first. This article is written to help you prepare before potentially buying the new TV.

If you already own a LCD TV, but are looking to upgrade, this article will also help you to remember things that are so important to consider before making the big purchase.

Where Do I Begin?

This guide is designed to help you begin from the beginning and take you through the end ready to purchase your HDTV. The check list below will help you in this process.

Here is an easy check list for you to use when preparing for your new LCD HDTV:


Search online for LCD TVs. Find the best selling TVs. Check each TVs features and specifications. Find out what other customers are saying about the TV. Customers generally bring up things you may not think about. Make note of the prices.
Identify the 3-5 that most interest you. This list should include the model number and manufacturer for each TV.
Think about the logistics of owning a new TV. Decide where the TV will be placed in your room. Determine the maximum size you can buy for the space you have available.
Determine how you are going to use the TV. Will you want to use your DVD player and other external equipment with it? Do you have sufficient space and long enough cables?
Determine your budget. Do not buy a TV outside of your budget range. Stay within your budget. You do not want the salesman to talk you into buying something that you cannot afford to pay for later.
Go to the store and check out all the models on your list. Take notes of the appearance, sound, picture quality, resolution, color and price for each. Do not forget to ask if there are input/output jacks for your other equipment you are considering to connect to the new TV. You may have to go to more than one store since some stores may not carry the model or manufacturer on your list. They may offer you a compatible TV which is similar to the one you are looking for. It is up to you if you want to look at the substitute model and consider it.
Ask the salesmen questions about the TVs on your list. Be sure to inquire about warranty information and customer service. Also, ask what happens if you should have a lemon. If you go to more than one store, be sure to ask the same questions. Take notes for each TV on your list.
Ask the salesmen questions regarding how to make picture adjustments for brightness, hue and contrast.
Make your decision on which TV to buy based upon the answers to your questions, appearance, and price etc.
After you have made your decision, before buying, check online again. Search for the model you plan on buying. Are there any negative reviews on this LCD TV? Are there any recalls? Does the web offer better pricing? Look for stores (local or online) that have a great reputation for quality and customer service. If something should go wrong with your TV, you will want a good resolution to your problem and not have to sue a company to get your money back.

Note: Do not forget to check if there is a shipping charge when purchasing online. Many online stores offer FREE shipping when the cost of the item is above a specific dollar amount.

Final Tips

When you bring the TV home you will need time for your eyes to adjust to the picture. Depending upon where it is placed, there may be some external lighting that may interfere with the picture that you did not think about. You will need to adjust to the sound as well. Remember, when you saw the TV at the store, the controls were set for that store and the location. Before making any changes, allow the TV to get broken-in. This should take about one week. The controls were set at the factory, so these may need some adjusting. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the set.

After you have made the changes, it should take about a week to get used to them. If further adjustments are needed, make them. Be sure to wait a week after you have made any change so your eyes can adjust to it.

Happy viewing!

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