TV Shopping


Shopping for a new TV and don't know where to start? It's best to start by asking yourself a few basic questions.

How much space do I have available for a TV?
If the TV is to fit inside an entertainment center, you have measurements to make before you go shopping and must stick to specific requirements.

If you have the floor space and a desire for a big HDTV, CRT rear-projection TVs offer the best value. If you're short on floor space and don't mind spending extra, plasma and direct-view LCD are new display technologies that offer flat panel TV sets you can hang from your wall or fit easily on a shelf.

In between are the DLP, LCoS and LCD rear-projection models. All offer large screens and fit surprisingly narrow areas. These new technology rear-projection sets can come as floor standing models or sit on top of a cabinet.

Measurements
Measure height, width and depth of the space you need to fill with a TV. This will save the trouble of driving back to the retailer because your set doesn't fit.

Transportation
Make sure you have a big enough vehicle to haul your new TV home, especially if it's raining. There is nothing worse than trying to fit a 32" TV into the back of a Geo. Rain won't harm your set as long as it's still inside the box, but makes it that much more difficult to be optimistic about your chances of getting it to fit.

Moving the beast
You just bought the biggest, heaviest rear-projection TV in the store. Use beer as an offering to local strongmen to help you lug your new set into the house. Making your wife help can only reduce the spousal approval factor for your new investment.

Our Television Shopping Guides:
What's the Best TV?
What features do I need?
What will you feed your new TV?
How do I judge a good TV picture?
How large do I want my screen?
What do I do now that I got my TV home?
What about extended warranties?