How to Buy an LCD: Tips on Buying an LCD TV
My friends and I can go back and forth for a good while on the subject of plasma vs. LCD, with the majority of us siding with the LCD for gaming purposes and the lower amount of energy used to power them (typically), however, the prices are comparable and there are advantages to both. If you’ve done your research and decided, like I did, that an LCD with is what you want, here are a couple tips to help you along your way.
Budget
First, figure out how much you want to spend. It can be overwhelming when you walk in to a major retailer and are immersed in rows upon rows of liquid crystal heaven, but keep your wits about you. Especially in these times, if your budget is $1,000, you don’t want to kick yourself after blowing twice that and then having to squeeze your huge 50-inch into a 10×10 studio apartment.
Size
Speaking of size… *queue audience groan*… it does matter. Look at the space you have available, which room it’s going in, how far away the couch or viewing area is, etc. The recommended distances for proper viewing are 3-5 feet away for 20-27 inches, 6-8 feet for 32-37 inches, 10-14 feet for 42-46 inches, and 50-inchers should be about 12-16 away. Again, think about the space you have. If you’re still living in a small room at mom’s & dad’s, you might wanna stay with the 32-37 range.
Mounting/Installation
To save space and maximize the room’s distance, wall mounting is the way to go. There are different methods and this is often an “extra” service with an extra charge, about $200 depeding on who your installer is. Make sure to ask about installation charges and factor that charge into your budget. Also, don’t forget about those HDMI cables. You’ll need a couple to install the LCD and they run about $80 each, again, depending on where you go. I had done a little research beforehand and was fortunate enough to get a price match plus another discount when I said I would go to the competitor down the street and save money on them. What? I have no shame. 
Compare
Compare the retailers and the specialty stores. Most of the specialty stores have in-depth knowledge and are really quite helpful, but their prices are usually a bit higher than the retailer as well. You can find deals online and typically save a few hundred bones, but don’t forget to factor in your delivery charges. Personally, I didn’t want to risk opening my brand new TV and seeing a shattered screen and then bursting into tears — not that that would happen, it’s just my own paranoia. Compare the names LG, Samsung, Sony, and such. As with everything else, you can save some money by going with a lesser known brand name that has the same capabilities and comparable quality. This is a personal choice, and everyone has a different opinion on it. For myself, I saved a few hundred on my 47-incher and bought a 32-inch for the bedroom (…that’s what she said? um, nevermind…).
Shop
Ask your friends and see how you like their set-ups. Look through newspaper ads, online, TV commmercials, holiday sales, whatever, and be patient. Nothing worse than a rushed purchase and seeing your TV for $300 less somewhere else. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy it. This should be a source of entertainment and relaxation, unless you’re playing Halo 3 in which case it’s a center for ritual butt-kicking… hehehehe. Happy hunting!
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