Color and Contrast

With phosphor based technology, black is easy to produce – you don't energize that area. On the other hand, something like LCD has to create black by trying to block out as much light as possible, ultimately resulting in a dark gray. That means that TVs that burn-in can offer a better picture. As a general rule of thumb, and if your budget allows, I wouldn't recommend going with a TV that can burn-in if videogames are going to be played more than 25% of the time or if you prefer to watch old non-widescreen TV shows without stretching them to fill the widescreen.

"HDTV Ready" vs. "Integrated HDTV"

Many televisions sold today have the label HDTV ready. With an HDTV ready television, you will only be able to watch high-definition shows if you subscribe to HD cable, HD satellite, or purchase a separate $250 HDTV tuner to receive the free high-definition broadcasts from the major studios such as CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX (you can check http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx to see if HDTV is available in your city).

TV's that have the capability to receive free off-the-air high-definition programs are called "Integrated HDTVs" and will mention an "ATSC tuner" in its specifications. With these TVs and an appropriate antenna, you'll be able to enjoy high definition programming right away. HDTVs with "CableCard" support add an additional benefit. Currently, HD cable TV subscribers need a cable box. In the future, with "CableCard" you will be able to subscribe to premium HD cable channels without a separate cable box. Integrated HDTV means one less piece of equipment to clutter your entertainment system and one less remote control to lose.

How big is too big? How small is too small?

Most people say that if the diagonal screen size is less than 4 times the distance to the viewer, the TV is too small. So, if you're 8 feet away from the TV, you'll want a TV that's at least 32 inches. 16 feet away? A 65" TV is the recommendation.

A true theater experience as defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers is a 30-degree viewing angle. This means that at 8 feet, you'd already need 60" TV. If you wanted to meet THX recommended theater specifications, the viewing angle needs to be 36 degrees and you need to make that a 72" TV when you're sitting 8 feet away. Don't worry if you think these numbers seem enormous – they're not supposed to be practical in a home theater. Just think of this as a way to rationalize that you're saving thousands of dollars by choosing not to replicate a THX theater.

Now for the interactive part that will give you specific advice on the best TV for your needs…

Is it important for you to be able to hang your TV on the wall?
1) Yes, my next TV must have that feature (Click here to go to page 3)
2) I know it looks cool, but I can do without it (Skip ahead to page 4)