In any living room, the television is the ultimate pivot point.  An outdated box can sink an otherwise elegant room, but the right TV – like a Panasonic Viera 400 hz Plasma – can elevate even the most modest of lounges to greatness.   Here are three factors to consider when shopping for the right TV for your home this Christmas.

Price

Most people think size is the most important consideration in buying a television, but I beg to differ.  Since it’s easy to be enticed by larger TVs when shopping, I suggest setting a budget first and then finding the best unit available for that price.  It’s important to remember that good TVs can be found at any price, but you may have to make sacrifices in terms of screen size, brand, or capabilities.

Technology

Forget 3D.  If you’re looking for a new TV, chances are you’re looking for a plasma, LCD, or LED-LCD TV.  The competition between plasmas and LCDs typically comes down to a matter of preference – plasmas tend to have deeper blacks while LCDs are usually thinner and more energy efficient – but you can expect to pay more for an LED-LCD TV.  The impossibly thin LEDs are even more efficient than standard LCDs, but despite a hike in price they don’t offer a real significant advantage in terms of picture quality.  For most people, a mountable plasma like the LG 37 SL 8000 or a standard LCD with 1080p HD resolution will be more than enough to please the eye.

Extras

What features are important for you in a new TV?  Do you need internet connectivity?  What about LED back-lighting?  If you’re looking to combine multiple devices, perhaps a LCD DVD combi is right for you.  The important thing is to do your research and figure out which features are on the rise and which are past their expiration.  There are a number of user review websites that can make your  search easier, and putting in your own groundwork will ensure that you don’t go home kicking yourself after being talked into something you don’t need by a sales clerk.

Whether it’s an unassuming 32-inch LCD or a 60-inch plasma behemoth you’re searching for, be sure to consider these points when looking for a new TV to tie your room together.

Did you know?
The tiny Japanese town of Tokushima is home to the world’s densest concentration of LED manufacturing facilities and hosts a yearly festival to celebrate the technology.

-Jeff O.

Tweet