Experts say you should consider the following issues if you're eyeballing an HDTV, no matter whether you choose a conventional, flat-panel, front-projection or rear-projection set:

  • Pick your technology first. LCD, plasma, rear projection and front projection all have their advantages and disadvantages. Consider your viewing habits and your room to see which will work best for your situation, then zero-in on the right HDTV.
  • Match TV size to the size of your room. Because high-definition TVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would. That means you can get away with a bigger screen. Even so, 60-inch screens that look great in a showroom may overwhelm a smaller room.
  • Look for lots of HDMI inputs. This connection keeps the signal all-digital, and carries high-definition audio as well as video. Most home theater gear, including cable boxes, satellite receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players and home theater receivers now can use this connection. HDMI also supports HDCP, a copy-protection standard that prevents people from making copies of high-definition or upconverted standard-definition movies. High-def discs can't play in full resolution except through HDMI, and most upconverting standard-definition DVD players will only pass upconverted movies via this connection.
  • Check around price-wise. In our research, we found price differentials of $1,000 or more from retailer to retailer for some TVs, so it pays to look around. In addition, some manufacturers, such as Sharp and Pioneer, have restrictive policies regarding Internet sales. If you don't buy from an authorized Internet retailer, you'll most likely void your manufacturer warranty. Many retailers offer a replacement warranty, however, so be sure to ask.
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