How To Choose the Right LCD TV

If you are in the market to buy a new LCD TV, the following article presents the factors to consider before you buy your new LCD TV.

People who are in the market to buy a new LCD usually come from two camps:  Those who still have their old bulky televisions and those who are upgrading from an older LCD.  In either case, LCD TVs have advanced so quickly that it is hard to keep up with all of the changes.

What characteristics should you look for in an LCD?  You hear and read terms like pixel resolution, scaling, contrast, brightness and the list goes on and on.  You see these terms and you have one reaction:  huh?

Beyond your house and car, your purchase of an LCD just might be the third largest monetary purchase you make.  So, it is important to be an informed buyer before you shell out your hard-earned dollars.

I am going to tell you what to look for in an LCD TV without all of the technical mumbo jumbo that you do not need to know.  The goal is not to get a minor in engineering.  You just want to make sure that you get the best LCD TV at the best price and that is what this article tells you:  How to Choose the Right LCD TV.

Here are the six factors that you should consider along with a brief description and the minimum specification that you should look for:

Pixel Count:  The more pixels the better the picture.  Choose no lower than 1080p.

Motion Response: Ability to display objects moving quickly (LCDs used to have trouble with this but not anymore).  Choose no lower than 8ms.

Contrast: Allows for sharp definition between colors.  Minimum should be 1500 to 1.

Brightness:  You want to see the TV in all forms of light.  Select 550 cd/ms or better.

Viewing Angle: Flat Panel TVs used to have an issue with this but no so much anymore.  Make sure that your LCD can be seen from multiple angles so everyone can watch the game.

Inputs/Outputs: Make sure that your new LCD TV has lots of these, especially an HDMI and a VGA if you want to easily connect your computer to your LCD TV.

Most new LCD televisions meet the criteria listed above.  However, if you see a sale that seems too good to be true, be sure this television meets the criteria above.  Often, big sales are offered on outdated LCDs that do not meet the current minimum specifications.

Above all, the most important thing to do is get a trusted opinion, your own or a trusted outside source.  If you are buying online (great LCD deals are offered online), and do not have the ability to see the LCD TV, be sure to read lots of reviews so that you can get a solid, objective opinion.  Even better, if you have a chance, visit your local LCD television dealer and get a first hand look even if you intend to buy online.

Follow these steps and you will always choose the right LCD television.