How to Select an LCD TV

Puchasing an LCD TV can be an overwhelming task.  So many options, features and prices.  Which LCD TV is right for you?

LCD TV Reviews has created this 5 question guide to help you start the process.

First Ask yourself these questions:

1. How Much Money do I want to spend?
2. Where with the TV Go?
3. How big of a space do I have?
4. What will I be attaching to the TV?
5. Is the manufacturer brand important?

1. How much money do I want to spend?

This is in some way the most important question, you do not want to spend more money than you can afford, by setting a limit you will start to narrow down the options.  Also be sure to check out any sales going on.  Often times you can find a great TV on a good discount allowing you to get a better LCD TV for less money.

2. Where will the TV go?

Will this TV be the main television for your home? or will it be going into the kitchen or a bedroom.  If it is the main TV then image quality may be a higher priority and sound not as much since you will have and external system for the sound.  If the the LCD TV will be going into the kitchen image quality may not be as important but having quality internals speakers becomes more important.   Think through what aspects (Image quality, sound, inputs, style and design) are important to you.

3. How big of a space to I have?

The amount of space you have for the TV can quickly decide how much or how little of LCD TV you need.  More and more people are mounting TVs on walls and in cabinets and armoirs.  It is important to measure the height and width of the space you are have to fill. 

4. What will I be attaching to the TV?

This question gets to the heart of how many and what type of inputs will you need. (Learn about the different LCD TV inputs)  Will you attach a DVR? DVD Player?  Gaming Console?  All of them?  Most times you will not need all of the inputs that are on the TV, sometimes you will be glad you have the room for growth. 

One popular and useful feature is inputs on the side of the TV. This allows you to easily attach new devices to your TV.  No need to pull it out of the cabinet or get around to the back of the TV for the inputs.  It may not seem like a great feature until you have the need to temorarily add a new device.

5. Is the manufacturer important?

Just because it is great brand name does not mean it is a great LCD TV or great value and just because it is a discount brand name does not mean it will not be a good TV.  However some TV manufacturers make better tvs and some make discounted tvs.  Sony and Samsung are usually among the leaders in quality LCD TV manufacturers.  Vizio and Syntax Olivia are well known for quality LCD TVs at lower prices.  Manufacturers are important to keep in mind but keep an open mind when you are looking for great deals.