Television Buyers Guide: Selecting the right model involves several factors...

Television Buyers Guide

Shopping for a new television is much more involved today than in years past. The choices are numerous and the terminology can be overwhelming. Selecting the right model involves several factors. The first consideration should be screen size.

How large is the room the TV will be placed in? This will largely determine which size picture tube to look for. It is recommended that the distance an audience sits from a TV should be between 5 and 8 times the height of the picture tube.

Next, decide how the TV will be used. Will it be the primary TV used as a home theatre centrepiece? If so, selecting a model from the Big Screen or Large Tube categories makes sense. However, when a TV purchase is aimed at providing a second set for the kitchen, bedroom or anyplace where space is a consideration, choosing a Tabletop, Portable, or TV/VCR Combination unit might be appropriate. Consider a model from the Small TVs category if ultra-portability is the main requirement.

Times were simpler when television was introduced, much like TVs themselves. There were very few models to choose from and even fewer channels to watch. Now there are numerous brands, sizes, and features to choose from with enough channels to please everyone. Whether it's used as a centrepiece in a cutting-edge home theatre or as a set for the bedroom, a new TV will provide years of enjoyment for any fan of home entertainment.