How to choose a Flat Panel Tv

 If you are ready to buy a flat panel TV, you may be a little confused at the tremendous number of options available and the terminology used. Assuming you are an average consumer who simply wants the best television available for a reasonable price, the factors you need to consider become simpler.

• There are basically two types of true flat panel TVs. (Flat-screen TVs are not the same as flat-panel TVs as flat-screen TVs can include the traditional cathode-ray tube TVs with a flat instead of curved screen.)  True flat panel TVs are only a few inches thick and are available as LCD or plasma models. LCD or liquid crystal display is the same technology that is used on computer screens. Plasma TVs use a thin layer of ionized gas between two layers of glass. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. In general, LCD TVs use less power, run cooler and are lighter. Plasma TVs offer premium picture quality including darker blacks and are available in larger sizes than LCD models.
• What size TV do you want?  Flat panel TVs are available from as small as 20” screens up to monsters with 71” screens.  Most authorities recommend watching TV from a distance of at least 5-6 feet, while the larger models may allow you to watch comfortably from 8-10 feet or more. Check the size of your room, the arrangement of furniture and decide which size is right for you. The most popular sizes of flat panel TVs are 32” and 42”. Most flat panel TVs under 42” are LCD TVs, while plasma models generally run from 42” up to 71” or more. If you want a really big (60”or more) TV, most experts recommend plasma TVs for optimum picture quality.
• How do you plan to use your TV? If you want the option of using your new TV connected to your computer, go with LCD. If you plan on playing games that ay be paused for periods of time, or if you watch a lot of letterbox format movies, go with LCD and avoid plasma. This is because plasma TVs are subject to “burn-in” of images that remain static on the screen for a period of time (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour). The ghostly image of letterbox frames or other images may remain faintly on the screen under current programs.
• How do you plan to display the TV? If you are planning on using a stand for the TV, all you have to worry about is where to plug it in. If you plan to wall-mount the TV, however, be aware that this may not be a simple process. Flat panel TVs need to be mounted to the studs in the walls and may require additional wiring run through the walls. Approved mounting brackets must be used as a 42” LCD TV weighs around 70 lbs and a plasma TV of the same size can weigh 100 lbs or more. LCD TVs can be as thin as 3” while plasma TVs are only slightly thicker at as little as 4”. Determine how you plan to mount the TV before making a purchase and you may want to consider professional installation.
• What do all those numbers like 1080 or 720p mean? Most of the numbers you see describing a flat panel TV refer to the resolution quality of the TV. Common numbers like 1920x1080 pixels mean there are 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels on the screen which multiplies to a total of slightly over 2 million. . Compare this to the common CRT TV 640x480 pixels and you can see why the picture is much better. This is why they are called HDTVs (high definition TVs) and most flat panel TVs sold today, particularly over 32” are HDTV capable. Some need a HDTV tuner and others have HDTV capability built in. Of course you need to have an HDTV broadcast source available, too. The 720p or 1080i refer to HDTV broadcast formats.
• How much do you want to spend?  The price of flat panel TVs has been coming down steadily for the past few years as they become more common. TVs that were formerly considered luxury items are now becoming available in a price range that most consumers can afford. In 2004 for example, a 30” LCD TV cost $3,999. Today a comparable set costs only about $1200. In general, if you are looking for a 32” TV you should be able to find one for around $1,000 or less. If you choose a 42” model, costs average between $1500 and $2,000. And if you want the huge 71” model, be prepared to pay around $10,000.

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