LCD TV Reviews and Price Comparison

The new televisions look nothing like the huge monstrosities of yesteryear. They are thin and light, so they can easily be moved around the room when the area is redecorated. Moreover, some models have huge, we are talking massive, screens! These beautiful viewing surfaces are quite the sight to see and you often hear men comparing screen sizes as if it were a competition. Having a large screen is not always the goal, as this LCD TV buying guide regarding television screen size will show.

Screen sizes range from five inches to over 100 inches on the diagonal. In general, a bedroom TV should measure at least 32 inches and a television in a main room such as the living room should be at least 40 inches. People who have not purchased a television in a while remember that CRT televisions maxed out at 36 inches. Throw that old belief out the window because the viewing experience on these larger screens is second to none.

The proper size of the television is determined by factors like taste, budget, and the amount of free space in the viewing room. If the item will be placed in an entertainment center, allow one inch on the top and each side for ventilation purposes. Look for a television that fills the available space but is not too wide, as these TVs tend to be wider than they are tall. The television itself will generally be one to three inches narrower than the reported screen size.

The television should be big enough to see from a comfortable seating distance but not so large as to overtake the room. It should not be the only thing a person sees when entering the area. To get an idea of how the television will look in the room, make a cardboard panel the size of the item and place it where the set will be located.

When it comes to seating, plan to sit a distance equivalent to between 1.5 and 2 times the diagonal screen measurement. Therefore, you would sit 75 to 100 inches, or 6.25 to 8.3 feet, away from a 50-inch television. Some people prefer to sit further back, so it is all a matter of preference. Sitting closer will not cause a loss in viewing quality, thanks to the advanced technology used in these products.

Though it may be tempting to say that money is no object, that is far from the truth for most of us. Consumers can find 32-inch televisions from many of the major manufacturers for around $400. A 40-inch high-definition television runs around $700 and a television with a spacious 60-inch screen will cost about $2,000.

As this LCD TV buying guide shows, room size, available space, and budget are primary factors to consider when purchasing a new television. Consumers can find a great television with a sufficient screen size within their price range if they do some comparison-shopping. They will not be able to wait to get home and set it up!