Is your tax rebate destined for a flat-screen TV?

Corporate Report Wisconsin, Apr 2008

SIZE, DISPLAY, AND TECHNOLOGY TYPE ARE CRITICAL CHOICES

YOU'VE GOT SOME MONEY COMING SOON from Uncle Sam. Going to buy a big-screen television? According to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), about 19% of households indicate they will spend some portion of their rebate checks on consumer electronics products. Of that 19%, about 39% indicate they will spend some of their tax rebate money on televisions.

Today, there are many choices that have to be made in order to get maximum enjoyment from your new large television. The CEA has developed a six-step process to ensure you get the right set.

STEP ONE

Determine the size-range for your room and needs:

* Measure the distance from the TV to the sitting area.

* Divide by 2 and then by 3 to get the ideal size range.

The resulting numbers will give you an approximate range of screen sizes. The CEA says that while generally bigger is better, it is possible to have a screen too big for your room. Sit too close and the picture may begin to look grainy while sitting too far away, you may miss some of the high definition's awesome picture detail.

Calculation example:

Chair-to-TV distance = 8 feet or 96 inches

96/2 = 48" set; 96/3 = 32" set

The ideal set is 32" to 48"

STEP TWO

Choose an aspect ratio. This step has really been reduced to 16:9 since most all HDTVs are now made in wide screen like movie theaters and 16:9 is ideal for widescreen programming.

STEP THREE

Select your image quality. There are some 480p sets, but, again, the choice now has been narrowed to 720p or 1080i, with 1080i sets costing much more money. The number stands for pixels, or picture elements, a set can display vertically on the screen. The suffixes "p" or "i" stand for how the picture is drawn, or scanned, on the screen - progressive scan (p) means it is drawn all at once, while interlaced scan (i) means it is drawn in two passes.

STEP FOUR

Pick a display style from among:

Flat panel - Liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma displays that are wall-mountable, offer film-like images and are ideal for tight spaces such as family rooms and bedrooms.

Rear projection - CRT and DLP displays that offer large screens, bright pictures and work well in media and recreation rooms as well as large spaces.

Direct view or tube displays - are made from CRT technology, are good for sets up to 34", are most affordable and are good for low prices and all HD content.

Front projection - these displays use either CRT, DLP, LCD or LCos technology and offer almost unlimited screen size with bright pictures and a cinema-like experience that is ideal for home theaters and light-controlled rooms.

STEP FIVE

Getting the right inputs on the set is crucial, specifically the number and type. Here is what to look for:

* Enough inputs for your existing and future sources.

* Multiple HD inputs.

* At least one digital input to ensure your set is as future-ready as possible.

You may also consider an A/V receiver to output all of your sources. It not only enables you to experience more HD content in surround sound, but it can simplify your system. You simply set your TV to one input and use the A/V receiver to switch all other sources to that single output. Some receivers also offer a video upconversion feature, which can output all of your sources (HD and analog) through a single, high-resolution connection, according to the CEA.

STEP SIX

Include essential extras by considering an antenna, universal remote, A/V cables and furniture to hold your set if you don't plan to mount it on the wall. Now you're ready to go shopping.

FIVE TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN SHOPPING

As you stare at the large wall of screens in the store, consider these tips:

* View a set from the same distance that you'll watch it from home

* View from the sides, above and below to judge a set's viewing angle

* Consider how you will route signal and power cables, particularly if wall mounting

* Ensure the set fits in/on your media furniture

* Compare remote controls and on-screen menus