For quite a while, the cost of purchasing an LCD TV was exhorbitant, and anyone who wanted the home theater experience chose either a plasma TV or a projection television. However, now the prices of LCD TVs are more affordable for people who want a widescreen television at home.

If you are looking for an LCD TV, it pays to do some research before making your purchase. There are multiple brands, sizes and options that can be overwhelming for the uninformed buyer. Here are some tips for buying an LCD TV:

Know what size TV you want
The first thing to consider is what size TV you need. Generally, this should be based on the distance that you sit from your TV. Budget also plays a part, as obviously smaller TVs are cheaper. For a general guide follow these suggestions:

For screens 75-95 cm, sit about 1.5 to 3 metres from the TV.
For screens 105-125 cm, sit about 2 to 4 metres from the TV.

Currently LCD TVs larger than 115 cm are still expensive and can have some issues with picture quality.

Resolution is important
If you are looking for a great quality picture you will want a high resolution on your LCD TV. Look for one that is capable of displaying 1024×768, 1366×768 or 1080p. These resolutions are normally available on most high-definition TVs.

View the TV from all sides
While in the store, move over to the side and see how the picture appears. Commonly referred to as the “viewing angle,” some LCD TVs have a better picture when viewed from the side than others. Typically the picture will start to appear dimmer as you move over to the side of the screen. Some LCD TVs start to dim much sooner than others. If the TV will be in a large room or if you often have guests watching TV with you, you should look for the LCD TV within your budget that provides the largest viewing angle.

Watch a movie on the TV
Request that the store manager play an action movie on the LCD TV, so you can view the action. Some LCD TVs have problems with quick motion leaving leaving a blur or “trail” on the screen.

Other things to consider as you shop for an LCD TV are the overall physical size of the television, the location of the speakers and inputs, and any extra features like a memory card slot.

It is advisable to purchase your LCD TV from a reputable dealer that offers a good return policy. If you are in any doubt you should pay with a credit card so you will have some protection if your purchase is defective.

In summary:

• Look for an LCD TV with a larger viewing angle.
• A higher resolution will produce a better quality picture.
• Watch some fast action on the screen and look out for blurs, or “trails”.