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Idiot's Guide to Buying a Flat-Panel TV
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Apart from the fridge and the bed at home, the TV is provably the most used thing in any house. So its important to pay attention and make a smart decision when getting a new TV. Although LCD TV's have been around in the world for a long time now, they haven't been that popular in all parts of India and even less in Vizag. primarily because of the cost. But if you do have the money for brand new LCD TV, here a guide that will help you in getting the best bang for you buck!

This is a primer for folks whose concern about TV sets pretty much stops once they turn on the remote. Buying a new TV can be an overwhelming and somewhat intimidating experience. It can also be expensive. If you have the need / desire to get a new TV, here are a few tips to get your search started.

Size Matters

So when you get your new TV, think about its size remembering that the size is measured diagonally. The optimum size of a TV depends on the size of the room it will be put in. For example, if you are putting a TV in your bedroom , you should be fine with a 32'' TV.

For a living room enviroment though, you would want a bigger size. Here's a thumb rule for determining the best size for your situation. Take the size of the TV and multiply by 2, that gives you the optimum distance between you and your TV to best enjoy. So if you TV size is 50 inches, then 100 inches or about 8 ft is the optimum distance.

The Viewing Environment

The best way to view a flat screen TV is on a wall mount. Usually wall mount and the labor to fit it at your home is included in the price of the TV. So be sure to negotiate that into the package when you check out the TVs

LCD vs. Plasma

This is another basic question. Both formats have their advantages and disadvantages. Experts will tell you that LCD screens are better for rooms with a lot of natural light. Plasmas work better in darker rooms. Plasma screens generally run larger and cost cheaper too, so if you have a smaller room your best bet may be an LCD. Anothing to consider about Plasma screens is that they are not portable, so if you are planning to move frequently, you should stick with LCD.