Points to Consider
There are a number of points to consider when selecting what type of flatscreen is best for you. This Buyer's Guide to LCD and Plasma flatscreens details the main points you should consider:
Buyer's Guide to what is the right size screen?
Determine the right screen size based on the floor plan of the room you intend to install it in. Flat Screen monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 37”, 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Bigger is not always better, especially when you are buying a flat screen display to serve as the focal point in the home. For the optimal viewing experience, you need to maintain the right distance between your viewing area and your screen.
Buyer's Guide to the right distance depends on the size of your TV:
- For 32 to 37-inch TVs, you should sit back 6 to 10 feet from the screen itself.
- For 42 to 46-inch TVs, you'll need 10 to 14 feet between you and the screen.
- 50-inch flat screen displays look best when viewed from 12 to 16 feet away.
- You will need at least 15 feet of space between you and a flat screen screen that is larger than 60 inches.
In determining the appropriate size TV for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit. When recessing a flat screen display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space (at least 2 inches-behind it) as well. Remember, too, that some flat screen displays do not have built-in speakers, so you will need to allow space enough to attach speakers (if you are not using a separate surround-sound system) on each side of the screen. These speakers usually measure between 3 and 6 inches each.
Most flat screen screens sold these days are considered HDTV compatible or HDTV ready insofar as they will display high definition signals.
Buyer's Guide to Connectivity
With the ever increasing number of products that will be able to output high definition signals, you can't have too many HDMI sockets on your flatscreen.
PC Input and RGB Scart sockets are useful for standard definition images from your none high definition gear but it ill not be long before you start wishing you had more HDMI options!
Buyer's Guide - Standard Definition
Most stores have a tendancy to play high definition footage through all their HD Ready screens.
As the volume in Hi-Def material is still limited, we recommend you view any potential purchases in SD mode (normal Sky or Freeview transmissions) to ensure that the screen performs well with such transmissions (many new LCD and Plasma screens fall down on this issue and potentially this is what you will be watching the most - so get te balance right).
Buyer's Guide - Determine how to install your flatscreen TV
Flat screen technology affords consumers new options when it comes to the physical placement of their TV displays. Gone are the days when you had to configure a room around the television set. Now, you can incorporate the TV into almost any décor, if you give a little thought to the matter beforehand. There are half a dozen ways to install your new flat screen TV, which virtually ensures that you'll find the right way to fit one in your home:
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