BCG's Guide to Choosing an HDTV

Black Friday is just around the corner, and we’re all about to be overwhelmed with too-good-to-be-true sounding deals on everything, particularly all those flat panel TVs. Before you gobble down your Thanksgiving pie so you can be in line by midnight for that 70” big screen, let’s take a look at the options, and BCG will help you navigate all the choices. 

#1 - Size it up

Before you hit the stores, consider your actual space. A 70” television might be enticing, but depending on how your room is set up and how close you’ll be seated, bigger is not always better. Start by assessing the space, the size of the room, the shape, and the arrangements. Then measure how far you’ll be seated from the screen. The further the distance, the bigger the screen your room can handle, and ideally, you probably want the biggest display your space can handle, without going overboard. Check out the measurements below to estimate the perfect size displays for your home:

• Seating 3’ and closer – 25”-29” Display
  

• Seating 4’-5’ - 30”-34” Display
  

• Seating 6’-7’ – 35”-39” Display
  

• Seating 8’-9’ – 40”-44” Display
  

• Seating 10’-11’ – 45”-49” Display
  

• Seating 12’ and further – 50” or larger Display
  

• Replacing a standard tube TV? You can fit a larger flat-panel into that same space. Measure twice, purchase once! (For example: 27” tube TV = 32” flat-panel HDTV, 32”-36” tube TV = 40” flat-panel.)

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#2 - Screen Type

Now that you have an idea of maximum and minimum screen sizes that will work best; we can start to navigate the available HDTV display options. Understanding the differences between the types and considering your primary usage will help you to pick the perfect display.

• PLASMA TVs: Plasmas are a great choice if you prefer to watch in dark or dimly lit rooms. Their refresh rates make them ideal for sports, gaming, and fast-moving action. Plasmas generally produce rich, bright colors and the deepest blacks. They also boast the widest viewing angle, so more people can watch the display from more angles without losing any of the picture quality. Unfortunately, however, plasma screens are the least energy-efficient choice, with thick, heavy panels.
  

• LED TVs: LED displays are a more versatile choice, performing great in all lighting conditions. They produce deep blacks and rich colors, like the plasmas. While they have a narrower viewing angle than the plasma screens, they still have a wider viewing angle than their LCD counterparts, so more people can watch without losing picture quality. For the eco-minded, LEDs are also usually the most energy-efficient choice.
  

• LCD TVs: LCD screens are available in the widest range of sizes and per square inch, more energy efficient than plasma TVs. They are one of the brightest displays, but tend to be cooler in color, with slightly lower black-level performance. LCD displays also resist glare, making them a great choice if you like to watch in well-lit spaces, such as multipurpose rooms or the kitchen.
  

• Smart TVs & 3DTVs: With all the advancements and ever-changing technology, you’ll likely find yourself staring down a super-store television wall, suddenly trying to decide if you need your TV to be “Smart” or 3D. Smart TVs can connect to your Internet signal and bring you instant entertainment such as streaming movies, music, and more. Keep in mind that HDTVs that aren’t “smart” can still be connected to the Internet via smart devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming systems, and set-top boxes. With the help of 3D accessories, 3DTVs let you experience 3D viewing at home. Remember that in order to take advantage of a 3D ready TV, you’ll need 3D accessories such as 3D glasses, A/V receivers, and 3D Blu-ray or DVD players and discs. That said, you can still enjoy any content you currently view in 2D, without the 3D accessories, and maintain excellent picture quality. 
  

#3 - Accessories

So you’ve made your choice of HDTV, excitedly get it home and suddenly realize you’re in need of a return trip to the store to be able to set it up and actually enjoy your new toy. Just as important as choosing the right actual television, you’ll want to make sure you have all the correct cables and accessories to set it up. 

• First up, the physical set up of your HDTV. If you plan to place it on existing furniture, take a moment to make sure your surface can handle both the weight and measurements of your new TV. If you’re considering wall-mounting, stores carry a variety of mounting equipment specified to the size of the display, but that process can be tricky, so we recommend calling the experts in flat panel installation at BCG to make sure your new HDTV is mounted cleanly and securely.
  

• High-definition cables. Often overlooked, the correct cables will be the key to taking full advantage of your new HDTV. If you decided on a SmartTV or 3DTV you’ll also need to make sure you have any additional cables needed to enjoy all its capabilities.

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Now you’re ready to head out and find your new HDTV. By preparing with our top 3 tips for choosing an HDTV, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your space, eliminating any Black Friday buyer’s remorse, and making that discount deal all the sweeter.