How to buy a big-screen television

There are a number of choices when it comes to buying a high-def TV, what size is right, which technology, how much resolution, what kind(s) of inputs/outputs and most importantly, price. Most people know what they are willing to spend on a TV but sometimes the budget isn’t realistic for the features being pursued, either adjust the budget or lower expectations but generally basic high-def TVs lack the features and/or refinement of higher priced TVs. Sometimes a basic TV is good enough, sometimes it’s not. I’ll try to sort it all out for you.