Choosing a 30” LCD TV

LCD flat screen TVs provide a much better picture than CRT televisions – and they come in much more attractive styles. (In many homes the LCD TV has become part of the décor.) A flat screen 30” LCD TV can be mounted on a wall, under a cabinet, on the ceiling… or can sit on a stand or on top of furniture.

They’re versatile, flexible, and provide a better entertainment experience. They’re large enough to create a small home theater experience, but small enough to fit nicely in almost any size room.
So how do you choose the right flat panel 30” LCD TV for you? Take these considerations into account:
Match your room’s décor and seating placement to the size of your TV. Because LCD TVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would, so you can view a larger screen comfortably. The optimum viewing distance for a 30” LCD TV is approximately 6.5 feet, so set your furniture up accordingly.

Decide if you need (or want) HDTV. A flat panel LCD TV with EDTV is cheaper, but it won’t display high-definition signals. The price difference between smaller flat panel HD-ready LCDs and ED-ready LCDs is fairly low, so you're better off buying an HD-ready set. In fact, most experts say there's little reason to buy a non-HD LCD television. Lower resolution LCD TVs won't be able to accept high-definition signals, so the picture won't look any better than regular analog TV. IN the next few years more and more TV signals will be in HD; since your 30” LCD TV should last for more than fifteen years, make sure it will grow with the technology.

Look for an HDMI input. This port keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (like your cable box). HMDI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players also connect through this port.

Decide if you want picture-in-picture. Picture-in-picture allows you to view two video sources at once, with one appearing as a small window on the screen. If you do want picture-in-picture in your flat panel LCD TV, keep in mind that single-tuner picture-in-picture lets you watch TV in one window and another source (like a DVD) in the second window. A flat panel LCD TV with two tuners lets you watch two television sources at once. It’s a neat feature, and once you have it, you’ll find you don’t want to do without it, especially if you’re a sports or news junkie.

Check to see if the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most flat panel 30” LCD TVs come with a table stand wall mounting hardware costs an additional $100 to $200. If you do purchase a stand or mounting hardware separately, make sure it’s appropriate for the size and weight of your TV. 30” LCD TVs are reasonably heavy – make sure your stand or hardware will safely support it.

Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. If you buy a 30” LCD TV from an unauthorized dealer, the manufacturer may not offer warranty coverage. (The retailer may offer a substitute warranty that sufficiently covers you – the only way to know for sure is to ask.) The price difference between an authorized dealer and a discounter can be hundreds of dollars, so make sure you’re comfortable with the risk of not having a warranty, or make sure you ask the discounter for information about warranty terms for the flat panel 30” LCD TV you’re considering.

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