TV shopping for dummies

By Steve Reeves

updated 1:33 p.m. ET March 4, 2005

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Buying a television these days can be a bewildering and confusing experience for even the most savvy consumer.

A stunning array of technological advancements in recent years has made TV viewing far more pleasurable. At the same time, the choices are many, and the task of choosing the right television can become overwhelming quickly, especially for someone unfamiliar with how sets have changed.

It doesn't need to be, experts say. Keep a few simple points and tips in mind as you shop, and picking out the perfect set — whether spending $100 or $10,000 — still can be relatively straightforward and painless.

"If you haven't bought a television in 10 years, you're going to be very surprised at just how different they are today," said Steve Mullen, a spokesman for the retail electronics giant Circuit City. "Today, you go into a store and you can get a 42-inch plasma TV for $2,000 or up. And that's a good price compared to just a couple of years ago."

Lower prices
More efficient factories and improved manufacturing practices are contributing to price decreases for televisions, making them relatively more affordable than in the past. Highly advanced plasma TVs, for example, are expected to cost an average of $2,500 this year, almost half of last year's average price. If you're in the market for a new television and haven't been keeping up with technological advances, there are several things you need to know to get the best value for your money when you head to the nearest electronics store.

First, a prospective television buyer should become familiar with the four major types of sets on the market today:

CRT (cathode-ray tube) rear-projection sets have been around since the 1930s. They use cathode-ray tubes to beam colors onto a projection screen. They are relatively inexpensive, but the larger CRT sets are heavy and bulky. If you haven't bought a TV in years, this is probably what you have now. This is also known as SDTV, or standard definition television.

DLP (digital light processing) rear-projection sets use a single lamp that is replaceable when it wears out. They have a very clear picture and require no maintenance. But they are expensive, and the picture distorts when viewed at some angles.

LCD (liquid crystal display) rear-projection sets work by directing light through a silicone chip and magnifying it for display. These types of televisions are becoming more common and are popular because of their slim profile. But they are expensive.

Plasma (or flat panel) televisions are among the most sought-after because they combine a three-inch profile with a large screen. These technologically advanced sets work by illuminating thousands of lights to create images. Not all plasma sets are HDTV-capable, however, and the higher-end sets can cost $10,000 to $20,000. These are considered the best TVs money can buy.

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