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How to Buy a Plasma or LCD TV
by Contributing Writer
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Overview
Flat-screen televisions are some of the most popular TVs available today. With larger screen sizes, higher resolutions and falling prices, a flat screen might be your next television. But many people are intimidated at the prospect of buying a high-tech television that has features they don't even understand. A little research can solve this problem.
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Step 1
Pick a technology. If you are looking for a television with a screen that's 42 inches or larger, consider a plasma TV. For a smaller screen, look for an LCD television.
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Step 2
Rank the features you want. Flat screens come equipped with a dizzying array of features, but many of them don't matter to most people. Look at the websites of local retailers and pick a few features that are important to you, such as size and resolution, and ignore the rest. Don't think about a single model yet, just the features you want.
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Step 3
Decide on a price range. Flat-screen televisions generally come in three lines: economy, mid-range and high-end.
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Step 4
Shop around for the best deal. With an idea of what features you want in a television and what price you want to pay, start researching what TVs are on sale at your local retailers that fit your needs.
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Step 5
Pay attention to customer reviews. When you find a good deal on a television that fits your needs, look at customer reviews for that product on the Internet.
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Step 6
Head out and make your purchase. Print a copy of the ad for the television you want before you go. Ask about free delivery with your purchase if it isn't already offered.
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- Most retailers put their fliers online, so there's no need to search for the flier in your newspaper. You'll have an easier time comparing models and prices online.
When looking for customer reviews on electronics, don't look on the website of a local retailer. Many retailers remove negative reviews from their site to make their products look better. See Resources below for some reputable consumer review sites.
- Most retailers put their fliers online, so there's no need to search for the flier in your newspaper. You'll have an easier time comparing models and prices online.
- When looking for customer reviews on electronics, don't look on the website of a local retailer. Many retailers remove negative reviews from their site to make their products look better. See Resources below for some reputable consumer review sites.
- When you visit a store, beware of the bait-and-switch tactics that some dishonest salespeople might try. Know what television you want to buy, and do not accept a different TV just because the retailer is out of stock. You might be able to order the television and pick it up later or match the price on the same unit at another retailer.
- When you visit a store, beware of the bait-and-switch tactics that some dishonest salespeople might try. Know what television you want to buy, and do not accept a different TV just because the retailer is out of stock. You might be able to order the television and pick it up later or match the price on the same unit at another retailer.
