Part Two
This is the second part in the Twelve Steps Buying Guide for Purchasing a New Television in 2010. We are often asked “how to” and in response invariably direct folks to independent rating services such as Consumer Reports [www.consumerreports.org], and others. Some industry magazines allow you to read about new features, but lack the resources to rate the set’s performance. When seeking advise from salespersons and others, ask for their credentials. Are they qualified to provide advice and do they have experience in reviewing the sets? But enough of this, on to Step 7 and the rest of our 2010 TV Buying Guide…
7) Are control features important? This can be broken down into two categories, 1) the sets functional controls such as discrete control commands (“On” & “Off” versus the same button toggle On/Off; distinct source inputs, etc.), and 2) control interface such as IP based, serial [RS232], infrared [IR], radio frequency [RF], or others. These things may be hard to find in the CostCo and Sam’s (even BestBuy) environments and don’t look for help. Deer in the headlight images come to mind.
8) Let’s now look at some sets matching your requirements thus far against the functions and features of various manufacturers and models. This will start giving you a feel what type of set fits your requirements AND some preliminary feedback on possible budget limitations.
9) We’re getting close, just three more items – the first of which is performance. Whole training courses are built around the four criteria of a “good” picture: Dynamic Range; Color Saturation; Color Accuracy & Colorimetry; and Detail & Resolution. For those who are serious about these performance issues, engage the services of an ISF [www.imagingscience.com] Certified Practitioner and rely on their assistance in proper set selection. For all others, go look at the set’s performance, preferably NOT in a highly lit fluorescent retail showroom floor. Select a few that perform well against your standards.
10) Will the set be aesthetically pleasing when placed in your room? All brands of HDTV look smart and granted some look smarter. If you place the design element too high on your criteria you may come to regret it later.
11) To get the full enjoyment from your new TV you may want to consider complementing it with surround sound, making it the focus of your very own home theater. Surprisingly, you may already have some of the components –A/V receiver, loudspeakers, DVD or Blu-ray player, cable or satellite box, or video game console. Some positioning adjustments may be required to get maximum performance from you system. For those who are serious about these acoustical performance issues, engage the services of an HAA [www.homeacoustics.net] Certified Practitioner and rely on their assistance in proper set up and calibration.
12) Last item, reality check. Let’s look at that piece of paper in your pocket. Balance the above to your budget and for goodness sakes – don’t overspend on things that are not important to you.
Professional system integrators and practitioners understand these steps and much, much more. In the absence of their assistance, following the steps above will provide a solid foundation for a good, well-informed purchasing decision. If in doubt, please seek the help of an industry certified professional.
Tags: Buying Guides, HDTV