Take the HDTV Shopping Test!

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Take the HDTV Shopping Test!
Answer these questions and we'll tell you which High-Definition TV to buy.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2006) -- I am often asked for advice on how to buy a High-Definition TV. Some people even ask me for specific models and brands.

But I always tell them that it depends upon your needs -- and your budget. There are dozens of great high-def sets, but picking the right one takes some thought and research. You have to determine which type of TV works best for you and your family.

However, I have come up with a test for high-def shoppers. The questions are designed to elicit answers that will help you arrive at the right HDTV choice.

So, take the test below, total your score and we'll tell which HDTV to consider at the bottom:

The HDTV Shopping Test

1. How much are you willing to spend?
0. Less than $1,000
1. $1,000-1,500
2. $1,500-2,000
3. $2,000-3,000
4. $3,000-4,000

2. Will the HDTV be located in a:
1..Bedroom
2. Living room
3. Rec room/family room
4. Home Theater

3. Will the HDTV be in a:
1. Room with no or little light
2. Room that is well lit
3. Not sure about the room or lighting.

4. How important is 1080p HDTV to you?
1. Not important
2. Somewhat important
3. Very important

5. How important is it that the TV has a large screen?
1. Not important
2. Somewhat important
3. Important
4. Very important

6. Are you planning to mount the HDTV on a wall?
1. Yes
2. Not sure
3. No

7. Will the TV usually be watched by:
1. 3 or more people in the room.
2. 2 or less people in the room.
3. One person in the room

Now, total up your score and see the results below.

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Total Score:
6-11 points: You’re a strong candidate for a Plasma set, particularly a 42-inch set which can be purchased now for less than $1,500. Your answers suggest you don’t want to spend too much money; the set will be in a living room or bedroom; and the room will likely not be well lit. Those are all strong points for a flat-screen Plasma set. A flat-screen LCD might also work for you, but they are more expensive than Plasma and, generally, look better in well lit rooms.

11-16 points: A LCD TV might be a better fit. LCDs are slightly more expensive than Plasma; look better in well lit rooms; and many new models offer 1080p displays. You might also consider a larger-screen Plasma set.

16 points or more: A large-screen DLP rear projection set might be your best choice. From your answers, it appears that you want a large screen. And you can buy a 56-inch DLP HDTV for the same price as a 40-inch LCD. In addition, many large-screen DLPs display in 1080p. However, although today’s DLP rear-projection set is thinner than yesteryear’s RP set, it might look a bit out of place in the bedroom or living room. But it would look great in a rec room or a Home Theater.

Happy shopping, everyone.

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© TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________

Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.

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