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Keep those basic tips in mind as you review our HDTV guide below. The jump into a new format may seem overwhelming at times, so prepare yourself with our takes on everything from viewing distances to wall mounts.

Location, Location, Location

Before putting an HDTV in your home, select the right spot for it. Ambient light can wash out or reflect off the screen, so you want to take all room light sources, windows and otherwise, into account. For example, it's better to put the set next to a window than across from one. Ideally, the screen should be placed at the long end of the room, preferably centered horizontally on the wall. This allows more viewers to be close to the central "viewing axis" (the imaginary line extending from the center of the TV screen into the room). Where should the TV be placed vertically on the wall? A good rule of thumb is that the center of the screen should be about the same height as your eyes when seated (that means mounting the flat panel above the fireplace is a no-no). Go to the top of the page.

Does Size Matter?

The "bigger is better" argument doesn't necessarily pan out when shopping for an HDTV. The reason? Even the best big-screen sets will have visible pixellation (blocky diagonal lines, etc.) when viewed too closely. On the other hand, placing a set at too great a distance wastes its potential, so use our sizing chart to choose the perfect size for your space. Go to the top of the page.

What's Your Type?

Whether it's LCD, plasma, DLP, or others, HDTVs all have their champions and detractors and can come in a variety of high-definition resolutions. Your viewing environment and favorite types of content will help determine which TV is the best fit for you. Take a look at our HDTV comparison chart to get a better understanding of what kind of options are available to you.

Keep your earlier size choice in mind, as that will play a factor in your set choice. 42-inch sets and smaller are generally only available in flat-panel formats, while 60 inches and up is the territory of rear-projection sets (unless price is not an issue). And if you want a 60-inch-plus set in a flat-screen format (LCD, plasma) simply to save space, be careful. Mounting a 60-inch plasma or LCD on the wall is possible but requires a heavy-duty mount and may require additional framing support in your wall to hang safely. And if you choose to place that 60-inch set on a stand, the depth of a suitable stand's footprint will match the depth of a rear-projection HDTV. Go to the top of the page.

Picture Perfect

Superior picture quality is probably the main reason you're shopping for an HDTV, so when comparing the options, make the picture your top priority. Performance still varies greatly between brands and even different models of the same brand, so consult published reviews and buying guides to make an informed decision.

The numbers you see attached to HDTVs (720p, 1080i, or 1080p) measure how many vertical lines of resolution are shown in an image. But the number is only half of the story. The "i" stands for interlaced, meaning the TV image is broken into halves and displayed in an alternating fashion. Your eye typically cannot notice this visual trick, but high-action scenes (particularly in movies and video games) will sometimes have a blurry or "ghosting" effect when interlaced. Progressive-scan images ("p") show the full image at all times and, therefore, do not suffer from this ghosting.

With that in mind, 1080i and 720p images actually look just about the same--though your personal preference may vary--and just about all current HD sets support both of these standards. Meanwhile, you will want a 1080p set to enjoy the full image resolution of Blu-ray discs as well as most new video game systems.

Newer HDTV models support 1080p, but they may be more expensive than 720p or 1080i models. The advantages of the extra resolution you get with 1080p are most noticeable on screens 42 inches or larger. It allows you to sit closer than you could with a 720p set before you begin to see the individual pixels. On the other hand, HDTV programming (cable, over-the-air, satellite) maxes out at 1080i resolution. Still, if you anticipate using a Blu-ray movie player or playing high-def video games, you may want to invest in a 1080p TV to have maximum flexibility with your system.

Resolution, contrast, black level, brightness, and color accuracy also contribute to picture quality. A TV with excellent High-def picture quality should display a natural-looking image with deep blacks, accurate colors, and clear detail. You'll be living with your picture for years to come, so study it closely before you commit.

Once you've narrowed it down to a few choices, try to compare them side by side with calibrated displays. Take care not to trust HDTV default settings at an electronics store, as these sets are tuned to stand out in a busy store, not the comfort of your living room. Calibrate and adjust as necessary. Go to the top of the page.

Make the Connection

Make the most of your high-definition TV investment by using the highest-quality connection: HDMI. It's a slim cord that supports all high-definition resolutions (720p, 1080i, 1080p, etc.) and can carry multichannel audio as well. HDMI is all you need to connect your Blu-ray player or digital television receiver to your HDMI equipped HDTV. By maintaining a digital signal throughout your home-theater system, HDMI avoids the digital-to-analog conversion that can degrade your image quality. Uncertified cables might be cheaper, but they could be more susceptible to electrical interference and unreliable connections or have other problems.

Whatever TV you decide on, you're sure to notice the difference when your favorite movie unfolds before your eyes in dazzling high definition. (Learn more about cables.) Go to the top of the page.

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