What are you looking for in a new LCD TV?

As you think about buying a new LCD TV, you probably already have in mind some of the things you are looking for. If you are like me, you look for big screen size, High Definition (HDTV) performance, features, design and price. Let’s look at these criteria one at a time.

Size

You want the size of your TV to be appropriate for the size of your room, considering viewing distance and your budget. If you have a large room where you want to place your TV, consider whether you want to view it from a small conversation area, or from anywhere in the room. LCD TVs are now available in a wide range of sizes.

Performance

• Resolution — Look for high-definition resolution — 1080p (1920×1080 pixels). It should also be compatible with other formats — 1080i, 720P, 480P, 480i. You need 1080p to view Blu-Ray and HD DVDs in native full resolution, You also need 1080p for best results with gaming and computer applications.
• Color — Look for well-saturated color and deep blacks.
• Viewing conditions — What is the viewing angle of the new TV from which viewers will get a good clear image? A matte screen surface helps avoid distracting reflections.
• Picture quality — Moving images should be sharp, smooth and free of distracting pixelations, flutter and jitter. Look for smooth streaming images.
• Features
• Internet online capability — the future of television is in streaming content over the Internet. Make sure your new HDTV can access internet content as seamlessly and easily as possible, with a wide range of content choices.
• Multi-media capability — You may want to connect your HDTV to an external sound system, Blu-ray or DVD player, game consoles, computer. Make sure that the input and output jacks can accommodate your equipment.
• LED Backlighting — Light-emitting-diode (LED) backlighting is the latest and best LCD technology. Full array backlighting has the LEDs behind the screen for controlled dimming of portions of the screen. This gives the best contrast ratios available.
• Owner’s Manual — A manual written in easy-to-understand English for a non-technical reader.
• Remote — Look for a full featured remote, with ease of use and keyboard to interact with Internet TV. A backlighted remote would easier to use in the dark.
• Picture and Sound controls — Look for controls that allow a non-technical viewer to easily control sound and picture quality to their liking.

Design

When the room lights are darkened, viewers focus on the image — not the design of the TV. When room lights are on, I would like the TV to be non-obtrusive, not fancy — just the basic black look of the frame.

Price

In the end, price trumps! Look for the best value for your money. You know your budget, You know the features you would like to have. Choose wisely.

For a large-screen LCD HDTV, the 55-inch VIZIO XVT553SV HDTV meets most of the above criteria. It provides the best value for your money. I believe it is the best new LCD HDTV available today. It comes with Internet Apps so you can easily view Internet streaming movies, TV shows, music, the latest news, sports and weather. For a list of available apps, visit VIZIO Internet Apps.