Discover How High Def Tv Can Help You Better Enjoy Your Coffee
January 2, 2009
My dreams came true this past Christmas. Santa brought me a Tassimo coffee brewing station, and a 52” plasma TV; just in time for the NFL playoffs! There is nothing better than sitting back with a cup of gourmet coffee in front of your new high def television. But as I learned, when it comes to putting together a home theater display, there are many more options than just the size of the TV.
There are several considerations or rules of thumb when it comes to choosing a TV, and the relative size of the viewing area is the first. The rule is that you will want on average around 5-and-a-half inches of diagonal screen width for every foot away from the monitor you will be seated. The rule comes in at 5 inches per foot for basic signaled picture, and 6 inches per foot if you are watching in high definition.
Keep in mind, however, that this is just a guide. When it comes to the size of the TV, general exceptions should be made when the set will be placed in two story great rooms or rooms with vaulted ceilings. These situations might actually call for a larger television, especially if you plan to mount it up higher. On the flip side, rooms located in basements or with drop-ceilings might actually be better suited for a smaller set. You really must consider all of these factors when selecting the television that will best suit your needs and wants.
The next part of choosing your TV involves the type or kind of set you purchase. Now, I am going to assume that most of you are not going to be buying an old-fashioned knob and tube set, or even a projection TV. The prices of high def sets have come down in recent years, making them accessible to just about anyone.
You will find that LCD sets are slightly cheaper than plasma overall. However, LCD televisions may not be your best choice if you or your guests will be viewing from anywhere other than directly in front of the set itself. In other words, LCD TVs don’t look good from the side. In addition to this, if your TV is in a room that is filled with a lot of bright sunlight, an LCD may not be the best choice either.
On another note, plasma televisions are a little more fragile and may experience problems over a shorter period of time. If you buy a plasma like I did, always purchase the extended warranty just in case.
Finally, you need to look at the overall function of the set. In other words, will this be your main TV set for big events like the Superbowl, or a kitchen mounted set for you to watch while you fix your morning coffee? The reason this is important is because of the way you may need to work out your budget. Obviously, sports viewing needs to be crisp and clear, and that means spending a little more money!
I hope these simple ideas will help you as you look for that dream set over the next few weeks. Trust me, your coffee will taste a whole lot better too! Ha!
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