Buying A LCD TV - Essential In-Store Checklist
If you're like most people who aren't chronic shoppers, you absolutely hate the feeling of buyer's remorse. The bigger the purchase, the worse the remorse. But if you do your research up front, understand what to look for, and ultimately know what you're getting from a purchase, you may just surprise yourself for the better.
This is how it is in the world of LCD TVs, products that can change the way you view entertainment at home - but you don't want a bad purchase to erode your confidence as a customer. The next time you head to a store to purchase an LCD TV, keep some of the following tips in mind.
First, know your specs. Specs, or specifications, are essentially the various details about your LCD TV - for example, one simple "spec" is the size of your screen. Other specs will have different meanings. For example, a high resolution television will generally give you a better, sharper picture. Once you understand your specs, you'll be able to better judge different LCD TVs before you even see them. Check out X-bit labs to learn about the specs and characteristics of LCD TVs in greater detail.
Next, when you go in for a live viewing of the television, don't just consider how it looks when you're standing six feet away from it. Actually look at it from a variety of angles. Look at it from side angles to see how it handles side-viewing angles: does the image dissolve or disappear the wider you go, or can it handle the angle you're taking? If you plan on having a television in the living room for company and parties, then having strong wide-angle picture will be an important element to consider.
It's also important to make sure that you understand the specs of the TV you're watching. If you're considering buying an LCD TV and the salesman at the store tells you that it's "similar to" the one on display, then you won't really have an accurate picture of the LCD TV itself, even with the specs in hand. Ask to see the TV itself - if they're not willing to get one out for you and plug it in, then maybe they're not so interested in your sale after all!
The best attitude to take as a customer is that people are out to get you. Now, a lot of people aren't out to get you, but if you want to protect your money effectively, you have got to be willing to be assertive, demanding, and curious. You don't have to be impolite (in fact, be polite!), but like someone who's willing to send bad food back to the chef, you should be willing to defend your money.
