If you're in the market for an HDTV this holiday — either for yourself or as a gift — here's some essential guidance for navigating store shelves, both real and virtual.
Below are 5 Smart Tips for Buying an HDTV :
1. Think About Design : Ultra-thin bezels and impossibly thin profiles are definitely in, and there's no question they make TVs look brilliantly minimalist. While there are obvious pluses to making your big-screen device all about the screen, a thin bezel also gives manufacturers less room to work with for speakers
2. Connectors - Only HDMI Matters : There's actually one other spec that matters to a modern HDTV, and that's the number of HDMI connectors it has. Virtually all external video devices — from cable boxes to Blu-ray players to Apple TV — connect via HDMI, and those jacks tend to run out quick.
3. Trick Remotes Are Out, Mobile Integration Is In : Many manufacturers have recently debuted new kinds remote controls for their TVs, incorporating things like touchpads, gestures and even voice control into some sets. Don't be taken in by these tricks unless you have a clear physical need for them — these so-called "innovative" remotes are more about trying to get ahead of Apple's mythical television than serving any real consumer desire.
4. Don't Forget Sound : so why are speakers so often an afterthought in a purchase? While a surround sound system would be great, the reality is most rooms aren't set up for speakers all over the place, so a soundbar is your best bet, and these days you can get a decent-sounding one for the price of an iPhone dock.
5. Get Help From an App : Get an Antenna
HDTVs can be expensive, but HDTV antennas are cheap, costing as little as $29 brand new. You know what's even cheaper? Over-the-air TV, which is free. Not only that, but broadcast TV doesn't have the same bandwidth challenges that cable and satellite do, so the picture tends to be clearer.
