The decision to purchase a flat screen TV is an easy one to make. To decide what size to buy or where to position it in your space, however, might not be as easy as it seems! Before hitting the store to choose the screen of your dreams, make sure to know what to look for to meet your needs and fit your space. Here are a few elements to take into consideration when considering purchasing a flat screen TV.
Manage Light – Avoid problems!
First, when planning to integrate a flat screen TV to your decor, make sure to take natural and artificial lighting into consideration. To reduce glare, avoid positioning your TV opposite a window or great source of light. If you plan to position your TV alongside a window, you should also make sure to invest in a set of opaque curtains, otherwise it may be difficult for your eyes to adjust to the outside light and brightness of the screen.
The Big One, or the Right One?
You may also want to evaluate what TV size would be appropriate for your space before hitting the store because, in this department, bigger is not always the way to go. When it comes to flat screen TVs, room size and configuration matter! Electronics experts recommend that you sit at a distance 1.5 to 2 times the width of your TV screen. This means that, for a 40-inch screen, your ideal seating is 5 to 8 feet away. Also, since flat screen TVs look best when viewed straight on, make sure to place your TV and sofa on opposite walls, not at an angle.
The Right Technology for You
Once you have determined what screen size you'll go for and how you'll integrate your new acquisition to your décor, you might want to evaluate which type of flat screen TV technology would best meet your needs and budget. Flat screen TVs were not all created equal and, for long, even experts couldn't settle on which technology was best between plasma, LCD and, more recently, LED. Each has it's own perks –plasma is remarkably picture-consistent, but LCD is less expensive, longer lasting and more energy efficient. If pricier than either plasma or LCD, LED however wins on most plans – screen thickness, brightness/darkness performances, and energy efficiency.
Do you feel better prepared to set up your home theatre?