Televisions If you've shopped for televisions recently, you know the selection is bigger, and more confusing, than ever. There are LCD televisions and flat panel televisions. Plasma televisions and HDTV televisions. Front and rear projection. With all the choices today, you first must determine several things, such as screen size, mounting options, and price. Picture quality and viewing angle. LCD FLAT-PANEL HDTV: This is good if you want a thin, lightweight TV with a small to medium screen, about 23 to 45 inches. LCD TVs run from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on size. This TV is good for wall mounting because it weighs less than 50 pounds. LCD TVs have bright images, and the antireflection surface reduces the glare common to plasma TV screens. LCDs do not provide the best viewing angle or color compared to plasma. PLASMA HDTV: This is a good choice for a big, thin TV set, typically 42 to 60 inches. Plasma TVs range from $2.500 to $4,500. Plasma TVs can be wall mounted, but they are not lightweight, with the smaller screens weighing 100 pounds. These have outstanding picture quality, plus good brightness and contrast from any angle. Downsides are that the shiny screen surface can produce reflections, and static images can burn if displayed for a long period of time.

REAR-PROJECTION HDTV: This is the good choice if you want a big-screen TV that is less expensive than a plasma TV, ranging from 50 to 65 inches. Prices range from $1,000 to $6,000. Micro display projection sets are slimmer than CRT but much thicker than plasma TVs. The best models provide great picture quality, but they have a more limited viewing angle than a plasma TV. PICTURE-TUBE (CRT) HDTV: Although bulky, it's a decent choice for a low-priced, mid-sized TV. Typical range is 26 to 36 inches, with a price range of $800 to $1,200. These models offer good picture quality, with good detail, color, and contrast, and viewing angle. One consideration is that the maximum screen size is 36 inches; also, the bulkier design can weigh up to 200 pounds and measure 2 feet deep. FRONT PROJECTOR: This TV is good for consumers who want a large screen with a home theater setup. Screens are bought separately, and can range from 70 to 200 inches, although you can use a wall instead. Typical prices of $1,100 for HD projector, plus several hundred dollars for a screen. This design comes closest to offering the theater experience at home, with images up to 200 inches diagonally. These are designed for use in a dark room, so they are not ideal for everyday viewing. Also, there is no tuner, so you must attach a cable or DVD player, as well as speakers. As you can see, you have several different choices. Before you go shopping, consider your budget, the screen size, how you'll mount it, and where you'll mount it. Once you have the answers to these questions, you'll at least have narrowed your choices, before you go to the TV stores and get overwhelmed.