Cheap Big Screen TV
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As electronics get more advanced, savvy consumers are constantly looking for ways to find a cheap big screen TV to take advantage of better entertainment options. Finding a bargain may not be easy, but it's not impossible, either.
Define “Big”
The electronics industry defines a big screen television as any model that exceeds 32 inches when measured diagonally. In reality, however, most consumers don’t consider a 32-inch television a “big screen.” Today’s large televisions routinely stretch 50-60 inches or more, but size is expensive.
Dropping a few inches is one of the best ways to find a cheap big screen tv. The relative visual difference between a 48-inch and a 52-inch screen is negligible, but it can make a sizeable impact on the cost.
Define “Cheap”
Consumers also have a wide range of expectations about the word “cheap.” When standard televisions cost less than $400 for good picture quality and a moderate size of a popular name brand, the concept of spending thousands of dollars for a larger screen can be intimidating. Big screen TV prices range from $500-$25,000 and higher depending on the brand, dimensions, and features, and what is cheap to one individual may be more than extravagant to another.
The key to finding a cheap big screen TV is to determine what is cheap to you.
Cheap Big Screen TV Features
Other than size, one of the best ways to lower the price on a larger television is to eliminate unnecessary features. Many big screen models come with exorbitant bells and whistles, including:
- Ambilight rear lighting to “expand” the screen through optical tricks.
- Picture-in-picture or multiple frame formats.
- Freeze and zoom controls.
- Stretch functions to convert letterbox movies to widescreen format.
While these and other advanced features may be appealing, they also pad the price. By choosing a television with minimal features, consumers can concentrate their dollar value in the size and basic picture quality instead of unnecessary options.
Comparing TV Types
The type of television you choose greatly affects both the price and the quality. Comparison shopping between types of televisions can help consumers find an inexpensive option that delivers the quality they desire.
- Cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions are the tried-and-true television technology, but they are generally limited to 40-inch screens or lower due to general bulk and weight. At the same time, however, their picture quality is time-tested and they are the least expensive type of big screen television.
- Liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions can stretch up to 56 inches, but their contrast is not necessarily as good as with other technology. Furthermore, the technology is still new enough that its longevity remains to be seen, and the screen’s brightness may fade over time.
- Plasma televisions are the gold standard of high-tech toys, and they offer the best clarity and the largest screens. Sizes can easily exceed 65 inches. Like LCD televisions, however, their brightness may fade and other problems could develop as the sets age.
- Projection televisions offer superior quality as well, but they feature a larger footprint than LCD or plasma screens and cannot be wall-mounted. They are, however, less expensive than plasma models.
Most television manufacturers offer high definition models. In fact, because of their luxury, most big screen televisions are HD compatible. Consumers need to realize, however, that purchasing a TV that can support high definition does not mean they will automatically receive it. That requires additional cable services that can drive up the price of what seems to be a cheap big screen TV.
When Cheap Gets Expensive
Other related costs can make even great big screen bargains far more expensive. Cost-conscious consumers should investigate delivery and installation charges, warranty programs, wall-mounting kit expenses, and maintenance fees before striking a deal for a new television. To help alleviate these costs, sale prices around Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, and the Super Bowl often offer the best prices for inexpensive televisions.
Conclusion
What is cheap and big to one consumer may be expensive and small to another, but by investigating different television features, types of TV models, and extra charges, eager electronics shoppers can easily find a cheap big screen TV to create their own home theater system without a Hollywood budget.
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This page has been accessed 2,293 times. This page was last modified 00:08, 17 March 2007.
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