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 |  | DLP Rear Projection: $1,300-$3,900 |  | LCD or Plasma Flat Screen: $600-$6,000+ |  | Home Theater Projector: $700-$10,000+ |
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There are many different options when selecting a television set. While traditional Tube TVs have pretty much gone the way of the dinosaurs, flat panel display TVs -- plasma and LCD -- are now popular and affordable. There's also projection technology -- DLP TVs (rear projection) and front projectors, also known as home theater projectors, which deliver the largest screening area.
Typical costs: |
- LCD TVs come in all sorts of sizes ranging from 5" to 70". In general, LCD TVs can start around $600 for a 40" screen and cost up to $6,000 for a 65" screen. LCD TVs offer a thin profile and are usually lighter for their size. They use slightly less power than similar sized plasma TVs and are less susceptible to screen burn-in (where an after image of a still picture left on for an extended period of time can "burn" into the screen). However, they have poorer viewing angles and contrast levels than plasma TVs.
- Flat panel plasma TVs typically range in size from 42" to 65". Prices begin around $600 and go up to $5,000 for a 65" screen. Plasma TVs offer excellent contrast and black levels (the different shades of black), better viewing angles and higher color reproduction compared to LCD TVs. But plasma TVs are heavirt, more susceptible to screen burn-in, and may have glare issues in brightly lit rooms.
- Rear projection DLP TVs start at 60" and go all the up to 82" in size. For a 60" model the cost is $1,300 and the largest 82" TV comes in around $3,900. DLP TVs are significantly less expensive than flat panel (plasma or LCD) TV displays, come in larger screen sizes and do not have screen burn-in or glare issues. But DLP TVs are bulkier and heavier.
- Home theater projectors start at around $700 for one with basic functionality and features and cost over $10,000 for a high-end projector. They can project an image from 40" up to 300" -- providing the largest viewing images and coming close to movie theater picture quality at home. They also take up very little space. A screen or specially painted wall can add $110-$2,500.
Related articles: LCD TV, Plasma TV, Home Theater Projector, DLP TV, Tube TV, Bundled Services
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What should be included: |
- A remote control with batteries should be included.
- The flat panel displays will often also include a cleaning cloth and ferrite core that can be used to shield cables from signal interference.
Additional costs: |
- For the larger TV displays such as the flat panel TVs and DLP TVs, there can be a delivery fee of $50 to $150. Professional set-up of the new TV can add another $50 to $100.
- Wall mounting either an LCD or a plasma TV can add on several hundred dollars. Or a new TV stand or cabinet can add less than $100 to several hundred dollars.
- For the projection technology TVs, the light lamp periodically need to be replaced. These lamps, depending on the type and model, can cost $100 to $350.
- Adding a home surround sound system to optimize the audio experience can cost several hundred dollars.
- Cable TV ($11-$127), satellite service ($20-$110) or over-the-air broadcast TV signals are required to watch TV programming. Cable and satellite pricing depends on the channel packages. Broadcast TV, while free, does require either an indoor or outdoor antenna ($10-$200).
Discounts: |
- Occasionally, TV manufacturers may have rebates or similar incentives.
- Refurbished and store display models may also be ways to save money, if it's not necessary to get an absolutely brand new TV set.
Shopping for a tv: |
- Store retailers such as Best Buy[1] and Sears[2] offer a chance to view in person many models and manufacturers.
- Online retailers like Amazon[3] and Newegg.com[4] also offer several types of TVs. While buying online can definitely offer savings, if a return or exchange is required due to some mechanical defect, this may be more of a hassle than going back to a brick and mortar store.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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External Resources: |
- www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=page&id=cat12090
- www.sears.com/shc/s/StoreLocatorView?storeId=10153
- www.amazon.com/Televisions-Video/b/ref=sa_menu_tv5?ie=UTF8&node=1266092011
- www.newegg.com/Televisions/Category/ID-264
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