HDTVs have superior video and audio quality compared to standard televisions, which is why it’s easy to decide on buying one for your home. Choosing the best HDTV to buy is a different matter, though. To help make the decision easier, here are some factors you can consider.

Picture quality – It is normal to see people staring at HDTV screens in an appliance store. While some are merely watching the show, others are scrutinizing the richness of the colors and the sharpness of the details, which is what you should do so you can judge the picture quality. You can even bring your own Blu-Ray disc, which currently has the best video, or try the different picture modes.

Key features – To find the best HDTV, you need to take a look at the key features, as well, especially if you’re closely comparing between models of the same brand. Make sure you take a look at the resolution and the noise reduction capability since these contribute to picture quality, as well as all the special add-ons.

Ports – Remember that you need to attach other equipment to your HDTV, so make sure there’s a place to attach them to. Take a look at the back or the sides for ports, such as HDMI ports and DVI-D ports which you can use for connecting HDTV tuners, Blu-Ray and DVD players, and your computer.

Type – HDTVs come in different types, although the most popular are Plasma and LCD. Plasma HDTVs have a wider viewing angle and a faster refresh rate while LCD HDTVs have a longer screen life and lesser power consumption. You can opt for Rear Projection HDTVs as well, though keep in mind that these can be noisy because of their cooling fans and can be very expensive, too.

Size – Where will you put your HDTV? Answer this question and you should be able to decide on the screen size. Small HDTVs are ideal for bedrooms, while the larger ones are best reserved for living rooms and home theatres. Still, no one’s stopping you if you can afford a 50-inch TV to place in your bedroom.

Brand – Do you have a preferred brand or one that you trust? What is the brand of your other appliances? Answering these questions should help you in narrowing down your choices, too, although brand is not as important as other factors in determining the best HDTV.

Cost – Last but not the least, consider how much funds you have and how much you are willing to spend. While the most expensive HDTV is not necessarily the best HDTV, a great one will usually cost from $500 to $2000. Don’t worry, if you’ve chosen well based on all the other factors, then your choice should be well worth it for a long time to come.

Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes Plasma TV Reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To check out the latest Philips HDTV reviews or learn more about Plasma TVs visit HDTVreviewlab.com