Televisions are expensive beasts, but they fall into a few distinct price categories. Here's a cheat sheet that will help better align the set of your dreams with the reality of your bank account. Note that these prices reflect the latest street/online price as of this writing.

You need to decide how large of a screen you want. Usually, the largest screens cost the most, but regardless, the TV should deliver the right-size picture for where you'll sit relative to the screen. Sitting closer to a smaller TV means you won't have to spend as much on a big screen. But if you sit too close, the picture will look poor. See the charts below for recommended seating distances per screen size for both 4:3 and wide-screen TVs, then consult our handy tool to find TVs in our database by diagonal screen size.

With wide-screen sets showing DVD or HDTV, you can sit as close as 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement and still not notice much of a loss in quality, while sitting farther away than three times the screen size means you're likely to miss out on the immersive feel. Here's a rundown of minimum and maximum recommended viewing distances for wide-screen sets.

Size and your room
Generally, 30-inch and smaller sets are great for bedrooms or guest rooms but too small for the main living room. Sets with bigger screens are large enough for the whole family to enjoy and will probably be too much for most small bedrooms. Remember that tube TVs are also fairly deep and get bulkier as the screen size increases. You'll want to pick out a deep-enough spot for the TV so that it doesn't protrude awkwardly into the room. If you're mounting the set inside an entertainment center, be sure it fits in every dimension; also, leave an inch or two on all sides so that the TV has enough ventilation. If you're getting a bigger set, you may want to consider a dedicated stand; many TV makers sell matching stands that increase the aesthetic appeal of their hefty boxes. Screen sizes and display types
Tube televisions have screens that measure between 5 and 36 inches diagonally. Above that, TVs switch from standard tubes to rear-projection or flat-panel models. Flat-panel LCDs can range anywhere from 5 inches to more than 70 inches diagonal, plasmas are between 37 and 103 inches, and rear-projection sets start at 37 inches and go to as large as 73 inches. These different TV types have their own strengths and drawbacks

Resolution, or picture detail, is the main reason why HDTV programs look so good. The standard-definition programming most of us watch today has at most 480 visible lines of detail, whereas HDTV has as many as 1,080. HDTV looks sharper and clearer than regular TV by a wide margin, especially on big-screen televisions. It actually comes in two different resolutions, called 1080i and 720p. One is not necessarily better than the other; 1080i has more lines and pixels, but 720p is a progressive-scan format that should deliver a smoother image that stays sharper during motion. Another format is also becoming better known: 1080p, which combines the superior resolution of 1080i with the progressive-scan smoothness of 720p. True 1080p content is scarce outside of Blu-ray, HD DVD and the latest video games, however, and none of the major networks has announced 1080p broadcasts. Check out CNETS comparison chart to see how HDTV stacks up against standard TV and progressive-scan DVD.

Convenience features, inputs, and even the sound system are all factors to consider in your next TV purchase. Many TV makers differentiate their baseline models from step-up versions by including all kinds of add-ons, so check our list to help determine whether that "loaded" set you're considering really has the features that matter.

Picture-in-picture (PIP)
What it is: PIP lets you watch a second program in a little window. More-elaborate versions can resize the window, move it around the screen, create still or multiple still images, or simply divide the screen into two same-size pictures, often called "picture-outside-picture" (POP).

Universal remote
What it is: Plenty of TVs now come with universal remotes that can control other A/V gear. Usually, they work with a cable or satellite box, and many can also command DVD players, VCRs, or even A/V receivers. If you like watching movies in the dark, you should look for a remote with backlit or glowing buttons.

What it isn't:
Not every universal remote can control everything. Some, known as unibrand remotes, can control only the same brand of equipment as the TV itself. Most are preprogrammed with a set list of codes, and if the codes don't match your older or off-brand gear, you're out of luck. A few are learning models that can accept the IR codes from your other remotes and, thus, control any kind of gear.

TV Sound
Almost every TV sold today has MTS stereo reception and stereo speakers, which provide much better sound than a single mono speaker. When TV makers list readings of 5 watts per channel or higher, it means the set has a respectable audio system for a TV. Some sets with simulated surround provide a semblance of the effect of rear speakers.

What it isn't
No TV can compete with a dedicated audio system, so even if your set has lots of watts and simulated surround sound, you should consider a home-theater audio system for maximum impact. If you have such a system, the TV's sound becomes a moot point.

Tuner extras
Channel-surfing modes, favorite-channel lists, and other features that rely on your TV's built-in tuner can make switching channels a lot more efficient--as long as you use that tuner.

What it isn't:
The problem is, many people use external tuners such as a cable or satellite box to change channels. If you're one of those people, tuner extras are all but useless to you.

Inputs and outputs
Perhaps the single most confusing item on a TV spec sheet is the forest of inputs and outputs used to hook up the set to other equipment. The following trail of breadcrumbs, arranged in order of video quality, should help put you on the right connectivity path.

	Jack		Cable		Name		Typical use		Level of video quality
					RF aka radio frequency; antenna; cable; screw type; F-pin		Antennae, VCRs, cable and satellite boxes		Lowest, Highest (digital) for HDTV tuners
					Composite video aka yellow video; video; A/V (when combined with audio jacks)		Cable and satellite boxes, VCRs, DVD players, game consoles		Low
					S-Video aka DIN 4		Cable and satellite boxes, S-VHS VCRs, DVD players, game consoles		Medium
					Component-video aka component; Y, Pb, Pr; Y, Cb, Cr; broadband component; 1080i; 720p; HDTV		HD cable and satellite boxes, DVD players, HDTV tuners, Blu-ray and HD DVD players, game consoles, other HD sources		High
					RGB Connections can also be made through RCA or BNC-type connectors, and adapters are available between all of them aka PC, computer, VGA; 15-pin D-sub; RGB-HV		Computers, video processors		High
					FireWire aka IEEE 1394; iLink		some HDTV tuners, D-VHS VCRs		Highest (digital)
					DVI-D with HDCP aka DVI-D; Digital Visual Interface; High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection		Computers; older HD cable and satellite boxes, HDTV tuners and DVD players		Highest (digital)
					HDMI aka High-Definition Multimedia Interface		HD cable and satellite boxes, DVD players, HDTV tuners, Blu-ray and HD DVD players, game consoles, computers, other HD sources		Highest (digital)

The most difficult thing to judge when shopping for a TV is how good the picture looks. Good is a subjective term, so relying on the judgment of reviewers (such as CNET) may not get you exactly what you want. Then again, many reviewers scoff at the kinds of pictures that impress TV shoppers in the store. In this section, we'll offer some tips on become a more discerning viewer and what separates good pictures from the rest.

Features that affect picture quality
Picture quality is the main characteristic used to sell TVs, but very few features actually affect picture quality in a helpful way. We'll run through a few here.

• Picture settings:Proper adjustment of a TV can have a larger impact in picture quality than anything else, and for proper adjustment you'll need a good range of picture controls. Many controls are superfluous, but quite a few, including color -temperature presets, a full-range backlight control (LCD flat-panels only), and the ability to turn off harmful picture-affecting features can go a long way toward making your TV look its best. For more on setting up the picture, check out Picture perfect: HDTV tune-up tips.
• TV technology typeThe technology behind an HDTV is probably the second-biggest "feature" to impact picture quality. LCD, plasma, CRT, and rear-projection all have different, if sometimes subtle, differences, and it pays to get a handle on each before you buy. Further details can be found at Four styles of HDTV.
• ResolutionIn the realm of HDTV, resolution is the most often-cited spec. And while resolution is important, nearly all HDTVs have enough pixels to do high-def sources justice. In other words, you don't need 1080p to enjoy a great HDTV picture, and in fact, many times it's almost impossible to tell the difference between a 1080p TV and a lower-resolution model of the same size. For details, check out HDTV resolution explained.
• Video processingMany new HDTVs have video processing modes, such as 120Hz (Picture perfect: HDTV tune-up tips."

With any large purchase, the urge to accessorize can be overwhelming. Here are a few add-ons to consider, as well as some words on warranty and shipping concerns.

Accessories

Cable requirements.
In the store, you'll probably hear a salesperson tell you to get extra cables. That's because overpriced cables are one of the few areas where electronics stores can turn a big profit. In reality, cable quality matters very little, especially with digital cables such as HDMI. Browse Through our Cables and Accessories Section

Power Conditioner.
We definitely recommend shielding your TV investment with some sort of surge protector. Don't believe the hype that a better protector will somehow improve video quality, but do choose a model with coaxial inputs and outputs for your cable or antenna.

Furniture.
Many TV makers produce matching stands for their larger TVs. If you like their style, they usually make setting up the TV a lot simpler. That's because you won't have to worry about your stand being able to support the TV or being the right height for comfortable viewing from the couch.

Other room treatments.
Watching TV in broad daylight will result in a washed-out picture. We recommend that any viewing room be equipped with curtains or other window treatments that can block out some light during the day and that the TV screen face away from the window. Try to keep room lighting from reflecting onto the screen. A low-wattage light placed behind the TV in an otherwise dark room can make an ideal viewing environment.

Extended Service Plans

Extended warranties
The final question you'll be asked when buying a TV is generally, "Would you like a service plan with that?" In this section we previously advocated a few aspects of extended service plans, mainly because of the relatively untested nature of new HDTV technologies. Most buyers should Consider the extended warranty as in the long run it will end up saving you a a great deal of time and money, and in most HDTV cases it will save you from purchasing an entire new unit. According to the March 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, the overwhelming majority of HDTVs usually do not need repairs during the standard 1 year manufacturer warranty period. However, they do tend to need repairs within thier total usage time. Rear-projection HDTVs do exhibit a higher rate of failure due to the fact that they work with a BULB, which will eventually die out (normally within the first 2-3 years of usage). Plasma Tvs tend to leave a ghost effect over time and eventually run out of gas. LCD Tvs have been found to exhibit the longest life usage, however they are most likely to aquire burned out pixles within the usage. Dead pixles are Formed Dots going across the LCD screen that can easily disrupt the picture. They appear to be small particles on the screen, and can have a significant adverse effect on ones viewing. So you may still be asking yourself, "what are my benefits when purchasing an extended service plan?".

The answers are listed below:

1. In-Home Coverage - The Television will not have to leave your location. An authorized repair facility will send one of thier highly trained technicians to your location, to assess the issue. They will then order the required parts, and service your television on site. There is no shipping to be done on your part, and you do not have the worry of bringing a cumbersome TV into a repair facility.
2. Extended Service plans Coverage VS. Manufacturer coverage - These service plans cover the units in the EXACT SAME way the manufacturers do. They cover everything except physical damage to the unit itself, caused by the consumer. So your total coverage time is the Manufacturer Service period + Extended Service period, with the same coverage throughout.
3. Repair/Replace Coverage - One of the most important things to consider while purchasing an extended service plan is what will happen in the even that a technician cannot repair your unit. In this case, they will replace your unit with the same exact model that you purchased.
   With the constant evolution of HDTV technology, within the span of your extended service plan, the TV you initially purchased will become unavailable. The good news is that in that event, your unit will be replaced by a newer model that meets or exceeds the specifications of your current model. This is due to the fact that as time goes by, the technology gets rounded, and ultimately more inexpensive to produce. This results in you getting a better unit, becuase it will be produced for a similar price as the unit you already owned. You will never be replaced with a lower end unit. This is a great benefit.
4. Zero Deductible - Getting your unit serviced/replaced comes to you with no out of pocket expenses. You are fully covered for everything that is entailed in the process. You just sit back, and your unit gets fixed.
5. Cost of getting an HDTV repaired with no service plan - The cost of getting one of these units repaired is exhorbant amount of money. Aside from the trouble of taking a unit into a service center (which if you have a 50 inch TV or above, is very difficult), or shipping the unit to such a facility (which would cost hundreds of dollars), the cost of repairing such a unit is so expensive that you might as well just buy a new unit. Some reports have stated that it can cost between 40-70 percent of the units total price. Buying a service plan at a fraction of the price of your unit cost will save a huge amount of money and hassle. These plans are worry free.
6. Authorized Expert Service - These service plans actually utilize the exact same Authorized Technicians as the manufacturers themselves. If something goes wrong with your unit within the Manufacturer Warranty period, they will send out a technician from one of thier authorized centers. They do not send out technicians from thier "factory", but an expertly trained facility which they allow to do repairs under thier banner. The extended service contract utilizes the exact same professional, highly trained techs as all of the big Manufacturers. You can rest assured that your unit is in good hands.
   Again after spending Hundreds to Thousands of your hard-earned dollars, we have found that it is definetly worth purchasing an extended warranty and is defenitly in the consumers Benefit. You will sleep good knowing that you are covered in the event that something goes wrong with your expensive TV. Most people do not make such a huge purchase like this often, so it is good to be assured that your purchase will last.

An increasing number of TV makers are not honoring warranties when their televisions are sold significantly below the MSRP. They do this to protect the price of their items and the request of their Authorized Dealers. Do the math, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars if you buy the item significantly below the MSRP and purchase 3rd party extended warranties which usally offer better coverage than the standard manufacturer warranty.