TheBolt

When shopping for a new TV, you can easily be overwhelmed by both the size and selection.  Keeping in mind a few specifics will help you narrow down the style and size that’s perfect for you and your TV room.

First, know what technology you plan on getting.  Right now you can choose from the three main types: LCD, LED and Plasma.  There are good and bad factors with each.  They are also liked and disliked by a wide range of individuals based solely, on their own tastes.  As they say, it’s in the eye of the beholder.  Below are just a few examples of what each can offer.  Be sure to visit a retail store and see as many to compare and contrast in person.

LCD

Size 19 inches and larger
Pros Consumes a lot less power than plasma; lighter panels than Plasma; models with matte screens work well in bright rooms.
Cons Viewing angle not as wide as LED and Plasma.

LED

Size 32 inches and larger
Pros Uses less power than LCD and Plasma; thinner, lighter panels than LCD and Plasma; improved picture quality.
Cons Thin design comes at a price.

Plasma

Size 42 inches and larger
Pros Black-level performance in dark rooms; uniformity and viewing angle.
Cons High power consumption; glass screen can reflect light in bright rooms.

Determine the Right Size

When looking at the TVs, you may be enamored by the big, vivid displays.  Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better.  There is a reason you wouldn’t want to sit in the front row at a movie theater, and that’s because you don’t want to look up, or move your head left to right while watching a movie.  The same goes for sitting too far from your TV; you won’t be able to enjoy the clarity of an image if you can’t see what’s going on.  Knowing how far you will sit and where you will be placing the TV, will help you get an idea of what size TV you will need.  Below is a chart that will help  answer those questions.

Screen height is also important. Most entertainment units are low to the ground, but you should have the center of the television screen aligned with your line of vision when you’re in your favorite spot. You can do this by buying a larger screen, or by simply getting a taller stand.

Know your price range

Prices can be all over the board when it comes to buying a flat-screen TV. Some deals offer the best of both worlds when it comes to quality and price. Once you know what you want from the tips above, make sure to evaluate the pricing and warranty options from the retail, or online store you want to commit to.  A TV should be a long term investment, so make sure you get the best for your budget.  As always, any questions, comments or concerns, call an Abt representative at 888-228-5800.

If you are still shopping for the perfect TV for the upcoming Super Bowl, Abt Electronics made a stop at WGN TV yesterday morning. Take a look at our news and reviews for the best TVs to watch all the Big Sunday Action!

That familiar, big, yellow, energy guide label that comes with all your appliances will now be found in your upcoming television purchases.  Recently, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that all television sets manufactured after May 10^th, 2011 must include the EnergyGuide label.

This new ruling will allow consumers to get a better picture of the yearly energy consumption of any particular model.  Those that are environmentally conscious will be able to make a decision by comparing different models and their required energy ratings.

This new ruling is based on the various amounts of energy consumption each television uses.  Years ago all televisions typically shared the same amount.  Now, with the development of TVs like Plasmas, LCDs and LED TVs, energy rates vary.  The FTC hopes these labels will better inform consumers when making their purchases.

-Nick E.

When the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, you know that (regular) football season is almost here!

Here at Abt, we carry a wide assortment of TVs for homes and businesses to cheer on their favorite team.  We carry all major brands such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, SunBriteTV, Haier and Bang & Olufsen.  If you’re looking for a slim LED, an all-around picture from a LCD, the deep colors from a Plasma or the large sizes from DLPs, we have them all here at Abt.

Many of our manufacturers have great deals going on like the $2,700 instant rebate on the Samsung 46″ C9000 LED or the Sony XBR52HX909 3D bundle where you get a free 3D blu-ray player, 3D sync transmitter and 2 pairs of 3D glasses for free!

For more information on which TV is great for you, view our TV buying guide, call one of our sales specialists or stop by the store.

-Jennifer A.

Do you love to Skype and watch tv? Now you can do both on select Panasonic TVs! Panasonic is offering its customers a free Panasonic communication camera to make Skype video conferencing calls when you purchase qualifying Viera Plasma TVs. If you’re a fan of Skype, or ever wanted to be George Jetson and video conference with Mr. Spacely, you should act quickly because this offer ends on Saturday, July 10^th.

-Jennifer A.

The NCAA Final Four semi-finals and championship games are around the corner. Is your TV up to par, or is now the time to consider a new one? Abt’s weekly specials section has seven TVs in stock and available for Chicagoland delivery before the big games.

Michigan and Butler tip off at 6:05pm ET Saturday evening (4/3), and West Virginia battles Duke immediately following at 9pm ET. The winners will fight for the NCAA championship on Monday, April 5th—time to be announced.

Abt delivers to Chicagoland customers every day, except Wednesday and Sunday; Indiana and Wisconsin deliveries are Tuesday and Saturday only.

Speak to an Abt sales specialist in-store, on the phone, or on-line via web-based live chat about a new TV for the Super Bowl of college basketball.

-Kelly B.