Buying a 3D TV
Going top of the line? Consider a 3D TV
Not many of us can afford to buy a 3D TV. Still, you might have someone very special to buy for -- or a lot of missed gifts to make up for! -- and if that's the case, a 3D television should more than fit the bill.
If you don't own a 3D TV yourself, though, you might not be sure about how to approach the shopping trip. That's where this guide comes in: let us help you find the very best new 3D TV!
How to Buy a 3D TV
1. Before you go shopping, make some decisions. What type of technology are you going for? Right now, TLC and Sony use LCD for their 3D televisions, Mitsubishi and Samsung use DLP, and Panasonic uses Plasma.
What do those words mean? LCD TVs (liquid crystal display) function with many tiny crystals behind the screen, Plasma TVs are filled with liquid plasma that illuminates in a similar way, and DLP, or digital light processing, uses mirrors to create images on the television screen. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so decide what you want in advance.
2. Check out the various TVs and ask for assistance, but don't rely solely on the images you see in store. As any knowledgeable sales clerk can explain, televisions in stores are not calibrated for optimum viewing.
3. Don't forget the accessories! Without 3D TV glasses, your new 3D TV isn't going to be of much use. Of course, if you've already bought a television as a present, you might want to suggest to someone else that they handle the 3D TV glasses and any other accessories you have in mind.
That might sound overly simplistic, but in actuality, buying a 3D TV isn't rocket science. Beware of brands you don't recognize, and it's worth your time to look up product reviews for the 3D television you decide on. If you find that no one seems to like it, you might want to think twice about the purchase.
If you're buying your TV as a gift, you may also want to think about the size and space restrictions of the recipient. Don't buy a 50" TV for a living room that's five foot square. Similarly, if you know they have a huge home and love their big screen TV, you should get them a bigger size.
If you can't afford the 3D TV you know they want, it's really better not to get them one at all. You can give a gift certificate for as much as you can afford and tell them it's towards their new 3D television, and they'll appreciate it just as much. Better than making them feel obligated to use a TV that doesn't meet their needs.
Enjoy your shopping, especially if you can buy a 3D TV!