Televisions Buying Guide

Accessories

• Cable requirements. In the shop, a salesperson will probably try to flog you extra cables. Expensive cables will deliver an incremental boost in video performance, especially in reducing interference, but most viewers can't tell the difference. If your TV has component-video connections, however, you may want to consider specialised, relatively good cables instead of standard RCA interconnects. Since component video provides the best picture quality among analogue connections, it benefits the most from better cables.

• Surge protector. 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 plenty of sockets so you can connect all of your equipment for protection.

• 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.

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Extended guarantees

The final question you'll be asked when buying a TV at a brick-and-mortar retailer is generally, "Would you like an extended guarantee with that?" Most savvy electronics shoppers will answer with a knee-jerk "no". We generally agree; an extended guarantee is often an expensive form of insurance that doesn't cover everything. It makes sense only if you have particularly rambunctious kids that could break your new, expensive TV; even then, you should read the terms very carefully to make sure they cover the risks in your situation.

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Manufacturer guarantees

The standard guarantee covers parts for one year and labour for 90 days. Some manufacturer guarantees have separate time frames for the picture element -- such as the tube, which is often covered for two years -- and the rest of the TV. High-end TVs, especially plasmas, often have a one-year labour warranty. Some manufacturers also offer in-home service on more expensive and larger models that are difficult to ship.

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Buying online

An increasing number of TV makers are cracking down on 'unauthorised' retailers of their sets, especially online, and some will not honour guarantees on products purchased from such dealers. See the Web site of your set's manufacturer before you purchase a TV online for its policy on unauthorised retailers.

If you decide to buy your TV online, be prepared for a significant shipping fee. You should also consider how to get it through the door and set up in your room or on a stand; big TVs often require more than one strong person to lift them. Some online and many brick-and-mortar dealers will move the TV into your house and even set it up for you, but it usually costs extra.

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