| NFL, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR. They all look better on a | | | | dreaming about.Here's a few tips to get you started: |
| big screen home theater system and sound better on | | | | |
| a multi-channel surround system. If you buy the right | | | | Make sure you can get an HDTV signal - You may |
| equipment - that is!The Super Bowl has become one | | | | have to upgrade your cable or satellite service and |
| of the biggest motivators for buying a big screen TV. | | | | hardware before you can even receive High Definition. |
| On the Saturday before the big game, visit your local | | | | DTV (Digital Television) does not equal HDTV. A |
| Best Buy or Costco and look at all the guys roaming | | | | standard definition picture blown up usually looks pretty |
| the floor looking at plasma screens, LCD tv's, and giant | | | | lame and some TV's don't do a very good job with |
| rear projection systems. The sales people are busy | | | | this. |
| explaining to them why they need to buy a whole host | | | | Check for a Tuner - Not all HDTV TV's have a |
| of expensive add-ons to 'really' make the system | | | | channel tuner built in. This may not be a big deal if you |
| work at its full potential and wives and girlfriends are | | | | have cable or satellite, but it is if you plan to receive |
| asking them to explain again why it's a good idea to | | | | signals over the air. |
| spend the money they were saving for a | | | | Check your Connectors - Make sure you know what |
| downpayment on a house to buy a TV.The really sad | | | | type of connectors are needed to hook-up your Tivo, |
| thing is, by waiting until the last minute and not doing a | | | | Media Center PC, cable or satellite box to the TV. |
| little research, most of them will end up buying a home | | | | Plan for Other Upgrades - You may need to consider |
| theater system that isn't what they expected. | | | | upgrading your Tivo, Media Center PC or DVD player. |
| Marketing people throw around terms like 'High | | | | Plan for New Furniture - This may not occur to you |
| Definition' as though it has one meaning, but not all 'High | | | | right away, but the entertainment center you have |
| Definition Televisions' are the same. The word 'Digital' is | | | | probably won't fit with a widescreen TV. Also, if you |
| even worse. And then comes the jumble of letters like | | | | intend to hang a flatscreen on the wall, you'll need a |
| DVI, HDMI, and HDCP. Choosing the wrong system | | | | hanging bracket and the tools and skills to firmly attach |
| components can cost you a lot of money and waiting | | | | it to the studs. Plasma TV's are heavy! |
| until the last minute is the best way to make a mistake. | | | | Gentlemen, Start Your Shopping!Andrew Seltz is a |
| Buying a TV is a little more complicated than it used to | | | | Go-To Guy! His passions for the technology and |
| be.If you want to feel like you're on the field as the | | | | movies have made him particularly interested in Big |
| shoulder pads crunch or experience the rush of being | | | | Screen Televisions and Home Theaters. His |
| inside a stock car burning up the track at the Brickyard, | | | | experience gives him the knowledge to help others |
| get started early with a little research and planning and | | | | wade through the tech-talk and get the right gear! |
| you'll get the home theater system you've been | | | | |