ReZoom

One of the hottest buys last Christmas was high-definition televisions, and the trend is likely to continue. Wading through the jargon and marketing to figure out what size, type and style is right for you can be confusing, so here are some guidelines and suggestions to consider while shopping.

The first thing to think about is in which room you will watch television and where you plan on putting the set.

LCD vs. PLASMA

If you plan mounting the television on a wall, you only have two choices: plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD). Both have pros and cons, and don't forget to factor in the mounting kit for both types of televisions, which will cost an extra $175-$400.

LCDs have more vibrant color, are better dealing with glare (which makes a difference in natural light) and tend to last longer. However, less expensive LCD panels usually have a small viewing angle.

Plasma screens tend to have a shorter life span, but you can watch them from any angle in the room.

REAR PROJECTION TV

If you don't see a need to hang your TV on a wall or if buying a flat-panel TV will make your better-half scream, then you might want to think about a rear projection television. They've got big screens (42 inches-plus and higher), bulbs and are budget-friendly.

Today's models are not as bulky and deep as they used to be, but sets are still 14-22 inches deep, which makes mounting impossible. Also, due to the bulb (light source), viewing angle is again an issue to think about. The bulbs are also an issue. Like any bulb, these need to be replaced -- typically every 4-5 years, depending on how much television you watch.

CRTV

Traditional CRTV, or tube televisions, are also an option. The picture quality is terrific and on par with anything you can find on most flat-panel or rear-projection sets. The problems with these sets are obvious: CRTVs are heavy, bulky and typically not larger than 34 inches. However, if you're sitting fairly close to the TV and you can stand having something about two-feet deep and almost 200 pounds, the CRTV is a great picture with natural colors and is viewable from any angle. And they're also the cheapest version of HDTV.

After you've thought about all the types of HDTVs, it's time to think about what size screen you want. People often choose a screen based on the wall or cabinet space that's going to hold it.

That's a mistake. Think distance, not space.

A rule of thumb: if you're 11 feet from the TV, you want a 40-inch screen. For every two feet farther away, step up another two or four inches.

Thus, rear projection and plasma sets are only truly good options if you're sitting more than 12 feet away. Conversely, CRTs are only a good option at ten feet and closer. LCD televisions are available from anywhere from 15-52 inches, so they're a good option regardless.

Final Thought

Trust your eyes. If the salesman on the floor is telling you the higher priced television is a better picture but you can't see a difference, buy the cheaper one. Sales reps at big-box retailers are regularly instructed to push certain brands and sizes, regardless of customer needs.

And check the picture quality on both a high-def and a traditional source. You'll find some sets that have a remarkable HD picture are much less clear when showing a non-HD source.

Most important: get a TV that suits your needs, not your ego. The list below should get you started.

Happy hunting!

TOP HDTVs

LCD

1. Sony KDL 46XBR3 MSRP: $4,099.99
2. Samsung LN-S4692D MSRP: $3,599
3. Mitsubishi 46LT231 MSRP: $3,799

PLASMA

1. Pioneer Elite pro-1140HD MSRP: $4,500
2. Nakamichi Lumi50HD MSRP: $7,500
3. Panasonic TH-58PX600U MSRP: $4,999

REAR PROJECTION

1. Sony KDS-R70XBR2 MSRP: $5,999.99
2. Mitsubishi WD-65831 MSRP: $4,999
3. Hitachi 62VS69 MSRP: $2,999

CRT (Tube)

1. Samsung TX-S3082WH MSRP: $695
2. Sony KD-34XBR970 MSRP: $999
3. Toshiba 30HF66 MSRP: $699