There are a few key factors to consider in choosing an HDTV — screen size, TV type, and resolution. For more information, you can also check out our video about choosing an HDTV, as well as the article links provided below.

Screen size

The size of your HDTV should depend on how far you plan to sit from it, and what kind of material you plan to watch on it. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend sitting at a distance that is 1.5-2.5 times your TV's screen size. If you're going to watch lots of high-quality video — like DVDs and high-def programming — you can sit in the closer end of that range to see all the detail your HDTV can provide. On the other hand, if you'll still be watching lots of lower-quality sources, like analog cable, we recommend sitting at the higher end of that range so that flaws in the image will be less obvious.

See our article on screen size and viewing distance for more information.

What kind of TV should I get?

As our TV broadcasting system completes the transition from analog to digital, so have our TV sets. In most electronics stores it's difficult to find old-fashioned CRT-based tube TVs. The shelves are filled with TVs based on some form of digital technology: flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs, and rear-projection models based on DLP, LCD or LCoS.

Each type of TV technology has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, plasma sets are known for producing rich, deep blacks and naturally smooth motion, but their screens tend to reflect light from lamps and windows. LCD TVs generally can't keep up with higher-end plasmas when it comes to video motion reproduction, but their bright, anti-reflective screens perform better in rooms with lots of ambient light. For more information, check out our articles on rear-projection vs. flat-panel TVs, plasma vs. LCD TVs, and big-screen TVs.

Not sure if you need a 1080p HDTV? Think about how large a screen you want and how far you'll be sitting from it. You'll probably only be able to see 1080p detail with bigger screens and shorter viewing distances. (Samsung UN55B7000 shown)

Do I need a 1080p HDTV?

More and more high-quality HDTVs offer 1080p screen resolution. A lot of people are surprised to learn that there aren't actually very many 1080p video sources out there yet. For example, if you watch high-def programming via over-the-air broadcasts, cable, or satellite, you'll be viewing a 720p or 1080i signal. You'll only get full 1080p from a Blu-ray player, or video game console like the Xbox 360™ or PS3.

So you might be wondering, "If 1080p content is scarce, why would I want a 1080p TV?" Well, besides delivering unsurpassed picture detail and progressive-scan smoothness, 1080p actually provides higher resolution than any broadcast HDTV format, so it can display signal without downconverting and sacrificing picture detail. When a 720p display receives a 1080i signal, it must downconvert it to 720p. The resulting picture still looks great, but there's a slight loss in detail.

If you want to ensure that you'll see every exquisite detail, a 1080p set is an excellent choice. But there are some other factors to think about.

• How large a screen do you want, and how far from your TV will you be sitting? Screen size and viewing distance are both important factors in deciding whether or not you need a 1080p television. Chances are you won't be able to see much difference between 1080p and non-1080p HDTVs unless their screens are relatively large (46" or bigger). Even then, if you sit at the farther end of our recommended viewing distance range, you might be just as happy with a 768p or 720p TV. But if you plan to get a larger screen and sit closer, you'll appreciate the extra detail 1080p sets can offer. (Of course, you'll also need to feed that set a high-quality video signal — even a 1080p model can't make a fuzzy, noisy picture look good.)
• Is 1080p something you're willing to pay extra for? If you want the sharpest picture around, and you don't mind spending another couple of hundred dollars or so to get it, then the answer is yes. Plus, you usually find 1080p resolution in upper-range models that also offer superior video processing, additional inputs, and more advanced features and conveniences. But you may decide you'd rather put that money toward a sound system to complement your new high-resolution picture, or a wall-mountable flat-panel TV instead of a less-pricey rear-projection model.

For a more detailed look at high-def TV and source resolution, read our article on HDTV resolution.