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Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering buying a rear-projection TV.
Although flat panel TV's are becoming extremely popular, rear-projection TV's are still a great way to get the most out of your money and still get a High Definition big screen TV. Here are some good things to keep in mind when purchasing a DLP rear-projection TV.
Step 1:

The first step is to choose a size. Many people have grown accustomed to watching a 26-36" screen. So even a 42" rear-projection TV, which is considered small by TV standards, is a considerable upgrade. The most common sizes will be 42", 50", 55", 61", and 70" with all measurements being taken from the upper left corner to the lower right corner.

The first mistake many customers make when buying a new TV is the urge to buy the biggest screen they can afford. The problem is that the closer you sit to the TV, the fuzzier the picture will be (even with HD). A good rule of thumb is to add 10" to the screen size for every 2 feet you are watching from. For example, if your couch is 10 feet away, you want a 50" screen. If you are only 6-8 feet away, you may want to consider a 42". The effect will be the same in both situations, but you are assured to get a very clear picture.

Step 2:

After picking a size, I recommend picking a brand. The reason for this is that there are quite a few companies making DLP rear-projection TV's and some have been around for a lot longer and made more generations of them. Not to mention, even within the same brand, you will have a few grades to select from. I always recommend going with a brand that you have heard of before. Odds are, you won't pay that much more, but you're buying a product from a company that you can trust.

Step 3:

At this point, you want to figure out where you are buying it. Many people think the best way to go is to buy it over the internet because of the savings. I think this is a good idea, but I always tell people to go to a retail store that carries them in stock. This is so you can actually see what the TV looks like. Also, if you have specific questions, there will be somebody there to answer them who knows what they are talking about. If you don't intend to buy it from the store, the polite thing to do is head to a store where the sales people don't work on commission. That way, you aren't wasting their time and they won't be as likely to pressure you to buy it.

Step 4:

The last step is to narrow down what you want out of your TV. If you watch a lot of action movies, sports, video games, and other things with a lot of motion, you are going to want a TV with a faster processor (labeled in ms as "refresh rate") The faster the refresh rate, the quicker the information is processed and the sharper your TV will look.

Also, you may want to compare how long the bulbs will last. They will usually last 2-4 years. Bulbs cost about $400 to replace, so keep that in mind if you are comparing different models. Many stores offer extended warranties that cover a bulb replacement for about the same price.

Remember that there are different brands to chose from - and in those brands, many different models of DLP rear-projection TV. Choose the TV you like the most and don't feel pressured to get the biggest one they make. The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing an HDTV is that there are many other things to buy with it (cables, BluRay player, surround sound, etc.) so have a budget in mind and don't spend it all on the TV.

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