Having created a shortlist of televisions that meet your requirements, the final step is to visit retailers to make the final purchase. Even if you are planning to buy online, ideally you will visit a show room to review your shortlist in person. Here are our top tips for finally making a purchase.
1. Model Number
Ensure you check the actual model number of the unit on display. Television manufacturers regularly upgrade models with better features and it is always worthwhile checking that the model you are looking at is the exact model number you have reviewed online. You may be offered a ‘run out deal’ on a previous model of the same size and same manufacturer!
This is where Comparison enables an "apples for apples" comparison, allowing you to compare features side by side. For example review the multiple 42" Panasonic Plasma TVs or the plethora of 42" LG Plasma and LCD TVs.
2. Style and Design
Check out the design of the television and the remote control. Televisions now come styled in black, white, colours, silver and glass. Is the remote controller compact yet easy to understand?
3. Mounting options
Can the television be wall mounted or floor mounted? Does the mount allow for vertical tilt or side-to-side tilt? Top quality mounts for larger units can cost hundreds of dollars so remember to include these in the final price negotiation.
4. Ease of Use
Use the remote control to assess the menu interface and the ease of use of the remote. You can review manuals online for most televisions however a good retailer will let you play with a demonstration model.
5. Picture Quality
This is the difficult one! The quality of the picture you see can be impacted by room brightness and what is being displayed on the television. Ideally a plasma television should be assessed in a “home theatre” demonstration room away from the harsh lighting of the shop floor. Alternatively compare multiple televisions displaying a DVD and a high definition tv channel. If you are keen, take your own DVD along that allows you to look at a bit of sport (fast moving images on a green background) and a romantic scene (something with close-ups for skin tones).
6. Installation
Plasma televisions are large and fragile so retailers often offer installation included in the purchase. Consider the delivery and installation options available to you. Check the cost of installation and related hardware such as connectors and fixtures.
7. Warranty
Exactly what is the manufacturer's policy on dead pixels? Does the warranty cover the cost of transporting a television back to the manufacturer? Retailers usually offer extended warranty terms and this can often be negotiated as part of the final deal.
8. Price
Finally, most retailers will happily negotiate terms (installation, warranty, credit, delivery) and price. Get great deals by buying stock off the floor, paying cash, negotiating terms, buying in volume and shopping around. Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is usually a guide, rarely paid unless you are bidding for one of the latest units to arrive in the country.
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> Compare over 150 Plasma and LCD TV models
Three simple steps to find the TV model you want:
1. Narrow your search by brand, price range or feature.
2. Select a shortlist of televisions to compare, side by side.
3. Find reputable stores near you.
> Check out our Digital Television Buyers Guide
A comprehensive buyers guide for Plasma and LCD TVs - there's lots to consider when choosing the dream television to live at heart of your lounge room.
> LCD, Plasma and Digital Terms explained
HDTV, HDCP, HDMI, Plasma, LCD??? Check out our jargon busting glossary for digital television.
> Find more Plasma & LCD TV articles on Plasma versus LCD Digital Televisions, HDTV and Energy Ratings
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