Tips for purchasing the best TV for your home this holiday season

Expert sounds off on audio, plasma vs. LCD and how to choose the right size set

BARRINGTON, NH, December 10, 2007 - If you're planning to surprise that special someone with the television of their dreams this holiday season, a local audio and visual expert says there are a few things to consider before heading to the store.

Dave Meneely, co-founder of PRO-AV LLC in Barrington, said purchasing electronics can be daunting for someone who doesn't know their way around all those cords and cables, but some simple tips and, in some cases, the help of a professional can ease those shopping woes.

"There are so many options for displays, projectors, mounts, wall units, remotes, cables and audio systems that it can be a big undertaking," he said. "If you're feeling overwhelmed and have a lot of questions, it's not a bad idea to contact a professional and have them visit your home to assess the situation. However, if you feel like you can tackle it on your own, there are a few tips that will help you navigate through this experience."

• How do you choose between a LCD and plasma TV? Meneely said that if you're looking for a screen under 42 inches, a LCD, or liquid crystal display, is the way to go. LCDs, he said, tend to have a longer life span, consume less power and will not develop burn-in, which often results from video games or static images being left on the screen for too long. While the makers of plasma screens are attempting to nix this problem with good results, Meneely said a LCD is the safest bet. On the other hand, while LCDs are now closer in price to their competitors, plasma screens are often cheaper and are certainly the most affordable way to go when looking for a screen over 42 inches.
• What size television should I purchase? This question comes down to personal preference, said Meneely, but if you are worried it won't be a good fit for the room, take a piece of cardboard and cut out the screen size you're thinking of purchasing. Measure from corner to corner and use some painters tape to stick it to the wall. This can give you a good view of the screen size and help you choose the placement.
• How do I pick the right surround sound system for my house? Surround sound should be catered to your space and the rear surround speakers should be right behind your seating, if possible. For side surrounds, you may need bipoles, said Meneely. Therefore, you need to consider if the wires are long enough to reach that area, if they can be hidden, or if you need ceiling speakers or in-walls to accommodate your space. He says that rather than just focusing on what brand to buy, it's also best to ponder what style of speaker to buy and how it will fit into your home.
• Make your life easier, buy a RF, or radio frequency, universal remote. The A/V expert said RF remotes, as opposed to IR, or inferred remotes, do not need to be pointed directly at the equipment, whereas IRs can be blocked by a person, chair or the closed doors of a credenza that are in the way.

"A little bit of research and a solid understanding of what you want and need will shorten your trip to the store and reduce your chance of making a mistake," said Meneely. "On the other hand, if you have a large project on your plate, an integration company can help you with every aspect of the room, including the furniture, electrical requirements, installation and more. It can be more cost-effective than purchasing the wrong equipment and drilling erroneous holes in the wall."

PRO-AV LLC is located in CA's Office Park off of Route 125 in Barrington. For information, visit www.proavllc.com or call (603) 509-2844.