7. Picking a good picture
Some stores will try to fool you into thinking a TV is better than it is. But we're going to let you in on a couple of their secrets.
* Always check the contrast and brightness settings. Some stores will turn settings all the way up to make a TV look more dynamic and vibrant than it really is. If you watch your TV with the brightness at 100%, you won't be able to turn it up as the picture starts to fade with age. It's the same with contrast. You want to make a judgement with them set at around 50%.
* Be sure to watch what you'll be watching at home. Ask to see broadcast TV if that's what you watch and take a DVD you're very familiar with along. That will make it easier to judge and you'll quickly see through any visual trickery.
* Try all the picture enhancement modes to see how one screen truly compares to another.
All said and done, it can be hard to judge a picture under the harsh fluorescent lighting in most stores. But if a screen holds up to your scrutiny after a good, thorough testing, chances are it will when you get it home. Still, you can't be certain. That's why we recommend you talk your final decision through with an entertainment specialists – someone who's used to considering the 'big picture'.