More people are buying televisions 25" and over, moving away from 13" to 20" sizes. Some suppliers -- Sony, for example -- have stopped producing televisions smaller than 27".

Important points to consider: Before buying, says James-Williams, consider viewing area/size of the room the television will be in, planned usage (e.g. for bedroom, TV room, etc).

PROJECTION TELEVISION

For individuals who want to create a real theatre-like experience, projection televisions is the way to go. Projection televisions are usually large (over 43") and are usually more expensive.

TV TYPE/SCREEN TYPE

Trends also indicate a move from standard (or Direct View televisions, which use cathode ray tubes to project picture images directly onto a screen) tube televisions to flat tube (flat screen) televisions, wherein the screen is significantly flattened, reducing picture distortion and glare, as well as providing a better quality picture. Flat screen televisions also help create a "theatre-like" experience and provide a wider viewing angle than direct view televisions.

HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION

High definition television (HDTV) has greater resolution, allowing pictures to be sent with finer detail. There are more lines in HDTV than in regular televisions (almost three times as many) and the picture is wider, which gives viewers a feeling of being at the movies. HDTV also supports widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and surround sound.

AUDIO CAPABILITY (SOUND QUALITY)

More manufacturers are producing stereotype televisions, moving away from mono televisions, which really provided one-dimensional sound. Stereo televisions are made of two channels that split the audio between them for a more realistic sound. Surround sound and simulated surround sound are also features to look for, as these help to create a three-dimensional sound, using speakers on the television.

V-CHIP TECHNOLOGY

Taking into consideration the concern of parents, manufacturers are taking steps to introduce parental control devices. One such device is the v-chip, which is a special code in transmission that will identify shows with scenes of violence or sex, thereby allowing parents to block transmission to these shows.

PLASMA TELEVISION

Plasma televisions are the newest innovation in television technology. Usually 3" to 4" in depth, these televisions provide a superior viewing experience. Plasma televisions do not use beams to project images, rather they use plasma-filled cells that contain two electrodes that cause the plasma cell to give off light. As such, images have much better focus, greater resolution capabilities and the highest degree of picture clarity.

Plasma televisions are able to display a variety of signals (e.g. HD, SVGA and digital). These televisions are also in a widescreen format (16:9) which enables them to work with DVDs. Also, because of their flatness, plasma televisions can be placed almost anywhere, even hung on walls.

PICTURE IN PICTURE (PIP)

With picture-in-picture, viewers are able to view two images at once on your TV screen by placing one image in a small box within the larger picture. In other words, you can see what's happening on two channels at the same time.

OTHER TRENDS

More customers are using their televisions in conjunction with home theatres (or speakers) to create that real home theatre feeling. This is also being done in conjunction with DVD players that provide top quality picture and sound.

PRICES

Prices range from less than $10,000 for a regular 20" set to almost $100,000 for a high-end projection TV.

27" flat from $24,999

27" PIP from $32,999

32" from $42,999

35" PIP from $74,999

Projection from $99,999

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