Top tips on picking the perfect size HDTV

Picking the wrong TV can make you squint to see the picture, or mean you end up with a telly that dominates the room.

Neither’s an ideal situation, but thankfully they’re easily avoided with these simple steps.

Step 1: Do the maths!
Working out the correct size of TV to buy is easy. Just measure your room, from the place where the screen will be to your usual seating position. Make your measurements in inches, and keep in mind that if you’re upgrading from an old style CRT TV to an LCD (or plasma), it won’t be as deep, so you’ll be able to position the screen further back.

Next divide that distance by three. The result is the approximate size of TV you should buy. For instance, if the distance between screen and seat is 80 inches, look at screens around 26 inches.

Check out LCD TV screens, which you can sort by size, here.

Step 2: Mount up!
You’ll be able to fit a larger screen into your lounge by mounting it on the wall, and maximising the distance between the TV and your seat. Check out TV Accessories for the latest wall mounts, but make sure you fix them to a sturdy wall!

Step 3: Special source.
Watching a large HD screen using non-HD video sources will be an uncomfortable experience. Instead, check out Blu-Ray players, and make the switch to hi-def discs. Alternatively, grab yourself a Freeview upscaler, or a DVD upscaler – neither will be as good as proper HD, but they should improve picture quality, and delivery top results from your new TV.

Must have accessories
Universal remote – Your new TV and video sources can be controlled by a single remote. Check them out here, and never fumble down the back of the sofa again!

Antenna – If you’re using a Freeview box, make sure you plug a quality aerial into it, otherwise you’ll get a poor signal and terrible picture. This is even more crucial if you’re using an upscaling Freeview receiver.

TV Stand – Not everyone can mount their flatscreen on a wall, but a quality TV stand will let you position your screen correctly, as well as organising all your video sources.

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