Within the last couple of years two major things have happened in the television market. One, due to the price wars that took place, consumers are offered much more reasonable, and affordable prices for televisions. The other is the race to get HD televisions, which turned out to be quite a confusing process for some.
It does not help that televisions now have umpteen features, some of which buyers no nothing about, nor do they recognize they will not make use of. In the store, it sounds great to hear that a particular tv model has top of the range features, but once home many will never ever use those perks.
Therefore, it is critical that those in the market for a new set identify a budget for the purchase. Once in the store, recall what it is you use the television for, and any changes to that you intend to make in the future. For example, if your show line up falls into standard definition programs, then you are less likely to be greatly concerned with the HD footage. Know what you want, and stick to it.