So you've decided to upgrade your TV. But where to begin? With new technologies popping up all over the place, picking out a new TV is no longer as simple as choosing a size and a brand. There's style, size, price and—yikes—a whole new digital world to consider. Fortunately, we're here to walk you through the basics. And while we can't tell you exactly which TV to get, we can help you figure out what kind will best suit your needs. Check it out.
Step 1: pick a screen size
First, determine what size TV you're looking for. Not only is it the most practical aspect of shopping for a new TV, but it will also narrow down some of the other choices, making the selection process less complicated than it could be. So what size do you need? Keep in mind that the best size for the room and the size you really want may not be the same. Watching the game on a 60" screen isn't nearly as great as it sounds if you have to sit a mere six feet away.
Before we get into the different styles of TVs out there, it's important to address signal quality. Once upon a time, all TVs were analog. However, digital TVs are rapidly taking over the marketplace for one reason: vastly improved picture quality. Put simply, digital TVs are capable of receiving enhanced and high-definition images that put analog broadcasts to shame.
So what exactly does this mean? Well, there are three phrases you'll hear thrown around when shopping for a new TV:
• HDTV/HDTV monitor: Forget the wave of the future—HDTV is here now. With the number of HD channels increasing by the day, there's high demand for high def, which easily trumps the other two options (see below) in terms of picture quality. It's important to keep in mind that if a TV doesn't have a built-in HD tuner, you'll have to purchase one separately (or get one from your cable or satellite provider) to receive HD broadcasts. Want to learn more? Check out our HDTV and HDTV FAQ articles.
• EDTV: Also known as enhanced definition or progressive-scan format, ED delivers a crisp, smooth digital picture that's a step up from analog. No HD receiver necessary here, just a digital source such as digital cable or a progressive-scan DVD player. Ideal for those who enjoy DVD movies more than regular TV or cable.
• Analog: Ah, old reliable. An analog TV may not offer jaw-dropping digital images, but the price is right for those who don't spend much time in front of the TV.
Step 3: select a style
Once you've nailed down the type of picture you're looking for, style is the next step. Are you looking for a sleek flat panel that looks even sharper than the picture it delivers? A big-screen behemoth that will have the entire neighborhood pleading for an invite to watch the big game? Or maybe just a standard tube TV? Any of these could be the perfect choice, depending on what you want. Here's a quick look at each:
Flat-Panel TVs: form and function
If you're looking for a TV that rivals its picture in appearance, then a flat-panel TV may be just what you're looking for. The Ferraris of the home theater world, LCD and plasma displays deliver terrific digital images from a sleek package that's tough to ignore. If you're looking at smaller screen sizes (generally up to 36"), most models are LCDs. Anything larger will likely be a plasma display. Many flat panels offer a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio that delivers movies and even TV programs in a theater-style format. All models are equipped to handle ED and/or HD programming.
Projection TVs: style and substance
If flat panels are TV's answer to the Ferrari, then projection TVs are the Humvees. And while the cabinet won't escape your eye, neither will the picture. Ranging from 40" all the way up to 70", projection TVs are the ideal way to watch movies and sports. Like tube TVs, they've undergone some drastic improvements. Say goodbye to the hulking black cabinet of old that could easily take over a room. Thanks to LCD rear-projection and DLP™ technology, enhanced cabinet designs (some only 16" deep) are now available to complement an equally sharp picture. You'll also be treated to widescreen format and ED/HD capability.
Tube TVs: tradition and affordability
In all likelihood, an old-school tube TV is sitting somewhere in your home right now—and for good reason. Not only is the CRT the "original" TV, but it's also the most cost-effective and, to this point, most reliable. While tube TVs can't hang on the wall or deliver near life-size images, they get the job done, and well.
The latest tube TVs also benefit from some of the same technologies that make projection and flat-panel TVs so desirable. For instance, you're no longer limited to analog signals—digital tube TVs that receive ED or HD signals are now commonplace. Features like widescreen aspect ratios and flat screens (which not only look cool but also increase the viewing angle) also make tube TVs a lot more versatile than they once were.
Of course, a TV is no longer a stand-alone object. The days of plugging in an antenna and sitting back to enjoy the major networks are long gone. So what do you need to get the most out of whichever TV you choose? Here are some key suggestions:
Stands
With the rapid expansion of home theater systems, plus the improved styling of new TVs, it's important to consider what type of TV stand you want. Many manufacturers now offer stands that are designed to match—in color and style—a specific model.
Cables
As TV shifts into the digital realm, video cables take on even more importance. Specific cables are designed to get the most out of certain signals—for example, without component video, DVI or HDMI cables, it's impossible to get an HD picture, no matter what type of TV and source you have. Check out our article on video cables and connections for the lowdown on the best connections.
DIRECTV
If you've decided that digital TV is the way to go, take a look at what DIRECTV has to offer. In addition to hundreds of digital-quality channels, you can also pick and choose from a wide array of sports and movie packages (including the exclusive NFL® Sunday Ticket™). It's the ultimate way to get the most from your new TV.
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Click & Learn: TV & Home Entertainment
So you've decided to upgrade your TV. But where to begin? With new technologies popping up all over the place, picking out a new TV is no longer as simple as choosing a size and a brand. There's style, size, price and—yikes—a whole new digital world to consider. Fortunately, we're here to walk you through the basics. And while we can't tell you exactly which TV to get, we can help you figure out what kind will best suit your needs. Check it out. 
First, determine what size TV you're looking for. Not only is it the most practical aspect of shopping for a new TV, but it will also narrow down some of the other choices, making the selection process less complicated than it could be. So what size do you need? Keep in mind that the best size for the room and the size you really want may not be the same. Watching the game on a 60" screen isn't nearly as great as it sounds if you have to sit a mere six feet away. 
Once you've nailed down the type of picture you're looking for, style is the next step. Are you looking for a sleek flat panel that looks even sharper than the picture it delivers? A big-screen behemoth that will have the entire neighborhood pleading for an invite to watch the big game? Or maybe just a standard tube TV? Any of these could be the perfect choice, depending on what you want. Here's a quick look at each: 
Of course, a TV is no longer a stand-alone object. The days of plugging in an antenna and sitting back to enjoy the major networks are long gone. So what do you need to get the most out of whichever TV you choose? Here are some key suggestions: 
