Picture quality – It is normal to see people staring at HDTV screens in an appliance store. While some are merely watching the show, others are scrutinizing the richness of the colors and the sharpness of the details, which is what you should do so you can judge the picture quality. You can even bring your own Blu-Ray disc, which currently has the best video, or try the different picture modes.

Key features – The best HDTV does not necessarily have the most features. It has good ones, though, so make sure you get a list of all the features of the HDTVs you’re choosing from. In particular, consider the resolution and the noise reduction capability, which contribute to picture quality.

Ports/Connectivity Options – Don’t just take a look at the screen. Make sure you take a look at the back or the sides of the HDTV, as well, so you can see how many ports it has, and which types. You’ll want an HDTV with at least one HDMI port, as well as a DVI-D port and component-video ports.

Type – HDTVs come in different types, although the most popular are Plasma and LCD. Plasma HDTVs have a wider viewing angle and a faster refresh rate while LCD HDTVs have a longer screen life and lesser power consumption. You can opt for Rear Projection HDTVs as well, though keep in mind that these can be noisy because of their cooling fans and can be very expensive, too.

Size – Size matters, too. After all, the bigger your screen size is, the better your viewing experience is likely to be. Indeed, it is easier to be absorbed by what you are watching on a 60-inch HDTV than on a 30-inch one.

Brand – It is up to you to consider the brand or not when looking for the best HDTV. If you are brand-conscious or have a brand you already trust, feel free to choose your HDTV from the same. This will greatly help in narrowing down your choices since you already have a precise corner of the appliance store to go to. If you’re not, though, you can always make brand the least of your concerns and put all the other factors first.

Cost – Last but not the least, consider how much funds you have and how much you are willing to spend. While the most expensive HDTV is not necessarily the best HDTV, a great one will usually cost from $500 to $2000. Don’t worry, if you’ve chosen well based on all the other factors, then your choice should be well worth it for a long time to come.

Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes HDTV reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To check out the latest Philips HDTV reviews or learn more about HD Televisions visit HDTVreviewlab.com