7 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A New TV

Finding the perfect new television for your home is exciting. However, it’s important not to get caught up in all the hype sellers try to push on you. This will help make sure you don’t fall in love with one at the store, but hate it once you get home.

TVs are expensive and they’re a big part of your family’s life. Here are six common mistakes to avoid make when buying your next new TV.

Mistake No. 1: Buying The Wrong Size

You may be tempted to think bigger is better when it comes to a new TV. Yes, having a 70-inch digital screen sounds amazing. However, think about where you will put the TV. If you have a small living room or family room, watching a giant screen can distort the picture and can make for an unpleasant viewing experience (hello, neck pain).

However, having a t00-small screen in a larger space can make it hard to see what’s going on. Who wants to squint when watching TV?

Here’s a helpful hint to figure out the right size for your new TV: Measure how far you’ll sit from the TV in inches and then divide by 1.5. For example, if you’ll be sitting 48 inches from the TV, you should consider a 32-inch screen television.

Mistake No. 2: Not Considering Sound

Most people think only about the size of a TV screen. However, it’s also important to consider sound as well. As screens get thinner, sound quality goes down (there’s less room for speakers!). If you’re looking for an incredible media experience, consider adding on a sound bar or speakers to your new TV.

Mistake No. 3: Too Many Bells And Whistles

Today’s TV’s can do almost anything. Some have 3D capability. Smart TVs can stream programming from Netflix, Amazon and other online providers. Some others have advanced motion display adjustments, video games and even more. These are all great options. However, it can get easy to get bogged down in all the bells and whistles. Think about what your family will truly use. Then, buy only what you need. There is no need to spend extra money for features you will rarely or never use.

Mistake No. 4: Not Thinking Ahead

Some shoppers look for the best price tag and biggest savings when making a new TV purchase. Yet, technology changes so fast these days, a TV with minimal options can become obsolete quickly. While you want to avoid too many gadgets (see mistake No. 3), you should get a TV that will last you at least a few years as technology changes. A deep discount might mean the TVs technology is already obsolete (or will be soon!).

Mistake No. 5: Buying An Extended Warranty

Buying a new TV costs a lot of money. Therefore, you may think you need to get an extended warranty to protect your purchase. Not so, says financial website Cheat Sheet. Today’s TV’s are built to last for many years and unless your TV is at high risk for damage (kids, etc.), then think about opting out of the warranty purchase.

Mistake No. 6: Bringing The Wrong Car

At last! You’ve found the perfect TV—big screen, fantastic sound and perfect features. Then, comes the trick of getting that 60-inch TV box into your car. It may sound funny, but there’s nothing amusing when you can’t squeeze your new tech baby into the trunk or back seat.

Best Buy offers these suggestions on what size car to bring to get that new TV home safely:

• Use a midsize car for up to 43 inches
• Use a full-size car for up to 46 inches
• Use a midsize SUV for up to 51 inches
• Use a full-size SUV for up to 60 inches

Also, keep the TV upright when transporting home; never lay it flat. The thin screens are extremely fragile and can break easily when not upright.

Mistake No. 7: Shopping Trendy Gimmicks

Sure, some trends are here to stay, such as improved screen resolution. But others are already falling by the wayside.

Don’t buy a TV with a curved screen (though they do look super cool). You should also steer clear of a 3D TV, Chris Heinonen, a staff writer for The Wirecutter, told the New York Times.

So, what are your worst TV buying mistakes?