The Super Bowl is just weeks away and that means it's a great time to shop for a new big screen television.
The biggest television event of the year comes just as retailers need to unload their 2014 inventory to make room for the 2015 models. While you can find good deals, buying a television has become more complicated than ever. There are so many factors to consider, so the Ruth to the Rescue unit has come up with a TV Shopping Checklist.
"With the big game coming up, it's the perfect time to buy a TV right now," said George Nishanian of Washington Township after he purchased a new TV at Paul's TV & Appliances in Warren.
Before you go to the store, you need to have a game plan or you might fumble one of your biggest purchases of the year. You start by reading plenty of reviews.
"The best reviews you can get for a TV are going to come from your peers," said Brian Hoyt of RetailMeNot.com.
He says you can find plenty or reviews online, along with detailed consumer blogs. Shoppers told Ruth to the Rescue, they agree you need to do your research.
"It's not generally a purchase I think people do commonly. So, basically do your homework before you spend that kind of money," advised George Nishanian of Washington Township.
How Big Do You Go?
The big question, according to Hoyt, is how big can you go, without breaking the bank? He says RetailMeNot research showed that size is very important to consumers. We found shoppers that agree.
"It's never too big, as long as it's clear. That's what I like," said Luoy Seba of Clinton Township.
"I will say some guests purchase a television and usually it's too small. Usually they end up coming back and going larger," said Jeff Hendricks of Paul's TV & Appliances. Hendricks is an in home consultant who can come to your home (for free) to help you with some of the preparation for your big purchase.
Either way, you should do the following.
1) Measure your room. Consumer Reports even suggests looking up the sizes online and creating a cardboard version of your soon-to-be new big screen. Make sure you have a good idea of how that TV will fit in the room.
2) Also consider where the TV will sit. Will you mount on the wall? Will you have enough room in your entertainment center?
3) Consider where you will sit in the room to watch TV. How far away from the screen will you be?
"Size is always important to consumers, and then what's the right TV for you? Are you watching in a dark room? Are you a big sports fan? Are you a gamer?" Brian Hoyt of RetailMeNot.com listed some of the factors you should put into your TV shopping game plan.
What About Price?
When it comes to price, there's no doubt you can spend a lot of money on a big screen TV. Paul's TV & Appliances had some amazing models around the $4,500 mark. However, you can still get quality televisions for less.
"You're starting to see models that are under the 50-inch range have become incredibly affordable for the average American consumer," said Hoyt.
Also, don't be afraid to negotiate. Consumer Reports says you should "haggle your heart out". The consumer magazine says some retailers will match prices you find online, if you bring a printout. It's research found 69 percent of people who asked for a discount in the store received on, saving an average of $94.
"I think mostly the sales people are really trying to help you find a TV that fits your budget and your needs," said Hoyt.
Don't Forget the Sound
If you're a television fanatic, looking for the best entertainment experience, the expert from Paul's TV & Appliances says think about enhancing the sound. Big screens come with smaller speakers, often in the back of the unit.
"These TVs are meant to be wall-mounted. So, now you're putting a TV on the wall. That sound is going backwards into the wall. It's very very poor, unlike your old big box TVs that had giant speakers in the bottom," said Jeff Hendricks of Paul's TV & Appliances.
He says one solution can be a sound bar, starting around $199 dollars. It's a small piece that can be mounted or placed below the television. Or, you can go all out with a five speaker surround-sound system.
You should think about how important sound is to you, how far away you might sit from the TV, and if you can afford the extra equipment to boost the audio levels. Hendricks says sound is 50 percent of the experience, so it's smart to consider these features before you head to the store.
Flat Screen or Curved?
"Curved TVs, just like an Imax Theater are a much more immersive experience," said Hendricks. Some of the models at Paul's look just amazing. However, the immersive experience comes with a higher price tag. The curved TVs start at 48-inches with a price point starting at $1,500. Hendricks says that part of the market is booming.
"I would like one of those. Those are really nice," said Catalina Millan of Harrison Township. "I usually wait for prices to come down on technology."
And, you may want to wait awhile to see if the prices do come down. As our expert from RetailMeNot.com said, there are smaller TVs that still give a great viewing experience for around $600, less than half the cost of the curved.
Hendricks does predict one day the flat screens will be a thing of the past, and we'll all have the curved screens.
No matter what kind of big screen television you're thinking about: do your homework, consider how the TV will fit into your home, and be ready to ask plenty of questions to get the model and the price that works for you. Now, is a great time to shop.
"I always say that the period between Christmas and early March is the sweet spot for purchasing a television," said Brian Hoyt of RetailMeNot.com.
For further information:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm