I will offer a few bits of suggestions - when looking at something like this, look at the long term reviews of the maker/manufacturer. We have 3 - Den, Living Room and master bedroom. The 60" in the den was purchased in January 2011, just after living overseas for 25 years - and it was then - a top of the line by a reputable mfg. We still get comments on how sharp and vivid the screen is.
There are several criteria that one can take in purchasing:
1. Price high or low - in general, you get what you pay for; is it somewhat of an investment that will last, or something with bling to get my attention at the moment.
2. A. Smart TV or Dumb TV. In general, SMART is the way to go - unless one is technologically challenged. ASK about the remotes - I despise having 3 remotes - TV, Sound system, Cable company - to operate a single TV. I think there are single remotes that will combine ALL functions into one, but LOML will not allow it as she is afraid that she will have to unlearn what she already knows that works.
B. Smart TVs allow so much more, but one needs to listen carefully to the key features and then have someone go through the motions of explaining in layman's terms, or write down in a step by step list for that feature. On cheaper TVs, it is probable that the saleman just wants to make a sale and will not want to invest in an hour of explanations. But for the more expensive ones, a good salesman will probably invest time in you to make the sale. (This is as much a price factor as a quality of product factor.)
C. Important to me: ASK - Does this TV have a camera on it that can interact with owner? Seemingly innocuous, but personally, I hate cameras that "can" be used to spy on someone.
D. DON'T do what some do: Find a TV that you want with a store salesman that will invest time and then run to another store that sells it cheaper. the problem: The cheaper salesman is NOT going to help you after the sale 6 months later. Very irritating to buy a high tech machine of any kind at rock bottom prices and the saleman will not help you. With a high tech TV owned by a low tech owner, you want a lifeline.
3. A. Visit several stores and get an idea of what you think you want. Go home and research REVIEWS of your list of two or three. There are minor differences between model 123ABC at one store and model 123BCD at another store, go home and look up the differences. Research is the key here.
B. Also, beware of negative reviews. ALL TVs will have a negative review somewhere. And the converse is: All TVs will have glowing reports somewhere. Look for a trend in the negative reviews and positive reviews.
4. Make a list of "new words" to you and get someone to WRITE DOWN the meanings, or look up those terms in an internet search. Do you know what "streaming" is? If you are rabbit ears and antennae savvy, these terms may be familiar but the practical meaning might be nil. Don't just accept a one time meaning-explanation, learn the concept behind the meaning, or you will get lost with ALL of the options available on a remote! I cannot overstate this point. BEEN THERE, STILL DOING IT!
(Some remotes are very intuitive, some are not!)
This can be overwhelming, find a trusted friend or relative that knows the technology (and are not TV salemen) and let them evaluate what you think you want. Reward the one that will help you out with figuring it out.
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