High-tech TV: What's it all about?
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Other considerations
Before making a final purchase, consider these factors:

• How big a set do I really need? Bigger is not necessarily better, since sitting too close to a large screen can actually degrade the picture. The rule of thumb is this: Multiply the size of the screen's diagonal measurement -- which is how TV sizes are stated -- by 2.5, and that's the optimal viewing distance. So a 42-inch set would call for you to be sitting about 105 inches -- or 8 to 9 feet -- away (42 x 2.5 = 105/12 = 8.75 feet)
• Will it fit with my current furniture? Unlike some older sets, these new TVs don't come in freestanding cabinets. And since they are wider than the set you have now, whatever cabinet now holds your TV may not work with a new set. So factor in additional money for a TV stand or cabinet.
• What will it cost to hang on my wall? If your goal is to put one of those sleek flat-panel sets on your wall, you'll likely need to budget money for professional installation. You'll need an electrical outlet behind where the TV will hang, as well as running wires behind the wall for cable, satellite or antenna reception. Furthermore, you may need to strengthen the studs in the wall to hold the weight of the TV. Overall, it could cost from $400 to $1,000 to install a large flat-panel set on a wall.
• Where will I get my high-definition signals? Right now, the only sure-fire way to get an HD picture is to have an outside antenna to capture your local broadcast channels. If you're connected to a cable system or satellite provider, check with the company to see what high-definition programming they provide and what extra monthly cost or upgraded equipment might be involved. There is no current law that requires cable or satellite companies to make broadcast high-definition programs available.
• Should I wait another year? As with most electronics technology, high-definition TV prices will keep falling. Right now, they are falling at a rate of 25 percent or more a year. And there's little doubt that next year's models will have additional features. Yet, considering inflation, a 42-inch plasma TV today costs about what our parents paid for their first 25-inch color set 40 years ago.
• Will I get a true theater experience from my new set? Getting a high-definition set will greatly enhance the viewing experience: When watching your favorite football team you'll be able to see every expression. But for true home theater, you'll need to also invest in a surround-sound speaker system. Prices start at $400 for the most rudimentary systems, but expect to spend $1,500 and up for something truly fulfilling.

Terry Jackson is a freelance writer based in Florida and is the consumer electronics columnist for the Miami Herald.