Finding the best HDTV is not an easy task. After all, there are many HDTVs to choose from, and more still set to be released every few months for the next several years. Still, there are several important factors you can consider to help you narrow down your choices.

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.

Connectivity Options - What do you plan to connect to your HDTV? This is a question you’ll need to answer as you shop for an HDTV. If you want to connect your computer, a Blu-Ray player or an HDTV tuner, you’ll need an HDTV with an HDMI port or DVI-D port.

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 - Where will you put your HDTV? Answer this question and you should be able to decide on the screen size. Small HDTVs are ideal for bedrooms, while the larger ones are best reserved for living rooms and home theatres. Still, no one’s stopping you if you can afford a 50-inch TV to place in your bedroom.

Brand - Do you have a preferred brand or one that you trust? What is the brand of your other appliances? Answering these questions should help you in narrowing down your choices, too, although brand is not as important as other factors in determining the best HDTV.

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 Plasma TV Reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To check out the latest Philips HDTV reviews or learn more about Plasma TVs visit HDTVreviewlab.com