Just because an ad in the newspaper is offering a great deal on TVs, doesn't mean that by purchasing the advertised model you are getting the most for your money. There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a television. It's a big investment and you want to make sure you get the TV that best meets your needs. The first thing to do is to measure the space the TV will be placed in. Many televisions are returned because they don't fit in the entertainment center, or on the TV stand. When measuring, leave at least 1 to 2 inches leeway on all sides. This will allow for easier installation and adequate ventilation. You also need to make sure you will have room for any other connections, whether it is a cable connection or an audio/video connection. You need to have enough room that the cable connections can be easily installed or un-installed. Bring a measuring tape to the store with you just to be safe.
Another thing to consider is the size of the room and the type of viewing area. A projection TV is probably not the best option for your eat-in kitchen. You need to have a proper distance between yourself and the TV to have the best viewing experience. Go online and find a Viewing Distance Calculator to find out what size of television is optimum for your room size.
Few people think about this, but you should also make sure that the remote control is easy to use. There is nothing worse than bringing home your brand-new television and then being clueless as to how to work it. If you are going to need to control several different devices with the remote, make sure it is a universal remote and that it is compatible with the other devices in your home.