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How to buy a flat-panel HDTV

With technologies improving and prices falling, could it be time for an upgrade? Get ready, get set.

1 of 5

Step 1: Size

Bigger ≠ Better

With TVs, bigger isn't necessarily better: The right size depends on how far away from it you'll sit. To get a cinematic experience without graininess or eyestrain, shop in the ranges at right. Choose the low end of the range if you get standard-def TV and the high end if you subscribe to HD service.

By Peter Lewis and Alex Horowitz

NEXT: Step 2: Technology

Last updated January 23 2009: 5:54 AM ET

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