Brands and Sizes

• Dell offers flat screen TVs from the following manufacturers: Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Phillips and Vizio. Screen sizes include 50+ inch, 45 to 49 inch, 40 to 44 inch, 35 to 39 inch, 30 to 34 inch, 25 to 29 inch and less than 24 inches. The Dell website has information to help you choose the right size TV for your home theater.
  
  

Type and Resolution

• In addition to choosing a size and brand, you must also decide the type and resolution you'd like. The vast majority of the flat panel televisions offered by Dell are High Definition Televisions (HDTVs), which display six times the picture and sound information of standard TVs. "HDTVs offer incredibly sharp images along with CD quality audio and surround sound like you hear in movie theaters," says Dell. HDTVs are widescreens so you see more of the picture than with a standard television.
  When shopping for a flat screen television, you will see references to "resolution." A television's resolution refers to the number of pixels, or dots of light that compose the image, that the TV can display horizontally and vertically. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality will be. HDTVs have much higher resolution than standard televisions.
  Dell's website has suggestions to help you decide which HDTV is right for you based on how you use your TV the most. For example, movie buffs may benefit the most from a large-screen HDTV with the highest resolution and surround sound.
  
  

LCD vs. Plasma

• Dell's HDTVs come in LCD and plasma varieties. The two types of TV use different methods of displaying color, according to PC Mag. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) uses liquid crystals that flow like liquid and bend light. Plasma displays, or "gas charge displays" use gases and phosphors to display color; each pixel is made up of a red, green and blue phosphor.
  Each type of display has its pros and cons, according to Dell.
  LCD displays are available in large and small sizes. They can be used as computer monitors, have very little glare and can be used in brightly lit conditions. LCD displays run cooler and with less power than plasma, however, hard knocks can break crystals and lead to dark spots. LCD displays may blur fast-moving images and may have to be recalibrated as aging shifts color display.
  Plasma displays have richer pictures and dark scenes look better than on LCD. The faster pixel response means that fast-moving images are more clear. Their pictures look best in dark rooms and they are only available in sizes larger than 37 inches. Plasma displays are much heavier than LCD TVs and require professional installation. They use more energy and static images may burn into the screen.
  
  

OLED

• Dell also sells the Sony OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) television, which features a 3mm thin panel, as thin as three credit cards. Its unmatched one-million-to-one contrast ratio produces deep blacks and dark scene detail. Dell says OLED boasts superior image contrast, brightness and color. Organic LED TVs are much more expensive than other types of displays: as of March 2009, Dell sells an 11-inch OLED TV for $2499.99.
  
  

Prices

• Dell sells flat panel TVs in a wide range of prices depending upon screen size, resolution and added features. In March 2009, Dell's TV prices range from $500 to $3,000. For example, at under $1,000, you can get a Sony LCD HDTV with a smaller screen size under 40 inches. For under $2,000, Dell offers a 52-inch LCD HDTV by Sony. Dell.com periodically runs sales; you may wish to check over a period of time to find the best deals.
  
  

Surround Sound

• Dell sells two different surround sound systems to accompany the televisions. If you have a smaller budget, you may choose Home Theater in a Box, a package that includes front, rear and center speakers with a subwoofer and DVD player. Dell's Component Surround Sound allows you to purchase each component separately to create a high-end home theater experience. Dell has home theater experts who can help you build the home theater you want.
  
  

Accessories

• Many people choose to mount their flat screen televisions on a wall. Dell offers a variety of wall mounts as well as floor stands which can hold other components such as DVD players and video game systems. Other accessories available on the Dell website include surge protectors, universal remotes, computer adaptors and audio/video cables. You may peruse Dell's selection of Blu-Ray players, DVD players, DVRs and stereos to complement your flat screen TV purchase.