Buying an HDTV can seem an intimidating task. There are so may different types on the market, with so many different features and specifications that just knowing where to start can cause headaches. However, it doesn't need to be painful. By following the five steps below, you can make buying an HDTV easy and even pleasurable until the credit card bill arrives, of course.

1. Check the resolution
If you've done any research into HDTV, you'll know that the HDTV specification covers two resolutions: 720 lines and 1080 lines. So any TV which claims to be HDTV ready must have a native resolution which has at least 720 lines (this is usually the second figure quoted. i.e. if the resolution is A x B, B is the number of lines.) However, a vertical resolution of more than 720 doesn't necessarily mean a TV is HDTV ready. The HDTV specification states that high definition TVs must support 16:9 widescreen signals (where the width of the picture is 16/9 its height). That means that in order to display a signal with 720 lines, a TV must have a horizontal resolution of at least 1280 pixels (720 divided by 9 and then multiplied by 16)A TV with a vertical resolution of 768 pixels, should have a horizontal resolution of 1366 pixels.

A television with a native resolution of 1024 x 768, therefore, is not technically HDTV Ready, despite what it may say on the box. An HDTV signal would have to be down-sized below the HDTV specification to be shown on-screen.

2. Check the connections
In order for a TV to comply with the HDTV specification, it must have either component (analog), DVI or HDMI (both digital) inputs. If it only has S-video, composite video, or VGA, its not HDTV ready.
The other thing you need to check is that the TV you're interested in has the correct connections to hook up to equipment you already have. For example, I have a progressive scan DVD player with component outputs that I want to connect to my TV, I also have a cable box with DVI output. So I need a TV with both component and DVI inputs. I could also go for one with component and HDMI and buy a DVI to HDMI adapter. Don't forget to include audio connectors in your check if you want to hook up your TV to a home theater receiver or amplifier.

3. Check the contrast ratio
Generally speaking, the higher the contrast ratio, the better. Blacks will be blacker, whites whiter and colors in between more clearly defined. Its not a crucial difference but may swing the decision one way or another if you have two or more TVs in mind.

4. Check the viewing angle
Most of us don't watch TV form directly in front of the box, we sit at an angle to it. LCD TVs in particular have a limited viewing angle. If you sit too far to one side, you'll notice that colors shift and the image becomes noticeably poorer. The best way to establish this is by going to a store and checking it for yourself.

5. Be realistic about size
One of the best things about HDTV is the fact that it looks amazing on big screen TVs. To see an HDTV signal displayed on a 42in TV is a wonder indeed. However, there's no point in spending thousands of dollars on a 42in TV if you have a small living room or if the TV is intended for a kitchen or home office. There are lots of great HDTVs around at smaller sizes, right down to 23in LCDs. A TV that's too bi for the room its kept in will dominate the room and look ugly, even if it itself is gorgeous. So be realistic when deciding how big your new TV should be.