The top five mistakes people commonly make when buying a new TV:
1. Choosing the wrong screen size: You want a large screen, but you have to make sure it will fit in the space you have. A good rule is that you should be sitting at least 3 or 4 times further from the screen than the screen size..
2. Forgetting the effect of windows: Most sets will be viewable with some light, but the darker the better. Never put your TV directly across from a window. The sunlight coming through will make it almost impossible to see the images on the screen.
3. Not reading the TV manual: We all like to think we know everything. It looks quite simple, but the owner’s manual is there to help you, so it is wise to use it. Before you take the components out of the box, read it. Get familiar with how everything goes together, how the TV functions and which connections should go where.
4. Creating a cable mess: This happens to everyone. Every time you add a new component to your home theatre, more and more cables are added as well. Eventually, you won’t be able to determine what is connected to what. This becomes a major issue when you want to replace a component or rearrange your set up. If a cable needs replacing, you will end up unplugging and testing each one before you find the one that needs to be replaced. Buy some cable tidies and mark which cable is which.
5. Not admitting the job is too complicated and you need professional help: Too many people will tackle a job that they are ill equipped to handle. Trained professional installers have done this many times. When you get to the point where it just is not working, call a professional. It will probably cost you £100 or more for the work, but your system will be installed properly.
Some advance planning will help.
