The current popularity of Netflix, combined with the ridiculous prices charged by movie theaters has caused many people to consider purchasing a big screen TV. However, determining which one to buy might be a confusing process. A number of factors should be considered.

A TV is classified as 'big screen' if it measures a minimum of 32 inches diagonally. Although price and size are important factors, the emergence of DVDs and high definition signals has made picture quality a primary concern. Fortunately, there are a number of technologies that can deliver this.

One of these is called Direct-view CRT. This technology delivers some of the best picture quality in the big screen TV market. Some say that its high definition performance makes it as good as plasma TV. Direct-view CRT is also the least expensive technology. A flat panel LCD TV also provides high definition. The technology used is similar to that of a laptop computer screen.

Plasma big screen televisions are considered top-of-the-line in terms of picture quality. Plasma gives razor-sharp definition along with a significantly wide viewing angle. However, there is one problem that both flat panel LCDs and Plasma TVs share. They both have the potential to lose brightness over time.

Keep in mind that your seating distance from the screen will influence the picture's clarity. If you watch non-HD TV while sitting too close to a big screen, the flaws will be greatly magnified. Some experts say that optimal viewing distance for a big screen TV is approximately three times the diagonal screen size. Therefore, if you purchase a 60-inch diagonal screen, you need to be able to sit at least 15 feet away from the screen when watching programs that are not high definition.