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In practical terms, this means you measure the distance (in inches) from the couch to the TV, then divide by 2 point 5. A 150-inch space from couch to screen begs a 60-inch screen. Any larger, and you're liable to start seeing the actual pixels in the TV, just like looking at the bulbs in the Jumbotron at a stadium.

Display Tech: Plasma vs. LCD vs. LED

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There are a few display technologies still kicking around, but these days your choice is basically narrowed to plasma or LCD display technologies, including the new LED-backlit LCDs. In the past, LCDs were sometimes accused of creating motion blur, but that particular technical hurdle has well since been cleared.

On the plus side, LCDs tend to be a little cheaper and there are more models to choose from. If you need a smaller TV (under 40 inches or so), your only choice is LCD. On the downside, LCDs have a fairly narrow viewing angle. If you have a wide room, only the people seated dead-center are going to get a perfect experience. Anyone sitting more than 20-25 degrees on either side of that going to lose a lot of contrast and color. (Read more about LCD)

Plasmas, on the other hand, have a fantastic viewing angle. They are also able to deliver much deeper black levels, which can make for a more "cinematic" experience. On the downside, plasmas tend to cost more. (Read more about plasmas)

So-called "LED" TVs are simply a modified LCD display. Rather than using cathode bulbs for backlighting, they use LED arrays. There's even another subset of this: edge-lit and backlit LEDs. Edge-lit models allow for ridiculously thin television frames (as thin as a pencil), while backlit LEDs allow for something called local dimming, wherein certain portions of the LED array can be turned off so the black levels can nearly match the performance of a plasma.

Format: 720p vs. 1080p

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If you're buying a display larger than 32 inches, this is probably not even a question. The de facto standard is 1080p these days, which can play any type of high definition signal. If you're shopping for something smaller, you may have the option for 720p. This isn't necessarily worse. 720p is a lower resolution (1280 x 720, as opposed to 1920 x 1080 on 1080p models), but on a small television, you may not even be able to spot a difference. One thing you can be certain of is compatibility. Even 720p TVs can play higher resolution footage, including the prevailing 1080i streams for HD cable and satellite. The TV simply downconverts its to fit the screen for playback. (Read more about format)

Bargains

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Of course, a fundamental purchasing decision is price. Everyone wants to find a great bargain. You're correct (mostly) in assuming that more money gets you a bigger screen. However, there are definitely some bargain buys out there that will buy you a TV that's certainly good enough. Keep in mind that deals appearing too good to be true probably are. Do your research online and in stores, and know the return policies beforehand.

Now you're ready to enjoy the big game in style.

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