For those who want to get the most out of the time that they spend relaxing and enjoying all that the modern world of entertainment has to offer there is a new toy on the media playground that provides a TV viewing experience like no other. Of course buying an HDTV is a bit more complicated than when you bought your traditional set. There is a lot more technology knowledge involved in the purchase of an HDTV. So here are some tips on some of the newest features and things to look for that can serve as a "How to Buy a HDTV" guide.

First you need to decide what kind of HDTV that you are interested in getting. The lower end TV or Plasma. These offer you a very good picture that is bright and sharp at a slightly lower price. The other style is LED TV's. These TVs provide a crystal clear, ultra sharp, super bright picture; they also have a premium price.

As for features, there are a great many to choose from. In the old days you were presented with an array of features that included the color of the case, the size of the screen (there were about 6 popular sizes and that was all) and the type of connection that the TV had on the back. These days with TV being more standardized in the connections, styles and sizes (somewhat) the main choices between models includes the type of "light engine" they utilize to be sure, but more importantly the software that the TV has on board.

There are also HDTV sets that are connected so that you can browse the web and even video chat using VOIP services. These services use the built in webcam and microphone in the TV set. You can also read email as well as send video emails (also called "facemail"). There are some sets which offer additional services available only to owners of those models of TV.

Many HDTV units have built in DVR capabilities and can also connect via the web to the popular media outlet sites to instantly watch streaming movies, TV shows, classic reruns, special event such as concerts and more. In fact one very popular TV model hosts regular broadcasts of concerts, interview and specials that are only viewable by owners of that companies TVs, thanks to streaming media access.

While software is important there are a few major hardware differences that one must be aware of. Among them are the "yellow capable" and 3D systems. These are two of the most important advancements in the field of television technology ever. The first has to do with the fact that previously no TV has ever been able to produce real yellow light (yellow is not only a primary color but is also a foundation color of light that is needed to produce anything that is to appear to be realistic). TV have always made yellow by creating green light without blue. This produces a yellow picture but is not realistic since it is not "true yellow" newer LED TVs can actually make yellow which opens up millions more available colors that are realistic when produced on screen.

The second major advancement in TV technology that is important to HDTV is the advent of modern 3D. These new 3D HDTV sets do not rely on the traditional spectrum separation glasses (goofy looking red/blue cardboard glasses) of the past but rather advanced viewing glasses which are attractive, comfortable and interact actively with the screen of the TV instead of passively.

Before you go out to buy your new HDTV make sure that you take some time to get a few more "how to buy a HDTV" tips and research what the best TV is for your needs. The features and technology of today's HDTVs are amazing, but so is the price so choose wisely, and happy viewing!