Today's television sets come in a dizzying array of high-tech styles, and choosing the best 37 inch TV for your family can be a daunting task. Where do you start? Doing a little pre-shopping homework will help you find the best 37 inch TV to meet your needs and your budget.

Since you've already decided you want a 37 inch television, you've obviously covered the topic of size, but it still has some bearing on the type of TV you choose. Plasma televisions usually have the larger screens, ranging from 32-inch up to 63-inch screens. LCD televisions, on the other hand, tend to be a bit smaller. They also start around 32-inches, but the largest (with rare exceptions) are 53-inches. So, both are available in the size you've chosen. Now which one, LCD or Plasma, is the best 37-inch TV for you?

You want a television that will last; the best 37-inch TV should, therefore, be long-lived. Plasma televisions have long suffered from a well-known technical issue. While their initial performance is fantastic, over time, they begin to suffer from "pixel burn". This means that images actually begin to burn themselves into the screen. Newer models have managed to slow this process, but it still happens. So, it will factor negatively into the longevity of the set. LCDs, on the other hand, don't have this problem. The life span of an LCD is longer than a comparable plasma TV.

So, is the LCD the best 37-inch TV? Not so fast. Picture quality counts, too. Plasma televisions deliver a far superior picture, at least initially. LCD televisions are prone to blurry or fuzzy images. Most experts give the best quality picture to plasma. But, it won't last as long. And don't forget viewing angle. You want a screen that can be seen from just about every corner of the room. In this race, LCD has pulled ahead of Plasma and increased their viewing range to 175 degrees, about 15 degrees better than the average plasma screen.

Weight matters, too, especially if you're hanging the best 37-inch TV in the world on your wall. Well, LCDs definitely win this leg of the race. Their lower weight also translates to cheaper shipping and lower, overall costs. Since cost is probably a factor for you, this is a big plus for the LCD team.

Still, it sounds like the best 37-inch TV might be either. Both LCD and Plasma have clear advantages. In the end, it's a matter of what best suits your taste, your wallet and what works best in the space you've got.

Choosing the best 37-inch TV for you is, when it's all said and done, up to you. But, some general advice that may make it easier:

- Buy your set from a reputable dealer

- Ask about installation - especially handy for wall-mounted sets

- Choose a brand you trust, or have at least heard of

- Read the product reviews

- Stay within your budget

Shop smart and soon you'll be kicking back and watching the big game on the best 37 inch TV for you.