Where to buy a used TV

If you are considering upgrading one of your TV sets, then a good idea is to look for a second-hand unit. With the rapid pace of technology, yesterday's top of the line models can now be obtained for a fraction of their original value and will give you the piece of mind that you have made a economical and environmentally friendly purchase.This guide will show you what to look for when buying a TV in used condition.

What to look for

The most important part of TV viewing is the screen quality. LCD screen quality has improved dramatically in the past few years, so it is important to establish the manufacturing year of your prospective purchase and if possible audition the set. Ability to reproduce subtle differences in dark colours When trying out a used TV set, you should look for a screen that is able to reproduce subtle differences in dark colours. Due to the methods of
back-lighting in early flat screen TVs, blacks appeared as washed out greys and the contrast was poor. This has improved in recent years and should be at the top of your list of priorities. Range of connections Second to the quality of the screen is the range of connections on the back of the television. Modern households have a range of appliances such as games consoles, DVD players and laptops, so a good range of connections is necessary. Older models may not have HDMI ports, so make sure that you choose a set with these high definition connectors. The next consideration is the quality of sound system. Larger TVs generally have larger speakers and the laws of physics dictate that these speaker cones are able to reproduce lower frequencies and better bass. Remember that you can always connect your television to a hifi system to improve the quality of your sound.

Buying the set

The most common place to look is eBay and some excellent bargains can be found on this Internet auction site, however be sure to filter results by distance from your location. All TV sets are large heavy items and buying a set that is within driving distance, will save you a lot of money on postage and packing. Remember to check local trade magazines such as loot and the classified ads in the back of your local newspaper too. You will be able to get some great deals from people looking for a quick local sale. However, with these items, be sure that you are not purchasing stolen goods. Use common sense to guide you and if you are particularly concerned, try swiping the set with a UV light gun to find any hidden security details.