The first time you look for a big screen TV you might be overwhelmed by the choices and the High Def jargon, such as plasma, LDC and DLP.

Each differs in price and some argue quality.

You’ll pay the most for plasma.

We priced a 50 inch at $3,299 or $800 more than the same sized LCD or DLP.

Many people prefer plasma because it has the thinnest screen.

Plasma uses tiny chambers filled with gas that produce colors on the screen.

There’s also the LCD or liquid crystal display.

The smaller sets can be hung on a wall, but bigger ones need a base.

LCD sets cost about the same as the DLP ones, which also comes only in tabletop models.

DLP technology uses a microchip the size of your thumb filled with millions of tiny mirrors.

So which one is the best?

It really comes down to which picture you prefer.

Prices are more reasonable than just a couple of years ago.

They range anywhere from about $500 to $10,000 depending on what and where you buy.

That doesn’t include the cost of getting your programming.

If you set doesn’t have an HD tuner, and most don’t, you’ll need to pay a cable or satellite company for service.

And just because you have an HD television doesn’t mean your DVD’s will be in high definition.

They’ll only look slightly better than you’re used to.