If it’s finally time to trade in your old TV for a newer, better model, you probably have a good idea about what you’re looking for. You can choose the size and special features, but there’s a lot more to TV sales than what many consumers think. Aka’s TV & Electronics in Kahului, HI, has been selling TVs and other electronics to Hawaii locals for years. Their sales team works hard to ensure every customer goes home with something they’re excited about. Here’s what they have to say about buying a new TV.

3 Buying Tips From TV Sales Professionals

1. Measure Your Space

There’s nothing worse than bringing home a brand new flat screen TV only to have it not fit in your living room. Guessing and making estimates won’t cut it here. Take the time to dig out the tape measure and take accurate measurements. When you’re out looking at sizes, give yourself one to two inches in wiggle room to allow for proper ventilation and to make installing the TV easier.

2. Consider the Viewing Area

It’s always tempting to get the biggest size possible, but big TVs require more than a lot of wall space. In order to get the best viewing experience, you need room to back up and see the entire screen. If your TV is too large for the room, it will be like sitting in the first row at an IMAX theater. You’ll have to crane your neck and turn your head to see what’s happening on opposite sides of the screen. The biggest 60-inch TVs usually require about eight feet of viewing distance.

3. Test the Picture Quality

Ask your TV sales representative to “test drive” your new TV before you make the purchase. The first thing to do is look at how dark the screen is when it’s off. The darker it is, the better contrast you’ll have when it’s turned on. TVs with screens that are slightly gray or green will produce low contrast pictures. When you turn the TV on, keep looking at the blacks. Check for uneven levels of black color across the screen or color imperfections around the corners.

A new TV is a big investment, and you want to get it right. Ask the TV sales team at Aka’s TV & Electronics to help you find the perfect new addition to your living room. Call them at (808) 879-5926 or visit their website for more information. You can also find the team on Twitter.