For the most part, when you buy an HDTV Projection TV, it should last for a good number of years.  At the same time, the technology used to create them is changing rapidly.  As a result, even though your TV may be fully functional 5 years from now, you may not be able to obtain programming for it.  In addition, you may find that you want to take advantage of newer and better audio and visual upgrades.  Unfortunately, balancing the purchase of the latest technology with budget concerns can be difficult. In some cases, you can gain a maximum value by studying the various types of screens.  To begin, you will need to decide on the size that you want.  As you may be aware, size is measured diagonally.  If you are interested in purchasing a 61 inch TV, that is the diagonal measurement, not the horizontal or vertical one. Next, you will need to consider the resolution.  Similar to your computer monitor, the higher the resolution, the clearer the pictures will be.  In some cases, you might want to choose a smaller screen in order to gain a unit that has a higher resolution.  That said, preferences in this area tend to be a matter of personal choice. You may also want to consider purchasing a monitor with ILA technology.  Unlike a CRT screen, these monitors do not create images by building a series of lines up on the screen.  ILA screens also do not use pixels in the way that an LCD monitor does.  Typically, a TV with ILA technology will present an image that looks similar to a film projected in a movie theater.  As may be expected, this type of screen is a bit more expensive than other types.  At the same time, you will have very crisp, and very clear pictures. In some cases, if you are on a tight budget, you may want to start out by purchasing a tuner.  You can attach the tuner to your PC's monitor, and enjoy all the benefits of using your computer screen with HDTV input.  While this may be a less expensive way to enjoy a flat screen tv, at some point  you will want the luxury of a larger screen. If you are unsure about the type of screen to buy, you may want to do some magazine research.  Today, there are dozens of online articles and review guides to help you.  Considering the cost of an HDTV projection TV, you will want to obtain as much info as possible before you buy. Even though there is a general decline in the sales of electronic equipment, you may still be in a position to buy a projection TV.   That said, you will still want to make sure that TV you buy will be durable and provide all the quality that you expect.  Chances are, if you do some research, you will be able to locate a suitable model that will fit your budget.