What in the HD World?

Whether you are a diehard Niners or Ravens fan or simply desire to behold Beyonce in high definition splendor, the Super Bowl can deliver the extra motivation to buy that new HDTV that you have been coveting.

Now, I'm fully aware that times are still challenging financially for many folks and purchasing a new TV is not on the top of their list. But if you are in the market, I'm happy to say that this is a particularly good time to tackle a bargain.

Times have been tough for TV makers and the competition has been cutthroat. Add to that, this is the end of the product cycle for many of the 2012 TVs and prices are being slashed to make room for the 2013 models.

Therefore, if your budget and significant others gives you a thumbs up, here are a few tips on snagging that game winning TV.

Go Big and Go Home

If you have been watching TV and movies on your 9.7-inch tablet, then "big" screen might mean 32 inches and if you are in a small apartment, then that size may suffice. But if you are planning to have the family clan over for the game, then think larger.

I'm not suggesting an 84-inch Ultra HD TV, but I'm seeing many brand name 40 to 42-inch TVs for under $500.

Sony's 40-inch KDL40BX450 1080p LCD TV

If you want to expand your choices and screen sizes, start looking in the $500 to $700 range. You will begin to discover what I consider some of the real value-priced gems in the marketplace. I'm a big plasma TV fan and if you dig, you should find 50 and 51-inch plasmas from Panasonic, Samsung and LG on sale for under $700.

Samsung's 51-inch PN51E550 Plasma 1080p 3D SmartTV

You may notice that a few of the less expensive plasmas have a resolution of 720p instead of 1080p. From my experience with plasmas, you won't be able to tell the difference unless you sit really close to the TV. (How close? Read "Pull Up a Chair.")

Also, if you examine the TV's features, you will find that most of the models in this price range (plasma or LCD) are not 3D enabled nor are they SmartTVs, which means that they don't have built-in Internet connections.

Here's a money saving tip. Instead of paying a premium for a SmartTV, buy a basic TV and add a Blu-ray player that offers that same Internet connectivity. Many cost under $100 and you get the bonus of a Blu-ray player. If you never plan to spin a Blu-ray, then consider a streaming box like ones from Roku or Apple.

Now, if you really want to impress friends and family, think about a screen size of five feet or larger. As we start 2013, 60 inches is the new 50 inches. Luckily, manufacturers like VIZIO and Sharp are offering 60-inch TVs on sale for under $1000.

VIZIO's 60-inch E601 Edge-Lit LED SmartTV

I'm also unearthing 60-inch plasmas from LG, Panasonic and Samsung, all 1080p and all under $1000. If you don't follow TV prices, you may not realize how remarkable that previous statement is. Only a few years ago, if you could have found a plasma TV that large, it would have cost over $10,000.

Panasonic's 60-inch TC P60U50 Plasma TV

Of course, if money is less of a concern, then both VIZIO and Sharp are selling 70-inch models for under $2,000. And if you light your cigars with $20 bills, then you may consider Sharp's LC-90LE745U, now on sale for under $9,000.

The 90" Sharp LC-90LE745U is currently the world's largest LED TV.

Which brings us back to the 84-inch Ultra HD TVs that are currently available from Sony (the $25,000 XBR-84X900) and LG (the under $20,000 84LM9600). Either will elicit envy from your Super Bowl partygoers.

And if you can wait until later this year, LG and Samsung should be rolling out their super-thin, super-sexy OLED TVs.

The 55" LG 55EM970 OLED TV (approximately $10,000) not currently available in the U.S.

Before you race out to the store (brick or online), let's talk big sound. If you already own a dedicated surround sound system that includes an A/V receiver and at least five speakers and a subwoofer, you are good to go.

But if you don't already have a separate system and if you plan to hear Beyonce over the din of your Super Bowl party, then I recommend that you at least purchase a sound bar that matches the size of your TV.

Audio has always been the stepchild of a television. To elevate the audio fidelity to its proper place alongside picture quality, a sound bar, especially one with a subwoofer, can perform that task admirably.

Everybody seems to be making sound bars these days. They come in all varieties of sizes and prices. I have found some tantalizing TV and sound bar package deals.

The Sherwood S9 3D 40-inch Sound Bar System

Finally, if you do go big, remember that even a 42-inch TV can be a handful. Luckily, these new TVs are much lighter than the ones even three years ago. But when you get into the 50 to 60-inch range, you will need help.

At that size, I would seriously consider using one of those white glove delivery and setup services. Then you can save your energy for rooting for your favorite team.