If a shiny new high-definition television is at the top of your loved one’s wish list this holiday season, you may be realizing that shopping for a television is much more complicated than it used to be.

Today’s models boast a wide range of features and options that can make selecting just the right model an overwhelming proposition.

Follow these shopping tips, and the only challenge left will be how to wrap that oversized box and fit it under the tree.

Size it up … or not. Many buyers are tempted to upgrade not only functions and features, but also size when they’re in the market for a new HDTV. But purchasing a model that overwhelms a small room can be an unnecessarily costly mistake. On the flip side, too small a TV in a big space will leave viewers wishing for more.

Understand the options. Whether you need a plasma, LED or LCD unit depends on your viewing habits and environment. Plasma TVs are best for low-light viewing, offer the widest viewing angles and are ideal for high-action viewing. With greater energy efficiency and a sleeker look, LEDs also are appropriate for diverse lighting situations. A broad selection of sizes makes LCD TVs a good option, particularly for well-lit spaces.

Define your needs. You’ve seen HDTVs advertised as 720p or 1080p – but what does that mean exactly? These numbers refer to the unit’s vertical resolution, or number of visible lines, which affects overall picture quality. Generally, the greater the resolution, the better the picture.