Score! 4 Secrets to Buying the Perfect Super Bowl TV

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The recipe for the perfect Super Bowl party includes steaming trays of gooey, artery-clogging appetizers, copious amounts of ice-cold beer (or, in our case, top-shelf Manhattans, straight up, don’t forget the Luxardo cherry), and—of course—an oversize big-screen TV.

It doesn’t matter if you’re rooting for the New England Patriots or the Atlanta Falcons, or mainly waiting to see if Lady Gaga‘s halftime performance results in any “wardrobe malfunctions.” Heck, you might just be tuning in to see some cute Clydesdales in those Budweiser commercials. No matter your poison, all eyes will be glued to that TV screen, which may have you wondering: Is the one you’re watching up to snuff?

Never fear: Here are four questions everyone has about televisions as the Super Bowl nears, with the indisputable answers so you can at least win a few arguments without a fight. And hopefully snag a great TV along the way.

Question: Should I buy a new TV right before the Super Bowl?

Answer: Go for it—it’s a deal!

According to James Willcox, senior electronics editor at Consumer Reports, TVs are sold at a 22% discount on average in the two weeks before the Super Bowl. That makes this the second-best time of the year to score a deal on a television, right after Black Friday.

However, while the holidays tend to hawk crappy no-name brands, Super Bowl sales are all about quality, favoring brand-name large-screen sets that are ideal for game-day parties. No matter how you look at it, it’s a great time of year to buy.

Question: Will the game look better on a top-of-the-line 4K TV?

Answer: No, at least not yet.

This is the big question that most people have: Should I ante up for a TV with the most up-to-date technology—4K resolution—or stick with the last high-water mark in picture quality, a 1080p model?

A TV with 4K resolution is four times sharper than a regular 1080p HDTV, so it makes sense you’d want the very best. However, be aware that this year’s game will not be broadcast in 4K, so we’ll all be watching the same number of pixels, says Jennifer Jolly, a consumer technology expert, in USA Today.

But Super Bowl aside, “it’s worth getting a 4K TV,” says Wilcox. “There’s very little price difference, and it will future-proof your purchase for when there’s more 4K content available.” Once the game is yesterday’s news, you’ll be using the set for movies and fave shows, right? Splurge now or regret it later.

Question: Can I just rent a TV for the Super Bowl?

Answer: Yes.

If, Super Bowl aside, you are otherwise satisfied with your TV for your weekly viewings of “Kevin Can Wait” (hey, no judgments!), then there’s a cheaper option than upgrading permanently.

Rent-A-Center is one of several national chains that offer a number of high-definition TVs for reasonable weekly rates. There’s a minimum time you’ll need to rent it for (usually a week), and you should expect to shell out about $130 for a top-end, big-screen 4K model.

Question: Can I buy a new TV and then return it after the big game?

Answer: Yes, but…

Buying and returning can seem like a creative way to enjoy the crème de la crème of TVs for the big day, but just know you could end up paying for the privilege.

Men’s Journal reports that retailers such as Best Buy try to discourage buy-and-return tactics year-round by imposing restocking fees that are typically around 15% of the total price. So if you’re “buying” a TV for $1,500, you’ll pay $225 to buy and return. Plus, what if a guest at your party chucks a beer can and damages the screen? Congratulations, you’re the new owner of an expensive TV. Enjoy!

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