India, Oct. 15 -- There's no better time than Diwali to bring home a new television when most shopfronts are draped in fairy lights, every dealer declaring it's "the lowest price ever," and a fresh wave of tempting discounts is seeded right across the internet. Yet, if you've ever tried picking the right TV in this frenzy, you'll know it can get downright bewildering. Lists stretch for pages, technicalities can muddle your head, and the gap between what looks good online and what actually works in your living room can be wide. So, we decided to whip up a no-nonsense guide to help you navigate the Diwali TV jungle and actually end up with a screen you'll love for years, not just a fleeting festive buy.

It's easy to get carried away by the...