Technology has advanced so much that you can find a truly amazing TV without breaking the bank. While technology is good, it has prolonged the list of things you need to check when finding a new TV.
In the old days, you just needed to ensure a TV was working and that you could afford it. Now, you can’t buy a new TV before you consider the following factors:
Screen Size
Bigger is better when choosing a new TV. But how big of a TV do you need? If you’re in college, you can live comfortably with a 30-inch TV screen. Otherwise, you probably need a 44 Inch TV or a 55 Inch screen depending on your living space.
If you have a large living room, you should aim for a 65-inch TV screen. It might cost more than a 45 Inch TV, but it will give you a better viewing experience. It’s also ideal for a family now that it’s big but not too expensive.
You might be tempted to buy a 75” or 85” high-end TV. But before you spend $2000 or more on this kind of screen, decide if it’s value for your money. You need to have an enormous living area to enjoy high-end TVs. And sometimes they’re just too expensive.
Screen Resolution
A decade ago, having a full HD TV was a big flex. Nowadays, every tech expert recommends a 4K resolution model. Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs provide four times the resolution in full HD TVs—3840×2160 versus 1920×1080
Some TV companies are already selling 8K TVs. These models deliver four times the number of pixels in 4K TVs. That means they’re much more immersive. But there’s one problem. There isn’t much 8K content out there.
By comparison, you can watch tons of movies, songs, and YouTube documentaries shot in 4K. You can also play 4K video games, meaning you’ll actually enjoy the content on your TV if it has a UHD resolution.
Smart TV Features
Most TVs in the market today support Internet-based services like YouTube, Netflix, and social media. Most of them access the Internet through built-in WiFi although you could also use fiber optic cables.
Smart TV capabilities vary from one brand to another. Companies like TCL, Haier, OnePlus, and Redmi use Google’s Android to power their TV sets. With Android models, you can install countless apps.
LG, Samsung, and Sony have in-house operating systems. LG uses WebOS while Samsung uses Tizen. Both operating systems are quick and reliable. They also support an extensive list of apps. However, the specific apps you can download vary from one OS to another.
Backlighting Technology: LCD vs. OLED
TVs display light and colors through several systems. There’s LCD, the most popular backlighting technology for affordable TV brands. Then there’s OLED, which is available in high-end sets.
LCD TV models use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to illuminate light and colors on the screen. LCD screens work in different ways. The best models provide impressive picture qualities.
In fact, some LCD TVs produce much better viewing experiences than cheap OLED TVs. Speaking of which, OLED models use tiny pixels that react to electricity to illuminate light. This leads to clearer pictures, better contrasts, and much thinner TV models.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Ports
High Dynamic Range in a TV leads to more colors on your screen. More colors mean a better viewing experience. All the major TV brands support one form of HDR in their modern sets.
Some use Dolby Vision—mostly TCL TVs. Others support HDR10. This is common with Samsung models. Modern LG TVs support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
That said, check available ports on a TV. Look for two or more HDMI ports and an Audio Return Channel. Also, ensure it has a port for your USB drives.
Brand and Price
TVs are like smartphones in that some brands are known for producing quality models. In this case, we’re talking about LG, Sony, and Samsung. These companies seldom disappoint.
That said, brand-name TVs can be expensive. Sometimes you save money or get a better TV by checking cheaper brands like TCL and Hisense. Shop around to find a quality TV model within your budget.
