Key Considerations for Purchasing a Television

With more and more options, the world of TVs is looking better every day. But this also means that when you want to buy a TV, there is a lot for you to navigate before you make a final choice. So how do you know what to look for when buying a TV? Read on to find the answer in our guide to buying a TV.

When buying a TV, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Here are some key points to look for:

Display technology: Choose between LED, OLED, QLED, or MicroLED. OLED offers excellent contrast and deep blacks, while QLED provides vibrant colors and high brightness.
Resolution: Opt for at least a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) for a sharp and detailed image. 8K resolution is also available for even greater clarity.
Screen size: Consider the size of the room and your viewing distance. A larger screen is immersive, but make sure it fits the space without overwhelming it.
HDR support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances color, contrast, and brightness. Look for TVs that support HDR formats like HDR10 or Dolby Vision for a more vivid viewing experience.
Refresh rate: Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur, making fast-paced scenes smoother. Aim for a TV with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz or higher for a better gaming and sports experience.
Smart features: Smart TVs allow access to streaming services and internet browsing. Look for a TV with a user-friendly interface and compatibility with popular streaming platforms.
Connectivity: Ensure the TV has sufficient HDMI ports, USB ports, and Wi-Fi capabilities for your devices and streaming needs.
Audio quality: Consider the built-in speakers or opt for a TV with audio output options like HDMI ARC or optical audio for connecting external sound systems.
Design and aesthetics: Look for a TV with a slim bezel, sleek design, and a stand or wall-mounting options that suit your preferences.
Price and warranty: Set a budget and compare prices across different brands and models. Check for warranty coverage to protect your investment.

By considering these factors, you can choose a TV that meets your specific requirements and enhances your viewing pleasure.

Screen Size & Viewing Distance

When choosing the screen size of a TV, it's essential to consider the viewing distance—the distance between the viewer and the screen. The relationship between screen size and viewing distance is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. Here's a general guideline to help you determine the appropriate screen size based on viewing distance:

Viewing distance: Measure the distance between the seating area and the TV in feet.
Recommended screen size: Multiply the viewing distance by a factor of 0.84 to 1.5. This range provides a comfortable and immersive viewing experience.

For example, if your viewing distance is 8 feet (96 inches), the recommended screen size would be between 80 inches (96 x 0.84) and 120 inches (96 x 1.5).

However, individual preferences may vary. Some people prefer a larger screen for a more immersive experience, while others may prioritize a more compact size to fit their space. Additionally, the resolution of the TV plays a role. Higher resolution displays, such as 4K or 8K, allow for closer viewing without sacrificing image quality.

Screen size and viewing distance to avoid strain on the eyes or loss of detail. Ultimately, choose a screen size that suits your preferences, fits your room layout, and provides a comfortable viewing experience for your needs.

Viewing Angle

Viewing angle refers to the range of angles from which you can comfortably view the TV screen without experiencing a significant loss in picture quality or color accuracy. It is an important consideration, especially if you have multiple viewers or if your seating arrangement requires viewing the TV from different positions. Here's some information on viewing angles:

IPS vs. VA panels: TVs generally use either IPS (In-Plane Switching) or VA (Vertical Alignment) panels. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, allowing the screen to be viewed from various positions without significant color or contrast degradation. VA panels, on the other hand, tend to have narrower viewing angles, meaning the picture quality may degrade when viewing the TV from off-center positions.
Off-axis viewing: To test the viewing angle of a TV, observe the picture quality and color accuracy while sitting off to the side or at an angle. Look for a TV that maintains consistent picture quality across a wide range of viewing angles.
Room layout: Consider the seating arrangement in your room and the typical viewing positions. If you have a wide seating area or frequently watch TV from various angles, choose a TV with good off-axis viewing performance.
OLED advantage: OLED displays are known for their exceptional off-axis viewing capabilities. They offer wide viewing angles with minimal loss of picture quality or color accuracy, making them an excellent choice for rooms with multiple viewers.
Test in-store: If possible, visit a store and view the TV from different angles to assess the picture quality. This can give you a firsthand experience of how the TV performs in terms of viewing angles.

IPS panels generally offer better viewing angles, they may have slightly lower contrast ratios compared to VA panels. Therefore, consider your priorities and strike a balance between viewing angle performance and other factors, such as contrast and overall picture quality, to make an informed decision.

Screen Resolution

Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on a TV screen, determining the level of detail and clarity of the image. When selecting a TV, considering the screen resolution is crucial. Here's some information on common screen resolutions:

Full HD (1920 x 1080): Also known as 1080p, Full HD resolution provides a crisp and detailed image suitable for smaller screen sizes. It is still prevalent in smaller TVs and budget-friendly options.
4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160): 4K resolution offers four times the pixel count of Full HD, resulting in sharper details, enhanced clarity, and more lifelike visuals. It is the most common resolution for TVs nowadays and is recommended for screen sizes larger than 40 inches.
8K Ultra HD (7680 x 4320): 8K resolution provides an incredibly high level of detail with four times the pixel count of 4K. It is ideal for very large screens, such as 75 inches or above. However, 8K content is still limited, and the difference in perceived quality compared to 4K may not be noticeable in typical viewing scenarios.
Content availability: Consider the availability of content in the resolution you choose. While 4K content is now widely available through streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs, 8K content is still limited.
Viewing distance: Higher resolutions like 4K and 8K are more noticeable when viewed up close. If you sit farther away from the TV, the benefits of higher resolutions may not be as significant.

Ultimately, choose a screen resolution based on your preferences, the size of the TV, and your viewing habits. For larger TVs and a future-proof investment, 4K resolution is recommended, while 8K is a consideration for those seeking the highest level of detail.

LCD, LED, OLED

When it comes to TV display technologies, three commonly encountered terms are LCD, LED, and OLED. Here's a brief overview of each:

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): LCD TVs use a liquid crystal layer that acts as a shutter to control the passage of light. A backlight behind the screen illuminates the liquid crystals to produce the image. LCD panels are typically more affordable than other technologies and offer good brightness and color accuracy. However, they may have limited viewing angles and poorer contrast ratios compared to other display types.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode): LED TVs are essentially LCD TVs with LED backlighting. LEDs are used to provide the backlight instead of traditional fluorescent lights. This technology allows for better energy efficiency, thinner designs, and improved contrast ratios. LED TVs are currently the most common type on the market and are available in various price ranges and sizes.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): OLED TVs use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current passes through them. Unlike LCDs, OLEDs don't require a separate backlight, which enables them to individually control each pixel's brightness. This results in deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, wider viewing angles, and vibrant colors. OLED TVs are known for their exceptional picture quality but tend to be more expensive than LCD or LED options.

Each technology has its advantages and considerations. LCD and LED TVs are widely available and offer good value for money, while OLED TVs provide superior picture quality at a premium price. Consider your budget, viewing preferences, and desired features to determine which technology best suits your needs.

Smart TV, Curved TV

Smart TV and curved TV are two additional features or design choices that are available in the television market. Here's some information about each:

Smart TV: A smart TV is a television that has built-in internet connectivity and pre-installed software or operating systems that allow you to access a range of online services and streaming platforms. With a smart TV, you can browse the internet, stream movies and TV shows from platforms like Netflix and Hulu, access social media, play games, and more. It eliminates the need for external devices like streaming boxes or game consoles. Smart TVs often come with user-friendly interfaces and remote controls that make navigating the smart features seamless.
Curved TV: Curved TVs feature a slightly concave screen that is designed to provide a more immersive viewing experience. The idea behind the curve is to create a sense of depth and make the image appear larger. Proponents of curved TVs argue that they offer a wider field of view and a more cinematic feel. However, the impact of the curve on the viewing experience can be subjective, and some viewers may not notice a significant difference or prefer a flat screen. It's important to consider your personal preferences and viewing environment before opting for a curved TV.

Ultimately, both smart TVs and curved TVs add different dimensions to the viewing experience. A smart TV offers convenient access to online content, while a curved TV aims to provide a unique immersive feel. Assess your needs, budget, and preferences to determine which feature or design suits you best.

4K & HDR

4K and HDR (High Dynamic Range) are two important features in modern televisions that significantly enhance the viewing experience:

4K Resolution: 4K refers to the resolution of the TV display, which is approximately 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing four times the number of pixels compared to Full HD (1080p). This higher pixel density results in sharper and more detailed images with enhanced clarity. 4K resolution is particularly beneficial for larger screen sizes or when sitting closer to the TV. Many streaming platforms, Blu-ray discs, and gaming consoles now offer content in 4K, allowing you to fully enjoy the increased level of detail.
HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR technology expands the range of colors and contrast that a TV can display, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. It provides deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a broader range of shades in between. HDR content preserves more detail in the darkest and brightest areas of the image, allowing for a more realistic and immersive viewing experience. There are various HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, each with its own specifications and supported by different TVs and content sources.

Combining 4K resolution with HDR offers the best of both worlds, delivering incredibly sharp visuals with rich colors and contrast. When buying a TV, look for models that support both 4K and HDR to fully enjoy the benefits of these technologies. However, it's worth noting that to take full advantage of 4K and HDR, you'll need compatible content sources, such as streaming services, Blu-ray players, or gaming consoles that support these formats.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a television refers to the number of times the screen image is refreshed or updated per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion and reduced motion blur, especially in fast-paced scenes. Here's some information about refresh rate:

Standard refresh rate: The standard refresh rate for most TVs is 60Hz, meaning the screen image is refreshed 60 times per second. This is generally sufficient for regular content, such as movies, TV shows, and everyday use.
Higher refresh rates: Some TVs offer higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz, 240Hz, or even 480Hz. These higher refresh rates result in even smoother motion and reduced motion blur, particularly for sports, gaming, and fast-action content.
Motion interpolation: To enhance the perception of smoother motion, many TVs use motion interpolation techniques, such as frame insertion or motion smoothing. These techniques generate additional frames between the original frames to reduce motion blur. While this can make motion appear smoother, some viewers find it creates an artificial or "soap opera effect."
Gaming considerations: For gamers, a higher refresh rate can provide a more responsive and fluid gaming experience, especially for fast-paced games. Some TVs also support features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to further enhance gaming performance.
Content limitations: It's important to note that most broadcast television and streaming content is typically delivered at 60Hz. While some gaming consoles and streaming platforms support higher frame rates, the availability of content at those rates may be limited.

When choosing a TV based on refresh rate, consider your specific needs, such as gaming or sports viewing, and the content you plan to watch. Higher refresh rates can enhance the viewing experience for certain types of content, but it's important to balance it with other factors, such as picture quality, resolution, and price.

Number of Ports

The number of ports available on a TV is an important consideration as it determines the connectivity options and the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. Here's some information about the number of ports on a TV:

HDMI ports: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports are essential for connecting devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and soundbars. HDMI ports carry both high-definition video and audio signals. Look for a TV with multiple HDMI ports to accommodate all your devices. A minimum of three HDMI ports is recommended, but more is better if you have many devices.
USB ports: USB ports on a TV allow you to connect USB storage devices to play media files or connect other USB-powered devices. These ports are useful for accessing photos, videos, and music from external drives or using accessories like keyboards or webcams. Multiple USB ports can be handy if you have multiple devices to connect.
Audio ports: Look for audio output ports such as HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), optical audio, or headphone jacks. These ports allow you to connect external audio devices like soundbars, home theater systems, or headphones for an enhanced audio experience.
Other ports: Consider other ports like Ethernet (for wired internet connection), component video inputs, composite video inputs, and antenna/cable inputs depending on your specific needs. These ports enable connectivity with various devices, such as cable/satellite boxes, DVD players, or older gaming consoles.

Having an adequate number of ports is crucial to avoid constantly switching cables or investing in additional adapters or splitters. Assess the number and types of devices you plan to connect and ensure the TV has sufficient ports to accommodate them. Additionally, consider the placement and accessibility of the ports on the TV for ease of use and cable management.

Invest in a Soundbar

Investing in a soundbar can greatly enhance your TV viewing experience and improve the audio quality. Here's why you should consider getting a soundbar:

Improved audio quality: Most TVs have built-in speakers that are often limited in terms of audio power and clarity. A soundbar provides superior sound quality, delivering richer, more immersive audio with better clarity and detail. It enhances dialogue, music, and special effects, making your favorite movies, shows, and games more enjoyable.
Enhanced cinematic experience: Soundbars are designed to replicate the surround sound experience without the need for multiple speakers and complex setup. Many soundbars come with virtual surround sound technology, creating a wider soundstage and immersing you in a more cinematic audio environment.
Space-saving and easy setup: Soundbars are sleek, compact, and can be easily mounted on the wall or placed beneath the TV. They offer a clutter-free solution, saving space compared to traditional speaker setups. Additionally, soundbars typically require minimal setup and wiring, making them user-friendly and convenient.
Versatility and connectivity: Soundbars often come with various connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth. This allows you to connect multiple devices such as TVs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and smartphones. Some soundbars also support wireless streaming, enabling you to play music from your mobile devices or stream services like Spotify.
Cost-effective: Soundbars provide a cost-effective alternative to a full home theater system while still significantly improving audio quality. They offer a balance between price, performance, and convenience, making them a popular choice for many.

Whether you enjoy movies, sports, gaming, or simply want to enhance the audio experience of your TV, investing in a soundbar is a worthwhile decision. It can transform your living room into a personal home theater and provide an immersive audio experience that complements your high-quality visuals.

Extended Warranty

When purchasing a new TV, you may be offered an extended warranty or protection plan that provides additional coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty. Here are some considerations regarding extended warranties:

Coverage duration: Extended warranties typically extend the coverage period beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty, which can provide peace of mind in case of potential defects or issues that may arise after the initial warranty expires. The duration of extended warranties can vary, so it's important to understand the length of coverage being offered.
Protection against unexpected repairs: One of the main benefits of an extended warranty is protection against unforeseen repair costs. If your TV develops a defect or requires repairs, the extended warranty can cover the associated expenses, saving you from potentially significant repair costs.
Cost vs. benefit analysis: Before purchasing an extended warranty, consider the cost of the warranty itself. Evaluate the likelihood of needing repairs during the extended warranty period and compare it to the price of the warranty. It's important to determine if the cost of the warranty is justified by the potential savings in repair costs.
Manufacturer reputation and reliability: Research the reputation and reliability of the TV manufacturer before deciding on an extended warranty. Some manufacturers have a track record of producing reliable products, which may decrease the likelihood of needing extensive repairs during the warranty period.
Existing coverage: Assess whether your TV is already covered by any additional protection plans, such as credit card benefits or home insurance policies, as these may provide similar coverage to an extended warranty.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase an extended warranty depends on your personal risk tolerance and the specific circumstances. It's advisable to carefully review the terms, costs, and coverage of the extended warranty and consider its value in relation to the TV's price and expected lifespan before making a decision.

Conclusion

When buying a TV, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Screen size and viewing distance should be carefully matched to provide an optimal viewing experience. Additionally, viewing angle plays a role in determining the picture quality from different positions in the room.

Screen resolution, such as 4K or 8K, determines the level of detail and clarity in the image. Smart TV features provide access to online content and streaming services, while curved TVs offer a more immersive viewing experience. Features like HDR and a higher refresh rate enhance image quality and smoothness, respectively. Considering the number of ports allows for easy connectivity with external devices.

Investing in a soundbar can greatly enhance audio quality, providing a more immersive and cinematic experience. Lastly, extended warranties may provide peace of mind by offering additional coverage and protection. By considering these factors and finding the right balance between your preferences, budget, and desired features, you can choose a TV that meets your needs and provides an enjoyable entertainment experience for years to come.