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Tips for Buying the Perfect TV: What to Consider Before You Buy

Summary:

Looking to buy a new TV but not sure where to start? Check out our top 10 tips for buying the perfect TV. We'll walk you through what to consider before you buy, including screen size, resolution, refresh rate, screen technology, sound quality, and smart features. With our expert advice, you'll be able to find the right TV for your needs and budget.

When buying a TV, there are several important things to consider. Here are some of the main things you should look for:

Screen size:

The size of the TV is one of the most important factors to consider. You should choose a screen size that fits comfortably in the room where you'll be watching it.

The ideal screen size for a TV depends on the size and layout of your room, as well as your personal preference. Here are some general guidelines for choosing a TV screen size based on room size:

For a small room, such as a bedroom or small living room, a TV with a screen size of 32-43 inches is usually sufficient. Examples of TVs in this size range include the Samsung 43-inch TU7000 and the LG 32-inch LM630B.

For a medium-sized room, such as a larger living room or family room, a TV with a screen size of 49-55 inches is a good choice. Examples of TVs in this size range include the Sony 49-inch X80J and the TCL 55-inch 4-Series.

For a large room, such as a home theater or spacious living room, a TV with a screen size of 65 inches or larger is recommended. Examples of TVs in this size range include the LG 65-inch CX OLED and the Samsung 75-inch QN85A QLED.

It's worth noting that these are just general guidelines, and the ideal screen size for your specific room may vary depending on factors such as viewing distance and seating arrangement. Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal screen size for your needs is to measure your room and consider your personal preferences and viewing habits.

Display technology:

There are different types of display technology used in modern TVs, including LED, OLED, QLED, and others. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so you should research them to see which one is right for you.

pros and cons of LED (Light Emitting Diode) TV's

Pros:

  • Affordable: LED TVs are generally more affordable than other types of TVs.
  • Energy efficient: LED TVs use less power than other types of TVs.
  • Brightness: LED TVs are brighter than OLED TVs, making them a good choice for brightly lit rooms.
  • Good for gaming: LED TVs have fast refresh rates and low input lag, making them a good choice for gaming.

Cons:

  • Limited viewing angles: LED TVs have limited viewing angles, meaning that the picture may appear washed out or distorted if viewed from the side.
  • Limited contrast: LED TVs have lower contrast ratios than OLED and QLED TVs, meaning that the difference between dark and light areas of the screen may not be as pronounced.
  • Backlight bleeding: Some LED TVs may suffer from backlight bleeding, where light from the backlight bleeds through to areas of the screen where it shouldn't, causing uneven lighting.

pros and cons of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TV's

Pros:

  • Perfect blacks: OLED TVs can turn off individual pixels completely, resulting in perfect blacks and excellent contrast.
  • Wide viewing angles: OLED TVs have wide viewing angles, meaning that the picture remains clear and vibrant even when viewed from the side.
  • Excellent color accuracy: OLED TVs have excellent color accuracy and reproduce colors more realistically than other types of TVs.
  • Thin and light: OLED TVs are thin and lightweight, making them easy to mount on a wall.

Cons:

  • Expensive: OLED TVs are generally more expensive than other types of TVs.
  • Risk of burn-in: OLED TVs are susceptible to burn-in, where a static image is displayed on the screen for a long period of time, causing permanent damage to the screen.
  • Brightness: OLED TVs are not as bright as LED or QLED TVs, making them less suitable for brightly lit rooms.
  • Motion blur: OLED TVs have slower refresh rates than some LED and QLED TVs, which can result in motion blur during fast-moving scenes.

pros and cons of QLED (Quantum Light Emitting Diode) TV's

Pros:

  • Brightness: QLED TVs are brighter than OLED TVs, making them a good choice for brightly lit rooms.
  • Good for gaming: QLED TVs have fast refresh rates and low input lag, making them a good choice for gaming.
  • No burn-in risk: QLED TVs are not susceptible to burn-in, making them a good choice for users who watch a lot of static content.
  • Good color accuracy: QLED TVs have good color accuracy and reproduce colors more realistically than standard LED TVs.

Cons:

  • Limited viewing angles: QLED TVs have limited viewing angles, meaning that the picture may appear washed out or distorted if viewed from the side.
  • Expensive: QLED TVs are generally more expensive than standard LED TVs.
  • Limited contrast: QLED TVs have lower contrast ratios than OLED TVs, meaning that the difference between dark and light areas of the screen may not be as pronounced.
  • Less perfect blacks: QLED TVs use a backlight, so they cannot achieve the same perfect black levels as OLED TVs.

Resolution:

The ideal TV resolution depends on the size of the screen and the viewing distance. Here are some guidelines for choosing the ideal TV resolution:

  • For a small TV with a screen size of around 32 inches or less, a 720p (1280 x 720) resolution is usually sufficient. This is because the pixels are smaller and closer together, so you won't be able to see individual pixels from a typical viewing distance.

  • For a larger TV with a screen size of around 40-55 inches, a 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution is recommended. This is because the larger screen size means that the pixels will be more spread out, so a higher resolution is needed to maintain image clarity.

  • For a very large TV with a screen size of 65 inches or more, a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution is recommended. This is because the larger screen size means that individual pixels will be more visible at lower resolutions, so a higher resolution is needed to maintain image quality.

Other factors that can affect the ideal TV resolution include the viewing distance and the quality of the content being watched. For example, if you sit very close to the TV, you may need a higher resolution to maintain image clarity. Similarly, if you primarily watch high-quality content such as 4K movies or sports, you may benefit from a higher resolution TV. However, if you mostly watch standard-definition content, a lower resolution TV may be sufficient. Ultimately, the ideal TV resolution will depend on your specific viewing habits and preferences.

Refresh rate:

The ideal refresh rate for a TV is typically 120Hz or higher. The refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that the TV updates the image on the screen. A higher refresh rate means that the TV can display smoother, more fluid motion, which is especially important for fast-paced content such as sports and action movies.

However, the ideal refresh rate can be affected by several factors, including the type of content being watched, the viewing distance, and personal preferences. Here are some things to consider:

  • Type of content: If you primarily watch movies and TV shows, a refresh rate of 60Hz may be sufficient. However, if you watch a lot of sports or play fast-paced video games, a higher refresh rate of 120Hz or more may be beneficial.

  • Viewing distance: The ideal refresh rate may depend on how far you sit from the TV. If you sit very close to the TV, a higher refresh rate may be more noticeable and provide a smoother viewing experience.

  • Personal preferences: Some people may be more sensitive to motion blur or other visual artifacts that can occur with lower refresh rates. In these cases, a higher refresh rate may be preferred even for slower-paced content.

It's worth noting that some TVs advertise higher "effective" refresh rates through various technologies such as motion smoothing or backlight scanning. While these technologies can help reduce motion blur, they can also introduce visual artifacts and may not be preferred by all viewers. Ultimately, the ideal refresh rate will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Smart features:

When buying a smart TV, there are several features to consider:

  1. User interface: Look for a TV with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. This can include features such as a home screen with quick access to your favorite apps, a simple menu system, and voice control.

  2. App selection: Make sure the TV has access to the apps and streaming services you want to use. Popular apps include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and Disney+. Some smart TVs also offer a built-in app store where you can download additional apps.

  3. Voice control: Many smart TVs now include voice control, which allows you to use your voice to search for content, control playback, and more. Make sure the TV supports the voice assistant you prefer, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

  4. Smart home integration: If you use other smart home devices, look for a TV that supports integrations with platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

  5. Connectivity: Check the TV's connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to ensure that it can connect to your home network and other devices.

  6. Screen mirroring: If you want to display content from your smartphone or tablet on the TV, look for a TV with screen mirroring capabilities. This allows you to wirelessly mirror your device's screen onto the TV.

  7. Gaming features: If you plan to use the TV for gaming, look for features such as low input lag and variable refresh rate (VRR) to ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Overall, the smart features you should look for when buying a TV depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the types of content you watch, the devices you use, and the features that will make your viewing experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Sound quality:

When buying a TV, the sound quality is an important consideration. Here are some factors to look for to ensure you get the best sound quality:

  1. Speaker placement: Look for a TV that has speakers located in front of the screen rather than on the bottom or back. This can help improve sound clarity and ensure that the sound is directed towards the viewer.

  2. Audio output options: Check the TV's audio output options, such as HDMI ARC, optical audio, or a headphone jack. These outputs allow you to connect external speakers or a soundbar to the TV for improved audio quality.

  3. Sound modes: Some TVs offer different sound modes, such as cinema or music, which are optimized for specific types of content. Consider a TV with sound modes that suit your viewing preferences.

  4. Equalizer: Look for a TV with an equalizer or sound settings that allow you to adjust the bass, treble, and other audio parameters to your liking.

  5. Audio codecs: Check if the TV supports advanced audio codecs like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X, which can provide higher quality sound and immersive audio experiences.

  6. Audio enhancements: Some TVs offer audio enhancements like virtual surround sound or dialogue enhancement, which can improve the overall audio quality and make dialogue easier to hear.

  7. External sound system: If you want the best sound quality, consider investing in an external sound system like a soundbar or home theater system. This can provide a much more immersive and powerful audio experience than the TV's built-in speakers.

Ultimately, the sound quality you get from a TV will depend on several factors, including the TV's speaker placement, audio output options, and audio settings. Consider your viewing habits and preferences to determine what sound features are most important to you.

Price:

The amount you should spend on a new TV depends on your budget and your specific needs. Generally speaking, you can find a decent entry-level TV for around $300 to $500, while mid-range TVs can range from $500 to $1000 or more. High-end TVs can cost upwards of $1000 or even $2000, depending on the size and features.

However, keep in mind that while cheaper TVs may be more affordable, they may not offer the same level of picture and sound quality or as many advanced features as more expensive models. On the other hand, high-end TVs can be more expensive but may offer superior picture and sound quality, advanced features, and a longer lifespan.

When deciding how much to spend on a new TV, consider your viewing habits, the size of your room, and the features that are most important to you. It's also a good idea to read reviews and compare prices across different brands and models to find the best value for your budget.