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What to look for in a new TV?
We have all been there, you are in the market for buying a new TV and all of the specifications seem foreign or too technical to make sense of. So we wrote this short guide to give you better ideas what to look for when heading for a new TV.
Introduction
With the ever-evolving landscape of television technology, choosing a new TV can be both exciting and daunting. As you embark on the journey of selecting the perfect television for your home, it’s essential to consider a myriad of factors to ensure that your investment not only meets but exceeds your expectations. From screen resolution to smart features and everything in between, understanding what to look for in a new TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience. This guide aims to explore the key considerations and features that consumers should prioritize when navigating the vast array of options available in today’s market. Whether you’re a cinephile seeking cinematic immersion or a casual viewer looking for everyday entertainment, making an informed decision is paramount in selecting a television that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
High screen resolution
The quality of the screen is one of the most important factors in purchasing a new TV that should be kept in mind before making any decision. Nowadays, with 8K resolution TVs coming into the market, you should not compromise with the 1080p (Full HD) or even lower 720p (HD ready) models that are outdated and are starting to badly fall behind in the viewing experience. On the topic of 8K however, you shouldn’t go all out for one of these very expensive TVs because the content isn’t available yet so it would make more sense to get a nicer 4K screen.
The color range and the clarity of the screen should be very high. In the latest smart devices, there are things like QLED, OLED, and Quantum Dot technology which are features that increase the picture quality but usually come with a higher cost. It is important to know that you can find good deals on TVs (we post many on this site), but you still generally get what you pay for.
The best option for a 65-inch or larger tv is 4K screen resolution, if you choose a TV this big and then only have a 1080p screen it will probably appear pixelated and you will be disappointed with the picture. For smaller TVs 55-inches or lower you can still get away with a 1080p screen but as we mentioned before the technology is aging, and 4K content is becoming more available all the time.
Lots of connectivity
The more connectivity options available on your TV, the better. The potential connectivity options include HDMI ports, USB ports, different types of audio connections, and ethernet ports. Through HDMI, you can connect consoles, smart devices (Roku, Apple TV, etc.), computers, DVD players, and more. USB ports help in connecting smart devices like mobile tablets for streaming favorites shown on the big screen. Audio connections are important if you have external speakers or a soundbar.
Wireless connectivity like wi-fi and Bluetooth help in easy connection with other devices. An Ethernet port can be an alternative for wi-fi connections. It is in your interest to look for TVs that have more connectivity options so that as your needs change the TV can handle the extra use cases.
Smart and sleek design
This topic is pretty simple, old-school CRT TVs don’t have great aesthetics like the ultra-thin/bezel-less TVs available today. If your TV looks good, you will use it more and get more value out of it.
High processing speed
If you are trying to watch 4K content you want a processor that can render the images seamlessly in real-time, you would notice this as a problem in action scenes where the screen will tear or stutter. The high-speed processing helps you with a better gaming experience. In addition, you can enjoy high-quality video streaming and download through a high-speed processor.
Screen brightness
The screen’s brightness should be high so that you can enjoy the details of your visuals with more accuracy in a fully lighted room. The contrast ratio of the tv screen should also be high. The high contrast provides you with better viewing in bright spaces.
TV brightness is measured in a unit called “nits”, the actual measurement is ‘candelas per square meter’ but nits is easier to remember and understand. The best TVs can go past 1000 nits (TV Brightness), while more midrange and budget options are frequently in the 300-500 nits range. When buying a new TV for a bright space this is important to keep in mind that your picture is clear even if you have bright lights or sunshine streaming into a room.
High Audio quality
With exceptions, most TVs today are not going to have high-quality speakers built in because manufacturers and customers value thin and bezel-less screens over speaker performance. If you are trying to set up a home theater and really get into your movies, you should expect to buy an external speaker system or soundbar for the full sound immersion experience. For those trying to find a TV with good to great built-in speakers, we have recommendations coming soon.
Renowned Brand
In the expansive realm of television manufacturing, several brands have established themselves as leaders, consistently delivering innovative technology, superior performance, and exceptional quality. These brands have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers worldwide, setting the benchmark for excellence in the industry. Let’s explore some of the most renowned brands that dominate the television market:
- Samsung: Samsung Electronics has long been synonymous with cutting-edge technology and sleek design in the world of televisions. Renowned for their QLED and OLED displays, Samsung TVs offer vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and stunning picture clarity. With a wide range of models catering to various budgets and preferences, Samsung continues to push the boundaries of innovation with features like Quantum Dot technology, 8K resolution, and smart connectivity options.
- LG: LG Electronics has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation in television manufacturing. Renowned for their OLED displays, LG TVs deliver unparalleled picture quality with true-to-life colors, infinite contrast ratios, and exceptional viewing angles. LG’s ThinQ AI technology and webOS platform provide seamless integration with smart home devices and streaming services, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Sony: Sony Corporation has been a trailblazer in the television industry, known for its commitment to superior craftsmanship and technological advancement. Sony’s Bravia lineup encompasses a diverse range of TVs featuring cutting-edge technologies such as OLED, LED, and 4K HDR. With industry-leading image processing capabilities and immersive sound systems, Sony TVs deliver immersive viewing experiences that captivate the senses.
- Panasonic: Panasonic Corporation has a long-standing legacy of excellence in television manufacturing, characterized by superior picture quality, reliability, and performance. Panasonic’s OLED and LED TVs boast exceptional color accuracy, high contrast ratios, and smooth motion handling, catering to discerning viewers who demand nothing but the best. With advanced features like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Panasonic continues to push the boundaries of visual excellence.
- TCL: TCL Corporation has emerged as a formidable player in the global television market, known for its combination of affordability and quality. TCL’s lineup of Roku TVs offers an intuitive user interface, seamless streaming experience, and excellent picture quality at competitive price points. With innovations like Mini-LED backlighting and QLED technology, TCL continues to elevate the standards for budget-friendly televisions.
- Philips: Philips has been a prominent name in the electronics industry for decades, recognized for its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Philips TVs are renowned for their sleek design, advanced technology, and exceptional picture quality. With a focus on both LED and OLED displays, Philips offers televisions that deliver vivid colors, sharp contrasts, and immersive viewing experiences. Incorporating features such as Ambilight technology, Philips TVs enhance the ambiance of any room while providing a unique visual experience. With a dedication to quality and innovation, Philips continues to be a trusted choice for consumers seeking premium televisions.
Getting a good brand TV is very important. For instance, I chose a Philips TV, a HD ready model, about 20 years ago for a price of about 1300$. We were all impressed by the picture quality, and the TV still does a good job – after 2 decades.
Buying a new TV Conclusion
We hope that you will keep in mind these important factors when considering your next purchase. We have spent a lot of time testing different TVs to determine these most critical components of the viewing experience. Buying a new TV can be a scary task if you don’t know what to look for, and we hope to have cleared up your concerns.
If you have suggestions or comments on how we can improve this guide please let us know here!