Choosing the Perfect TV: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying a new TV, it can be difficult to know which is the best choice for you. This TV buyer’s guide aims to help you make the best buying decision.
With so many manufacturers and models on offer, it’s important to understand the different features that make up a good quality TV set.
This guide will help you decide which TV is right for your needs.
What types of TV are available?
The two main types of TV are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode). LCD TVs offer sharper image, while LED TVs use light-emitting diodes for improved brightness and contrast.
Both types will provide excellent quality picture and sound, although LED TVs usually have more advanced features such as local dimming and wide colour gamut.
When shopping for a new TV, be sure to look out for features like local dimming and HDR (High Dynamic Range).
Local dimming allows you to adjust the brightness of your picture depending on the lighting in your room, while HDR improves the range of colours and makes images pop.
Smart TV is also a key feature to look out for. Smart TVs come with built-in internet access, making it easy to stream movies and TV shows, browse the web and connect to gaming consoles.
What screen size is the best?
There are a range of TV screen sizes from small to large, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs. Generally speaking, a larger TV provides a better viewing experience as it offers more detail and clarity.
If you’re buying for an entertainment room or home cinema, then it might be worth looking into a bigger screen such as 55 inches or above.
The bigger the screen size, the more immersive it will be, but also bear in mind that larger TVs are heavier and may require extra support.
TV wall Brackets
If you have decided to have a wall mounted TV, then it’s important to get the right type of TV wall mount.
There are a few different types such as:
- Tiltable – This type mount allows you to adjust the angle of your TV up and down
- Ceiling Mount – Ceiling mounts are ideal for home cinemas as they provide flexibility when it comes to positioning your TV
- Swivel – This type of mount allows you to adjust the angle of your TV from left to right, giving you more control over the viewing experience.
- Fixed mounts -This mount will hold your TV in a fixed position with no adjustment
You will also need to think about the positioning of the TV so that it near to a power source and ensure there will be space for the HDMI cable to connect the TV and other devices, such as a soundbar.
Where in a room should you put a TV?
Where you place your TV in the room will depend on how many people are likely to be viewing it and the size of the space. Generally, a larger room can accommodate a bigger television, while smaller rooms might require you to opt for a smaller screen.
It’s also important to consider where the couch or chairs will be placed in relation to the TV. You’ll want to ensure that everyone has a good view, so think about how far away the seating is from the TV and make sure you get one with enough resolution to provide a sharp and clear image.
Finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that sunlight can affect the viewing experience, so try to avoid having the television in direct sunlight.
Do I need an Aerial for a new TV?
If you want to watch free-to-air channels such as Freeview, then you will need an aerial. However Smart TVs connects to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to access streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu without the need for an aerial.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to access streaming services and watch live TV. They usually come with a in-built operating system with TV apps, making it easier to find the content you’re looking for.
Smart TV’S include streaming apps such as:
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Apple TV,
- Amzon Prime TV,
- You Tube
- ITV Hub
- BBC iPlayer
Plus many more.
4K Ultra HD TV
With a 4K TV you will find the picture quality has sharper images and better detail, making them ideal for watching movies or playing video games.
They also come with HDR (High Dynamic Range) which improves the range of colours and makes images pop.
8K Resolution TV
8K TVs are the latest technology and offer even higher levels of resolution, providing incredible detail. This makes them perfect for watching fast-paced sports as well as movies and playing games.
3D TV
3D TV’s are becoming less popular as the technology is being replaced by 4K Ultra HD TVs.
3D TVs come with two glasses which help create a 3D effect on the screen, so you feel like you’re part of the action.
Curved TV
Curved TV’s have become more popular in recent years. They provide a more immersive viewing experience as the screen is curved which provides an improved field of view.
However, it’s important to consider where you are placing the TV as Curved TVs need to be placed in the center of the room otherwise they won’t provide optimum viewing angles.
LCD TV
LCD TVs are the most common type of television as they offer a good balance between quality and affordability.
They come in various sizes and are often the best option for budget conscious shoppers, but the picture quality can suffer depending on how close you sit to the screen.
LED TV
An LED TV uses light-emitting diodes to create a brighter and sharper picture. They are often more energy efficient than LCD TVs and have better brightness levels.
They come in various sizes and while they tend to be slightly more expensive, they offer much better picture quality compared to other types of television sets.
QLED TV
QLED TVs are the latest and most advanced type of television.
They use Quantum Dot technology which gives them a wider range of colours, better brightness levels and improved picture clarity.
A QLED TV also comes with features such as HDR which improves screen resolution, making them ideal for gaming or watching movies.
OLED TVs
OLED TVs provide one of the best picture quality experiences on the market.
They use self-illuminating pixels which create vivid colours and deep blacks, allowing you to view images in stunning clarity.
However, they are more expensive than LCD TVs and may not be suitable for all budgets.
NEO QLED TV
NEO QLED TVs are the latest type of television on the market. They use Quantum Dot technology to create a brighter and sharper picture, while also providing improved contrast levels.
They also come with features such as HDR which further enhances the viewing experience. NEO QLED TVs offer a superior picture quality compared to other types of LCD TVs.
HDR TV
HDR TV’s make use of a technology called High Dynamic Range (HDR) which produces brighter whites and darker blacks, making images look more realistic.
They are available in both LCD and OLED versions, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Android TV
Android TV’s are the latest in smart TVs and run on the same operating system as Android phones.
These smart tv features allow you to access a range of streaming services, apps and games from your remote control.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one entertainment solution then an Android TV could be the perfect choice for you.
They also come with built in voice search, so you can easily find what you’re looking for by speaking into the remote.
LG TV
LG TVs are renowned for their high quality picture and sound performance.
LG TVs come with a range of features such as Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR 10+ to provide an immersive viewing experience.
They also have streamlined designs which helps them blend in with any home décor.
Samsung TV
Samsung TVs are known for their sleek and stylish designs, making them the perfect choice if you want a modern look in your living room.
Their QLED technology provides stunning picture quality with improved contrast levels, while their Tizen operating system offers access to a range of streaming services and apps.
Sony TV
Sony TVs are known for their superior picture quality and they come in a range of sizes to suit your needs.
Their OLED technology provides stunning colours, deep blacks and bright whites, while their Trolamines displays create incredibly realistic images.
Panasonic TV
A Panasonic TV comes with a range of features such as Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ to provide an immersive viewing experience.
They also have sleek designs which help them fit in nicely with any home décor.
Panasonic TVs are also known for their superior sound quality, making them the perfect choice for movie lovers or anyone who enjoys watching TV shows.
Built in Features
When buying a TV make sure to check out what features are already built into the TV.
Many TVs come with built in features such as:
- Gaming consoles,
- Streaming services
- Internet
- Advanced audio systems
- Voice search
It should also state the built in screen resolution and HDR standards, so always check the specifications before buying.
Screen Resolutions to look for are:
- HD Ready (720p),
- Full HD (1080p)
- Ultra HD (4K).
HDR standards include:
- HDR 10
- Dolby Vision
- HLG – (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
Sound Quality
Another important factor when buying a new TV is the sound quality.
Sometimes the TV’S built in speakers may not be enough so you should consider investing in a sound bar or surround sound system.
The sound systems range from basic stereo to advanced 7.1 Dolby Digital and will vastly improve the overall viewing experience.
TV Accessories
You may also want to consider investing in some additional accessories such as:
- TV stands,
- Wall mount
- HDMI Cables.
These will all help you get the most out of your viewing experience and protect your TV from any potential damage.
Is it better to buy a smart TV or a regular TV?
This depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for an all-in-one entertainment solution then a smart TV could be the best option. It will provide access to streaming services, apps and games from your remote control.
If you’re just looking for a basic television with decent picture quality, then a regular TV may be the better choice.
No matter which type of TV you choose, make sure to the specifications and features before making your purchase. This ensure that you get the best experience for your budget.
Which is better OLED or LED?
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) are two different technologies used in TV displays.
OLED TVs offer superior picture quality compared to LED TVs as they provide deeper blacks, brighter whites and more vivid colors.
They also require less power to operate which makes them more energy efficient.
On the other hand, LED TVs are generally more affordable and offer great picture quality with excellent brightness levels.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference as OLED and LED TVs both provide a great viewing experience.
What to avoid when buying a TV?
When buying a TV, it’s important to avoid purchasing outdated models.
For example, HD Ready TVs are no longer the standard and offer a much lower picture quality than Full HD or Ultra HD TVs.
It’s also not advisable to buy TVs with low refresh rates as this will cause motion blur when watching fast-paced content.
Additionally, you should avoid buying TVs with poor sound quality as this will greatly reduce your overall viewing experience.
After how many years should you buy a new TV?
Generally it’s recommended to replace your current TV after about 5-7 years. This is because technology advances quickly and newer models offer improved picture quality, features, and more energy efficiency.
In addition, the backlighting of older TVs will start to degrade over time which can affect overall picture quality.
What to look for when buying a smart TV?
When buying a smart TV, the features and specifications to look out for include:
- Screen resolution,
- HDR standards,
- Built in audio system,
- Voice search capabilities
- Streaming services.
It’s important to take your time and do some research before making your purchase so that you get the best TV for your budget.
What is the latest and best TV on the market?
The latest and highest technology TVs currently available are either OLED or QLED models, both of which offer superior picture quality and more energy efficiency.
Brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic all offer excellent OLED or QLED options.
It’s best to do some research on the different models available as prices can vary significantly depending on size and features.
TV Buying Guide Quick Tips:
- Check the specifications and features before buying
- Consider investing in additional accessories for a better viewing experience
- Avoid outdated models or those with low refresh rates and poor sound quality
- Replace your current TV after 5-7 years to get the best picture quality and features.
- Determine whether you need a Smart TV or a regular one.
- Consider OLED or LED technology depending on your budget and preferences.
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the different types of TVs available and what to look out for when buying a new one.
Happy shopping!