what to look for in a tv

1 year ago 37

When buying a TV, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to look for:

Screen Resolution: Dont buy a TV with less than 4K resolution. Avoid full HD or 1080p sets, unless youre looking for a second (or third) TV and dont mind buying. You really shouldnt settle for anything less than 4K in 2023.
HDR Compatibility: Look for an HDR-compatible set, which offers more realistic colors and better contrast. Preferably consider a TV that supports the more advanced formats, namely HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. Some will support both.
Screen Size: Consider how many people in your family typically watch at once and where youre going to put your new set. Then pick the largest screen size that will fit comfortably into that space — and your budget. The sweet spot today, considering price, performance and the typical living room, is between 55 and 65 inches.
Backlighting: One hidden feature separating the budget TVs from the premium models is backlighting. With several different types of LED backlighting used in modern TVs, it pays to know the difference between the different options.
Brand: Choose a trusted brand. LG, Sony, and Samsung are three brands that clearly rise above the rest.
HDMI Ports: Look for at least four HDMI ports. And opt for the newer HDMI 2.1 format if you can.
Refresh Rate: Depending on what youre trying to connect to the TV, a higher refresh rate is always nice, though nowhere near as important as 4K resolution. Its either 60hz or 120hz.
Sound Quality: Upgrade the sound. Audio is more than half the experience, and your TV’s built-in speakers aren’t up to the task. Choose a TV with good sound quality or consider purchasing a soundbar.
OLED vs. LCD: OLED TVs look much better than most LCD sets, but QLED TVs from Samsung, Vizio, and TCL are an affordable middle ground.
Price: Pay attention to your budget. TV prices actually rose across the board in 2023, for reasons ranging from component shortages to higher shipping costs.