Modern-day TVs are advanced devices empowered with the latest digital technologies. Also called connected TVs or smart TVs, these advanced devices bring you the best of entertainment and modern-day computing power.
However, that’s not why they’re called smart devices. The range of paid and free apps and integrated internet capabilities make smart TVs stand out. Think about your preferences, budget, and specific needs when buying one.
Since there are so many TV options available today, let’s discuss the seven essentials you should know before you buy a TV.
Size
Resolution and size are driving factors that determine the price of your TV. Therefore, you should take your time to consider the size you want before buying a smart device.
You have a range of TV sizes available. The most common ones include:
- 42”
- 50”
- 55”
- 65”
- 75”
The best way to determine the most appropriate TV size is to measure the dimensions of the room where you plan to position your TV. Compare that to available TV devices within your budget range, and you should be able to single out a TV device for the best viewing experience.
Cost
Smart TVs greatly range in price. You should go after a device you can afford, regardless of your budget. However, higher-priced TVs bring many notable benefits, such as:
- Higher screen resolutions
- Bigger screen sizes
- Additional features
Investing in a pricey smart TV might be an excellent way to future-proof your investment. However, affordable quality devices are available if you have a tight budget. Moreover, instead of going for a brand-new TV set, you can consider refurbished options such as OLED65CXPTA.
Smart TV costs may vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
You should be able to find a quality TV within the $300-$1,000 range with decent screen sizes, resolutions, and additional features. The $600 TVs come in a 42”–55” size and support up to 4K HDR screen resolution. However, most budget-friendly options don’t offer supporting features such as processors, lighting systems, and panels.
Resolution
You have three resolution options when choosing a smart TV – 1080p, 4K, and 8K – and with each jump in resolution, there is a corresponding jump in price. However, while 1080p can be affordable, we recommend buying a 4K resolution TV, as it is the standard today and the best option for overall usage.
If you don’t have a limited budget, go for an 8K resolution TV. Although the prices are still high, 8K is yet to achieve its full potential. However, keep in mind that it is still somewhat new to the market, and there’s not a lot of content in 8K resolutions.
Ultra HD (4K), on the other hand, provides many affordable options with additional apps and streaming services.
HDR support
HDR, high dynamic range, is a technology you can find in most top-grade smart TVs today. The HDR support enhances the lightest and darkest picture parts by increasing the level of detail and correcting the color range.
Top smart TV options offer various HDR formats such as:
- HDR10
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
Since the differences between the formats are almost unnoticeable, buying a TV with HDR support might be the best option.
Refresh rate
Modern-day smart TVs offer two refresh rate options: 60Hz and 120Hz. It denotes the times a TV image resets per second – a higher refresh rate will translate into a sharper image.
Top refresh rates also lessen the motion blur, allowing for a more pleasurable viewing experience. While a high refresh rate is excellent for watching sports, it may not be an appropriate setting for movies. A 60Hz refresh rate is ideal for most content to get an authentic theater experience.
Integration
Smart TVs support various integrations. The integration support is probably one of the most appealing features of a smart TV. Integration refers to the TV’s compatibility with other smart devices, such as voice support and smart home devices.
The best examples are modern-day Android TVs with built-in features such as Google Assistant and Google Chromecast. If you have android devices in your home, buy a smart TV that integrates with built-in android features.
Apps
Since the goal of buying a smart TV is to enjoy your favorite entertainment, your preferences play a crucial role when choosing a suitable TV for your needs. Streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are among the most popular options across many platforms.
However, not all TVs support all services. Although most smart TV options have preinstalled apps, you should choose an option that has an app store where you can download and install the apps you want.
Some TVs like Vizio smart TVs have all apps installed and add new services via updates. LG and Samsung grant you access to their respective stores, where you can purchase additional apps.
Conclusion
While buying a new TV today can be challenging, it all comes down to your personal preferences.
Determine the budget you’re willing to spend on a TV, as it will help you to determine the appropriate screen size, resolution, refresh rate and integration support for your needs.
Make sure you have access to reliable Wi-Fi and take your time to get to know the TV settings you’ll be using daily.
