Remember when it felt like a TV cost as much as a car? Fortunately, those days are behind us. Even smart UHD TV sets don’t go above the same asking price of an Apple iPhone.
After all, the current average price of this appliance is at $1,200. It’s been on a downward trend since 2011, and it’s expected to remain that way in the coming years.
If you want to get a big screen TV, you need to ask yourself some questions. Your choice of appliances is as important as your choice of home insulation. Read this TV buying guide to get the most out of your money.
1. What is the TV’s Refresh Rate?
If you want to watch sports without losing any of its fast-paced action, this is a critical detail. The refresh rate defines the rate of new image appearance on the TV panel. Experts use image per second as a means of measuring this factor.
Take note that the refresh rate is different from frame rate. The exceptions are FreeSync or G-Sync TV displays. Also, it’s important to learn that some TV makers use terms like motion rates or TruMotion to measure their refresh rates.
These specifications are often higher than the actual refresh rate. Manufacturers do this for marketing process. Research on the equivalent actual refresh rate and work from there.
2. What is the TV’s Resolution?
Resolution is most likely the first specification you use to compare TVs. This factor refers to the number of pixels the TVs display. A lot of the new high-end ones have 4k resolutions, meaning that there are about 3,840 by 2,160 pixels on their screens.
Resolution plays a huge part in determining image quality. But don’t forget to consider the display size. The reason is the fact that you see a big difference in the quality of UHD resolutions on bigger TV screens.
Small TVs don’t factor in resolution as much.
3. What is the High Dynamic Range Feature?
If you opt to get a 4k Ultra HD TV, you need to see whether it has the HDR feature. The reason behind it is that you can expect the TV to give more vibrant colors. It also offers more contrast levels and increases its brightness.
In its basic sense, the HDR features serve as the upgrade of the 4k format. It’s important to remember that 1080p HD sets can’t have this feature. But don’t pick a TV set for its HDR capabilities since the manufacturers haven’t set the standard yet.
4. How Many HDMI Connections Does the TV Have?
It isn’t one of the questions you might ask right away. But it’s important since it determines whether the manufacturers shaved the costs to make the TV. Pay attention to the number of HDMI plugs since fewer often means lower quality.
For 4k TVs, make sure that its ports have HDMI 2.0 support. This enables it to support future UHD sources. But most TVs in the market only have one port supporting HDCP 2.2 (high-bandwidth digital content protection).
The bottom line is that you should get a TV with at least four HDMI ports. Ask for an HDCP-compatible set if you’re going for a 4k TV.
5. Do I Need Curved Screens?
Most manufacturers sell the idea of curved screens as a means of improving the overall TV experience. The truth is that curved screens don’t give any technical advantages. There are lots of reports saying that the curved screens distort images and make the side-viewing angles limited.
What this means is that only people in a narrow, central spot can have the best view. It’s also prone to making less consistent brightness across LED screens. All in all, its main draw is the fashionable design.
Also, keep in mind that curved TVs are more challenging to install. For the bigger sets, it’s a better idea to hire professionals who have experience when it comes to TV wall installation.
6. Do I Need Smart TVs?
With the advances in technology, smart TVs become more prominent. Most already have Wi-Fi connectivity and have access to streaming services like Netflix. The interfaces are now user-friendly, even when you have little technology experience.
What you need to realize is that the smart capability will soon become a standard for any TV sets. This means you don’t need to factor it in as much when thinking about what to look for in a TV.
7. Should I Look at the Contrast Ratio?
This feature will determine the range of brightness levels the TV can display. What this means is that better contrast ratios enable TVs to display shadows and hues better. The ultimate goal is to have better graphics detail.
The main problem is that manufacturers measure the ratios in different ways. That means the number is often unreliable. What this means is that you don’t need to pay attention to it when comparing different brands.
8. What Do I Need for Audio?
Even the most high-end HDTVs can have poor sound capabilities. This is the result of the flat panel design, meaning there’s not enough room for larger speakers. You have two choices to solve this: get a full-surround system or settle for a soundbar.
If you want something more affordable, go for soundbars. Most of them cost around $300 but give a fuller cinematic experience. It’s small enough not to become obstructive to your view too.
9. What’s the TV Warranty?
Always remember that high-quality TV brands offer a long period of warranty. The reason is the fact that they’re durable and can last for a long time. If you get a defective model, it should become noticeable within the first month.
In short, TV sets with short warranties should raise red flags.
10. What Are the Deals Out There?
You’ll get more features and quality when paying for full price. But remember that there are a lot of great TVs out there that have these same capabilities at a lesser price. Watch out for appliance sales and you might find great deals that will save you thousands of dollars.
Get Your Big Screen TV Today!
Smart, big screen TV sets now have cheaper prices due to rapid technological advances. Ask yourself these questions and you’ll find the best one for you.
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