When it comes to buying a TV, the main issue for consumers these days is trying to make sense of the jargon. If you don’t know your OLEDs from your LCDs or your HDRs from your HMIS, then read on.
Size
Generally, you want to go for the largest TV screen size that you can view comfortably. This usually means that you don’t want to be able to make out individual pixels as you watch. However, screen size isn’t the only option to consider. You can actually get a far better image on a smaller screen.
Pixels
Pixel density is the number of pixels (or individual light emitting objects) that make up one square inch (DPI). The higher the density, the better. Older flatscreen TVs had a density of 780 DPI and the current crop are mainly 1080, but if you can afford it, and you want to future-proof your purchase as much as possible, then you want to go for a 4k screen, which packs in a whopping 4000 pixels per square inch. It’s the number. The density also means you can sit closer to the screen, so it’s great for smaller rooms where you still want the big screen experience.
Smart
The sight of TV aerials in Swansea may soon be a thing of the past. Any TV you buy should be ‘smart’ – internet enabled – and capable of pulling most programming in via your own Wi-Fi. TVs should have access to Netflix and other streaming services. One useful thing to check is whether your TV comes with an app that allows you to control it from your mobile phone – perfect for those who always lose their remote. You should also be aware some TV manufacturers load TVs with their own proprietary software, which may lock out a service you want included.
HDR
You can consult experts such as One Vision about extras you may want to consider like HDR, an upgrade to 4K TVs that offers a richer range of colours.
LCD vs OLED
Most TVs are still LCD screens, but OLED (organic light emitting diodes) TVs are the next big thing, producing better light as opposed to trying to pack more pixels in. However, they are still very expensive, so this may be one extra to skip for the time being.