When it comes to buying a new television, the options can be overwhelming. With so many different brands, models, and features available, it can be difficult to know what to look for. In this article, we’ll break down the key features to consider when buying a smart TV, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect TV for your needs.
Display Quality
The display quality of a smart TV is one of its most important features. After all, the whole point of a TV is to provide a great viewing experience. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to display quality:
Resolution
The resolution of a TV refers to the number of pixels it has. A higher resolution means a sharper, more detailed picture. There are several different resolutions available, including:
- HD (High Definition): 1280×720 pixels
- Full HD: 1920×1080 pixels
- 4K (Ultra High Definition): 3840×2160 pixels
- 8K: 7680×4320 pixels
For most people, a 4K resolution is the sweet spot. It provides a great balance between picture quality and price. However, if you want the absolute best picture quality, you may want to consider an 8K TV.
Panel Type
The panel type of a TV refers to the type of technology used to create the display. There are several different panel types available, including:
- LED/LCD: This is the most common type of panel. It uses a layer of LEDs to illuminate a layer of LCDs.
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): This type of panel uses a layer of organic material to produce the images. It is known for its excellent contrast and black levels.
- QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode): This type of panel uses tiny crystals to create the colors. It is known for its excellent color accuracy and brightness.
OLED and QLED panels are generally considered to be higher quality than LED/LCD panels. However, they are also more expensive.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a TV refers to how often it updates the image on the screen. A higher refresh rate means a smoother, more responsive picture. There are several different refresh rates available, including:
- 60Hz: This is the most common refresh rate. It is suitable for most types of content, including TV shows and movies.
- 120Hz: This refresh rate is better suited for fast-paced content, such as sports and video games.
- 240Hz: This is the highest refresh rate available. It is best suited for very fast-paced content, such as esports.
Smart TV Features
A smart TV is a TV that can connect to the internet and run apps. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to smart TV features:
Operating System
The operating system of a smart TV is the software that runs the TV’s apps and interface. There are several different operating systems available, including:
- Android TV: This is a popular operating system that is used by many different brands.
- Tizen: This is the operating system used by Samsung.
- webOS: This is the operating system used by LG.
- SmartCast: This is the operating system used by Vizio.
Each operating system has its own strengths and weaknesses. Android TV, for example, has a wide selection of apps available, while Tizen is known for its user-friendly interface.
App Selection
The app selection of a smart TV refers to the number and quality of apps available. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV with a wide selection of popular apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Consider a TV with a built-in streaming service, such as Samsung’s TV Plus.
- Check to see if the TV has any exclusive apps that are not available on other platforms.
Voice Control
Voice control is a feature that allows you to control the TV with your voice. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV with built-in voice control, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Consider a TV with a remote control that has a built-in microphone.
- Check to see if the TV is compatible with any external voice control devices, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a smart TV is an important consideration. Here are a few things to look for:
Speakers
The speakers of a TV are an important consideration. Here are a few things to look for:
- Look for a TV with high-quality speakers that are capable of producing clear, detailed sound.
- Consider a TV with a separate subwoofer for improved bass response.
- Check to see if the TV has any external audio outputs, such as HDMI or optical.
Sound Formats
The sound formats of a TV refer to the types of audio it can play. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV that supports popular sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- Consider a TV that supports object-based audio, which allows for more precise control over the sound.
- Check to see if the TV has any external audio inputs, such as HDMI or optical.
Gaming Features
If you’re a gamer, there are several features to consider when buying a smart TV. Here are a few things to look for:
Input Lag
Input lag refers to the delay between the time you enter a command and the time it appears on the screen. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV with low input lag, which is typically measured in milliseconds.
- Consider a TV with a gaming mode, which can help reduce input lag.
- Check to see if the TV has any external gaming features, such as support for NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a TV is an important consideration for gamers. Here are a few things to look for:
- Look for a TV with a high refresh rate, such as 120Hz or 240Hz.
- Consider a TV with a variable refresh rate, which can help reduce screen tearing.
- Check to see if the TV has any external gaming features, such as support for NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync.
Connectivity
The connectivity of a smart TV is an important consideration. Here are a few things to look for:
HDMI Ports
HDMI ports are used to connect external devices, such as Blu-ray players and game consoles. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV with multiple HDMI ports, which can help reduce clutter and make it easier to connect devices.
- Consider a TV with HDMI 2.1, which is the latest version of the HDMI standard.
- Check to see if the TV has any external HDMI features, such as support for ARC (Audio Return Channel).
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is an important consideration for smart TVs. Here are a few things to look for:
- Look for a TV with built-in Wi-Fi, which can help reduce clutter and make it easier to connect to the internet.
- Consider a TV with Bluetooth, which can help connect external devices, such as headphones and speakers.
- Check to see if the TV has any external wireless features, such as support for Wi-Fi 6.
Additional Features
There are several additional features to consider when buying a smart TV. Here are a few things to look for:
HDR Support
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature that can help improve the picture quality of a TV. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV that supports HDR, which can help improve the contrast and color accuracy of the picture.
- Consider a TV that supports multiple HDR formats, such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
- Check to see if the TV has any external HDR features, such as support for HDR10+.
Wide Color Gamut
Wide color gamut is a feature that can help improve the color accuracy of a TV. Here are a few things to consider:
- Look for a TV that supports wide color gamut, which can help improve the color accuracy of the picture.
- Consider a TV that supports multiple color formats, such as DCI-P3 and Rec. 2020.
- Check to see if the TV has any external color features, such as support for color calibration.
In conclusion, buying a smart TV can be a complex process, but by considering the key features outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect TV for your needs. Remember to look for a TV with a high-quality display, a wide selection of apps, and a range of connectivity options. Additionally, consider features such as voice control, sound quality, and gaming features, which can help enhance your viewing experience.
What screen size is ideal for my room?
The ideal screen size for your room depends on several factors, including the room’s dimensions, seating distance, and personal preference. A general rule of thumb is to look for a screen size that is between 27-40 inches if you’ll be sitting 3-4 feet away, 40-60 inches if you’ll be sitting 5-6 feet away, and 65 inches or larger if you’ll be sitting 7 feet or more away.
However, it’s also important to consider the room’s lighting and the TV’s resolution. If the room is very bright, you may want a larger screen to ensure the image isn’t washed out. On the other hand, if the room is dimly lit, a smaller screen may be sufficient. Additionally, if you’re looking at 4K or 8K TVs, you may be able to sit closer to the screen without noticing pixelation.
What is the difference between LED, OLED, and QLED TVs?
LED, OLED, and QLED are different technologies used to illuminate and display images on a TV screen. LED TVs use a backlight to illuminate a layer of liquid crystals, which block or allow light to pass through to create images. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs, on the other hand, use an emissive technology, where each pixel emits its own light, resulting in true blacks and infinite contrast ratio.
QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) TVs use tiny crystals to create colors, which are then illuminated by a backlight. QLED TVs are known for their bright colors and high contrast ratio, but may not be as good as OLEDs in terms of true blacks. Ultimately, the choice between LED, OLED, and QLED depends on your budget, viewing habits, and personal preferences.
What is 4K resolution, and do I need it?
4K resolution, also known as Ultra HD (UHD), refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p). 4K resolution provides a much more detailed and crisp image, with a higher pixel density. If you want to future-proof your TV and enjoy the best possible picture quality, 4K is a good choice.
However, it’s worth noting that 4K content is still not as widely available as Full HD content, and you may not notice a huge difference if you’re watching mostly standard definition or HD content. Additionally, 4K TVs are generally more expensive than lower-resolution TVs, so it’s worth considering your budget and viewing habits before making a decision.
What is HDR, and how does it improve picture quality?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a technology that enhances the contrast and color accuracy of an image, resulting in a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience. HDR content is mastered to take advantage of the TV’s capabilities, with a wider range of colors and contrast levels. This means that HDR content can display both very bright and very dark areas of the image simultaneously, without losing detail.
There are different types of HDR, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 is an open standard, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are proprietary formats that offer additional features and improvements. If you want to enjoy the best possible picture quality, look for a TV that supports HDR, and make sure it’s compatible with the type of HDR content you’ll be watching.
How important is refresh rate, and what is the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz?
Refresh rate refers to the number of times the TV updates the image on the screen per second. A higher refresh rate can provide a smoother and more responsive viewing experience, especially for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. A 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for most content, but a 120Hz refresh rate can provide a more cinematic experience.
However, it’s worth noting that the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz may not be noticeable to everyone, and it’s also dependent on the type of content you’re watching. If you’re a gamer or watch a lot of fast-paced content, a higher refresh rate may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you mostly watch movies or TV shows, a 60Hz refresh rate may be sufficient.
What smart TV features should I look for?
When it comes to smart TV features, there are several things to consider. First, look for a TV with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. You should also consider the TV’s voice control capabilities, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
Additionally, consider the TV’s connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI ports. Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports to connect all your devices, and consider a TV with wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0. Finally, look for a TV with features like multi-device control and smart home integration, which can enhance your overall viewing experience.
What is the difference between a smart TV and a streaming device?
A smart TV is a TV that has built-in internet connectivity and a range of apps, allowing you to stream content directly from the TV. A streaming device, on the other hand, is a separate device that connects to your TV and provides access to streaming services. Examples of streaming devices include Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
While a smart TV can provide a convenient and streamlined viewing experience, a streaming device can offer more flexibility and customization options. For example, you can easily switch between different streaming services on a streaming device, and you can also use it to stream content from your phone or tablet. Ultimately, the choice between a smart TV and a streaming device depends on your viewing habits and personal preferences.