The right TV can transform your viewing experience, but how do you go about selecting the perfect hardware for your home? With so many options out there, it’s easy to see why people get confused when they’re shopping for a new TV set. To make things easier, take a look at these features and functions to look out for:
1. Built-in Freeview Play
Most new TVs have built-in Freeview functionality, but why stop there? Choosing a TV with built-in Freeview Play will give you access to a whole range of additional features. From pausing and rewinding live TV so streaming your favourite shows via the mobile app, there’s loads you can do with Freeview Play.
However, if you’ve got your heart set on a TV that doesn’t have Freeview Play as standard, there’s no need to panic. Humax Direct offers top quality Freeview Play recorders that are compatible with virtually all modern TVs. Simply incorporate one into your system and you’ll have full access to the Freeview Play service.
2. Screen size
When you’re choosing a new TV, the screen size is one of the most important features to consider. People tend to assume that a bigger screen is always better, but this may not be the case. The ideal screen size will depend on what room you’re going to be using the TV in and how much viewing space you have.
For TVs with 60” screens, for example, it’s recommended that you view 4K footage from at least 5 feet away and 1080p footage from at least 10 feet away. Being too close to a large screen can have a negative impact on your viewing experience, so don’t be tempted to buy the biggest TV you can find. Instead, measure the room your new TV will be going in and factor in where you’ll be sitting when you’re watching your favourite shows. By determining how much distance you can put between you and the TV, you’ll be able to decide what screen size is right for you.
3. Resolution
The resolution of your TV effects the clarity of the picture, so it’s important to choose a set that offers a relatively high resolution. Today’s technology means you can choose from 1080p, UHD, 2K, 4K or 8K when selecting a high definition television.
As you might expect, an 8K TV offers a better resolution than a 4K set, technically speaking. However, many casual viewers will find 1080p, UHD and 2K TVs more than enough for their needs. If you use your television for editing videos or creating media, you may want to invest in hardware that offers 8k resolution but, if not, you won’t necessarily need the highest definition out there.
The best way to gauge what resolution is best for you is to visit a store and take a look at the various options. This gives you the chance to view TVs with various resolutions and compare them. While some viewers love the detail 8K televisions offer, others are more than happy with a lower resolution.
4. OLED, LCD or Plasma screen
Modern TVs feature various different types of screens, so you’ll want to know the difference before you decide which television to buy. The most straightforward distinction is that LCD TVs are backlit by LEDs, whereas OLED and Plasma screens create their own light. However, what does this mean for viewers?
Generally, an LCD TV will be brighter when a white or light screen is viewed. However, OLED or Plasma will usually offer a better contrast between colours. Furthermore, OLED and Plasma screens can switch their lights off, which means you’ll see richer blackness when it’s depicted on the screen.
OLED is the newest option, but this also means it’s generally the priciest. In addition to this, you’ll find that most OLED screens are larger in size. Similarly, Plasma TVs are typically large but you should be aware that many manufacturers are choosing to stop producing Plasma screens as new tech becomes available.
In contrast, LED televisions are widely available in a range of sizes and they’re typically lower in price. While media fans will love the rich colours and contrast OLED screens offer, LCD TVs still offer great picture quality and are a fantastic choice for home use.
Finding the Right TV
If you want to grab a bargain, wait for a promotion, offer or sale to start. By researching your options now, you can decide what television is right for you and be ready to pounce as soon as a sale is announced. Remember – you can register for news and offers on many retailer’s websites, so this could be a way to fast-track your position in the queue as soon as discount becomes available.