Buying a Good TV:
5 Tips You Need to Know
Posted on 20 July 2021
It’s common knowledge that choosing a good TV is not as easy as it may sound. We tend to get overwhelmed by the variety of different TV models that markets usually have to offer – 4K, HD, HDR - what does it even all mean? It almost feels like reading a spell! That is why we decided to do some research and present you with five useful tips when choosing your very own TV. Therefore, sit back and absorb the knowledge.
1. Your budget
First and foremost, you have to figure out your budget. There is simply no point in looking at all the possible TV options, prices of which may drastically vary. Set a realistic price, the one that won’t leave your wallet empty, but will let you buy a decent TV that you and your family are going to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to spend just a little bit more and you’ll find yourself investing in a good, 42-inch (or bigger!), 4K smart TV that’s full of different features like Bluetooth connectivity, an array of HDMI ports (you want at least four), streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Disney, ect.) and many more! Realistically, your budget is the limit, but don’t go buying the most expensive TV you can find – chances are, there are probably better, cheaper options!
2. Screen size
Secondly, something that you will probably see as incredibly important (and we agree, it really is!) – it’s the size of the screen. Now, this links to your budget, but consider this – would you rather have a smaller TV with better features and overall greater quality or a bigger TV with the quality that doesn’t quite satisfy you? We think we might know the answer to this question – it’s better to invest in something that’s going to bring you joy and happiness rather than frustration. What is crucial though, is that you have to consider where you are going to put your new set and how many people are going to watch it. Keep in mind that your screen size should also depend on how close you sit to the TV when watching it. A simple rule is – if you can see individual pixels, you’re too close, so you might want to move back a little. Don’t let it damage your vision!
3. Screen resolution
Next, choose your screen resolution. This is something we all struggle with – do we want 8K, 4K, or maybe HD is going to be enough? It’s a tough choice. One thing important to remember is that resolution translates to the amount of pixels that the picture on the screen is made of. In most cases, you would want more pixels for a better quality, so realistically, it shouldn’t be too hard to choose. The most common resolution we all have heard of is the full HD, which does provide a nice picture; however, nowadays we see the rise of Ultra HD (or 4K) TV sets that offer four times more pixels than the simple HD TVs. The best thing about 4K is that small objects on the screen seem more detailed and the text is more readable. Moreover, such sharper picture lets you enjoy your TV experience from a shorter distance, making it easier to have a bigger TV in a smaller room. We think it’s definitely worth checking out.
"The television is 'real'. It is immediate, it has dimension. It tells you what to think and blasts it in. It must be right. It seems so right."
- Ray Bradbury
4. High dynamic range
Up next – HDR. We hope this doesn’t confuse you. HDR stands for high dynamic range. It’s the new feature in 4K TV sets that allows it to deliver more colours, set a better contrast level, and brighten the picture. Ideally, try to opt for HDR in your TV, as the difference in graphics is truly noticeable. Instead of getting true-to-life, bland colours, you will get a great, bright picture that up to recently was not even possible to see on a TV screen. What HDR does, is that it expands the colour and contrast ratios, this way creating a dazzling picture on your screen. That is truly something you will notice once you try it.
5. HDMI ports
Lastly, opt for more ports and cables. This may seem counter-intuitive, but believe us, you want those four HDMI ports. It’s so easy to use them up – add a Chromecast, a gaming console, plug in your HDMI cable and almost all of your ports are gone! Many TV manufacturers try to cut the prices by offering less ports but that is no good, don’t settle for that. Make sure at least one of those ports supports the newer HDMI 2.1 format. Trust us, you won’t regret it. And when it comes to cables, do get those better ones. Better HDMI cables go a long way, and AV cables pass a wider signal faster, so you will be golden.
To conclude, don’t settle for less than you can actually get. A good TV is not that difficult to choose when you actually know where to look and what tips to follow. We hope our little list has helped you to decide what to pick and bring home. Remember, try not to spend all of your savings on a big TV that might not have all the features you want. Instead, you might want to wait for a bargain and get that fancy TV you always dreamed of.
Stay tuned for more useful and varied Gear Geek resources in the coming weeks and months, including guides on our new and exciting products.
Thank you!