Smart TV buying guide: things you need to know

Smart TV QLED

Shopping for the perfect big-screen TV should be an enjoyable experience, not a struggle with technical details. Smart TV. LED, LCD TVs, QLED TVs, 4K. 8K, HDR. The world of HDTVs is looking better every day! The reality is that the latest TV’s have not only never been better, but they’ve also never been this cheap and affordable.

Customers always wish they had chosen a bigger TV rather than a smaller model. Plus, with the sleek design of modern TVs, larger screens take up much less space than you might think.

Store Prices vary widely for big-screen TVs of the same size. Smart TV manufacturers use extra features, alien-sounding jargon, and false claims about picture quality to empty your pocket. And as usual, the internet is a mess of ever-conflicting reviews, fake facts, opinions, and unexplained jargon.

Smart TV

There are a few key factors to consider when buying a TV:

  • Size: The size of the TV is an important factor to consider, as it will determine how far you need to sit from the screen and how much of the room it will take up. Choosing a TV size is generally recommended based on the distance you’ll be sitting from it. For example, if you’ll be sitting about 8 feet away from the TV, a 65-inch TV would be a good choice.
  • TV Resolution: TVs are available in different resolutions, such as 1080p (Full HD), 4K, and 8K. Higher resolutions offer improved picture quality with more detailed images, but it’s worth noting that higher-resolution TVs can be more expensive and may require more powerful hardware to run.
  • Display technology: There are several types of display technologies available, including LED, OLED, QLED, and more. Each type of display has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you will depend on your needs and budget.
  • Smart features: If you want to be able to access streaming services and apps on your TV, you’ll want to look for a smart TV with built-in internet connectivity. Some TVs also come with virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control your home’s TV and other smart devices using voice commands.
  • Sound quality: The sound quality of a TV can be an important factor, especially if you don’t have a separate sound system. Look for TVs with good sound quality or consider purchasing a separate soundbar or home theater system to enhance the audio experience.
  • Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a TV and look for a model that offers the features and performance you need within your budget. It’s worth noting that higher-priced TVs may offer improved picture quality and a wider range of features, but they may not necessarily be the best value for everyone.

Types of Smart TVs
There are several types of smart TVs available on the market. Here are a few common ones:

  • Android TV: These TVs run on the Android operating system, which is the same system used on many smartphones and tablets. Android TVs come with built-in Google Assistant and support a wide range of apps and games from the Google Play Store.
  • Samsung Tizen: Samsung smart TVs run on the Tizen operating system, which Samsung develops. Tizen TVs come with built-in Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant, and offer a range of apps and games from the Samsung App Store.
  • LG webOS: LG smart TVs run on the webOS operating system, which is developed by LG. webOS TVs come with built-in LG ThinQ, LG’s virtual assistant, and offer a range of apps and games from the LG Content Store.
  • Roku TV: These TVs come with built-in Roku streaming platform, allowing you to access a wide range of streaming services and channels without needing an external streaming device.
  • Amazon Fire TV: These TVs come with the built-in Amazon Fire TV streaming platform, allowing you to access a wide range of streaming services and channels without needing an external streaming device.
  • Apple TV: These TVs come with the Apple TV streaming platform built-in, allowing you to access a wide range of streaming services and channels, as well as Apple’s own content library, without the need for an external streaming device.
  • Smart TVs with built-in Chromecast: Some TVs come with Google’s Chromecast built-in, allowing you to easily cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the TV.
  • Smart TVs with built-in AirPlay: Some TVs come with Apple’s AirPlay built-in, allowing you to easily share content from your Apple device with the TV.

TV Resolution Comparison Chart

tv resolution comparison chart

We’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you keep track of everything.

What to look for when buying a TV

TV Resolution720p or 1080p or 4K resolution If you want a future-proof set stay with 4K, 8K is pricy
Screen Size
Biggest Factor
32" 40" 43" 50" 55" 60" 65" 70" 75" 80" 85"Start at 55 inches, unless you're in a small apartment or dorm.
Extended WarrantiesBiggest revenue generators for stores is the extended warranty. Why? Because they are so rarely usedSave Your Money
HDRLook for an HDR-compatible setHDR offers more realistic colors and better contrast.
Refresh Rate60 Hz or 120 Hz or 240 HzFaster is Better, Start with 120 Hz
HDMI and ConnectionsGo for More : Look for at least four HDMI ports
Opt for the newer HDMI 2.1 format if you can
TV Screen TypesLCD, LED LCD, OLED, QLEDBetween basic LCD and pricey OLED displays, quantum-dot enhancement is a smart way to go.
8K Resolution8K Content is missingHold Off
Contrast RatiosBetter contrast ratios display more subtle shadows and hues, and thus better detail.

Whether you’re looking for a basic or high-performance gaming TV, The biggest factor in your decision will probably be screen size.Smart TV

The Guidelines from the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers recommend sitting at a distance where the screen fills up about 30° of your field of vision as a minimum for a good experience. A higher field of view was first made possible with Full HD resolutions, but 4k enhances that ability even more.

Extended Warranties : Save Your Money

 Smart TV with HDR

The biggest revenue generator for electronics stores is the extended warranty, as they are so rarely needed.

So, if you get a lemon, it’s likely to be apparent, at least within the first 30 days of ownership….. a time period usually covered by a standard store-return policy. Beyond that, most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty. Credit card companies may offer additional automatic coverage on purchases, so check with your provider. Costco is an excellent place to buy as they have a 90-day return policy.

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Smart TVs

Smart TVs are essentially regular TVs that have built-in wifi capabilities for connecting to the Internet, which is why they’re also known as Internet-ready TVs.

Why do smart TV’s have terrible browsers in them?

QLED TV

The tv manufacturers’ Business models is to be blamed, Apps make money, Web Browsers let you bypass Apps (FCC looks other way .. capitalism).

All of the smart tv interfaces load slowly, feel unresponsive, and as many others have noted suffer from ui design issues in addition to performance problems.

TV Screen Size OLED TV

Bigger and closer is usually better when choosing the perfect tv for your room. Not only is the tv size the biggest factor affecting the price of a television, but it also has a huge impact on the perceived picture quality and color. The more a TV fills your view, the more captivating the content will be.

Smart TVs For Streaming
Almost all new TVs come equipped with a smart platform. Some TV manufacturers choose to use their own smart platforms, whereas others choose to integrate innovative platforms like Android or Roku. No matter the case, the selection of apps is excellent and the most common apps are available on almost all platforms.

The Best Live TV Streaming Services
When it comes to services that help you save money, cable is never on that list.

The best way to maximize your content selection is to buy a set-top box such as a Roku Premiere, Fire TV Stick 4K, or Apple TV 4K

Netflix, VidMate, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, VUDU, Showbox, Megabox HD, JioCinema, SnagFilms, Free Flix, Viewster, Sony Crackle, Tubi, Kanopy, IMDb Freedrive, Fubo

What are QLED TVs?

QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode) is a type of display technology used in TVs and monitors. It uses a layer of quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles, to produce the colors on the screen.

QLED TVs are generally more expensive than standard LED TVs, but they offer improved picture quality and a wider range of features. It’s worth noting that while QLED TVs are a step up from standard LED TVs, they may not offer the same level of performance as OLED TVs, which use organic materials to produce the light on the screen and can offer even deeper black levels and wider viewing angles.

What are 8K TVs?

8K TVs, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs, are TVs with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels, which is four times the resolution of 4K TVs (3840 x 2160 pixels) and sixteen times the resolution of Full HD TVs (1920 x 1080 pixels). 8K TVs offer improved picture quality with higher levels of detail, improved color accuracy, and wider viewing angles compared to lower resolution TVs.

Currently, 8K content is still limited, and most TV shows and movies are unavailable in 8K resolution. However, 8K TVs can still be used to watch lower resolution content, such as Full HD and 4K, and can use upscaling technology to improve the quality of this content.

What are Gaming TVs?

A gaming TV is a TV that is specifically designed for playing video games. Gaming TVs typically have features that are designed to improve the gaming experience, such as a fast refresh rate, low input lag, and support for high-resolution graphics.

Some of the features to consider when looking for a gaming TV include:

  • Refresh rate: The refresh rate measures how many times per second the TV can update the image on the screen. A higher refresh rate can make fast-moving action scenes appear smoother and more fluid.
  • Input lag: Input lag is the delay between when you press a button on your controller and when the action appears on the screen. Low input lag is important for competitive gaming, as it can give you a competitive edge.
  • Resolution: Gaming TVs are often available in high resolutions, such as 4K or 8K, which can provide improved picture quality and more detailed graphics.
  • HDR: High dynamic range (HDR) can improve the contrast and color depth of the picture, making the image more lifelike and immersive.
  • Connectivity: Gaming TVs should have a range of connectivity options, such as HDMI and USB ports, to allow you to connect your gaming console or PC.
  • Compatibility: Make sure that the TV is compatible with your gaming console or PC, and check for features such as support for specific gaming features or technologies.

It’s worth noting that while a gaming TV can offer improved picture quality and features that are tailored to the needs of gamers, it may not be necessary to upgrade to a gaming TV if you already have a high-quality TV that meets your needs.

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