TV makes an essential telecommunication system for any home. It ideally serves the entertainment purpose. With a wide range of television options with LED, HDR, OLED, QLED, and more available in the market, it is now easier to select the best TV model that matches your requirements. But, with the plethora of TV model choices available both online and offline, it can get a bit confusing for anyone to choose the right television set selection for their homes, offices, and other chosen institutions.
This article guides you through the essentials of television buying to understand and upgrade your optimal viewing experience!
Common Types of TVs
TVs can be chosen from different screen types, sizes, and technologies that match your viewing preferences. The screen size usually affects the cost, picture quality, resolution, viewing distance, and more advanced features. Listed below are the common TV types available to users:
LCD
LCD stands for liquid crystal display. LCD TVs are lightweight and feature a thinner body and make the most common types of TV today. LCD TVs typically replaced the Cathode-ray TVs or CRTs. LCD TVs in the 2000s were considered the cutting-edge choice and expensive choices.
In recent times, LCDs have been considered to be an affordable choice. But LCDs consume more power and tend to increase the energy bills. Also, compared to other new-age TV models, it features a duller picture quality compared to TVs with advanced screen features.
LED
LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes and LED TVs are mostly crafted or interchangeably used in combination with LCD TVs.In these types of TVs, the backlight of the LCD TV is lit with diodes.
LED-backlit TVs can be chosen from the following three configurations:
Full-array LEDs
Full-array LEDs provide for the best lighting projection than a common LED TV set. In the full-array TV model, the LEDs are distributed evenly across the entire TV screen and provide uniform backlight. It also gives an eye-soothing dimming to turn LED zones on and off in seconds.
Edge-Lit LEDs
Edge-lit LED TVs include LEDs at the edges of the screen. As per the models, the LEDs can be added on the left and right of the screen or even at the top and bottom of the screen. Some models may even include a semi-edge-lit screen which can result in some spots on the screen appearing to be brighter as compared to others.
Direct-lit LEDs
Direct-lit TVs feature a direct-lit display which has a similar outlook to that of a full-array LED TV. The only difference is that, in direct-lit LEDs, there are some LEDs evenly added behind the screen. The drawback of these screens is that the LEDs can’t be managed separately to feature bright images. Also, Direct-Lit LEDs have a slightly thicker screen as compared to edge-lit or full-array models and are cost-effective too.
OLED
OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes. OLED TVs are crafted based on standard LED TV technology, but they utilize emissive pixels instead of transmissive pixels. The emissive pixels of the OLED TVs do not need a separate light source to start them i.e.backlight. It essentially means that when the picture pixel starts to produce the image on the TV screen, it goes into an off mode which is better for the longevity of the TV and consumes less power too.
The prime benefits of OLED TVs are that they provide a quick response time, excellent brightness and contrast, quality viewing angle and compatibility with battery-led applications, and more. But, even when the emissive pixels of the OLED TVs are not activated, the blue organic material system included in these TVs can catch moisture and may lead to longevity issues. Also, some OLED TV models may be difficult to view in direct sunlight.
QLED
QLED stands for Quantum Light-Emitting Diode. QLED TVs are crafted with the similar technology used in simple LED TV models. These TVs utilize a backlight system that produces a brighter picture as compared to the basic LCD model. QLED TVs feature microscopic molecules that provide their unique coloured light when activated through external light sources.
QLED TVs have a slightly thicker body as compared to OLEDs due to the backlight inclusion and they feature a much brighter image which especially makes them a great choice for rooms that are exposed to direct sunlight. The luminance in QLED TVs is much superior to the other types of TVs and their contrast ratio is better too.
4K UHD
4K UHD or 4K TVs are synonymous with Ultra-high definition TVs. Simply put, 4K TVs feature an ultra HD display that is four times the higher resolution than a basic HD display. Most 4K UHD TVs feature a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels or approximately 8.3 million pixels in totality.
The basic LCD, LED, QLED, and OLED TVs feature a specific display type, the 4K UHD is calculated as per the resolution output. So, to receive the 4k UHD display, the ideal size of the TV should be at least 55 inches or bigger.
Prime Features of TV
TV features may be lesser in basic models and more in high-end models. Consider these key features commonly included in the TVs:
Screen Size
Entry-level or basic TV models typically include a scene size no smaller than 32 inches but there are some models which can be chosen from 24 inches too. So TVs with a less than 32 inches size can be referred to as mini TVs. In today’s times, 40-55 inch TVs are a common choice for most households. Bigger screen models i.e. 55 inches and more are ideal for a spacious living room or lounge area.
65-inch TVs or larger are more heavier and costly as compared to other models and provide the finest entertainment experience in the grand room.
Note - The TV screen size is measured diagonally from one corner to the other and not straight across on the top or bottom. It means the dimensions of your chosen TV will vary and will be longer than the featured screen size.
Standard TV vs. Smart TV
Smart TVs include built-in software that allows you to access the internet with Wi-Fi to watch your favorite shows, movies, TV shows, and other popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Hulu, Roku, etc. Common smart TV platforms include Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, Tizen (Samsung), and more.
Standard TVs on the other hand do not include any built-in software systems and can be connected with regular antenna, cable or satellite to enjoy your preferred shows and entertainment channels
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of rows and columns of pixels added behind the TV screen to create the display. 1080p or 1920 x 1080 pixels is the most common resolution for basic to mid-range high-definition TVs. Simply put, the higher the number of pixels or resolutions, the finer the image quality will be.
4K UHD TVs provide 3840x2160 resolution which is twice that of the full HD resolution TVs and thrice that of the basic HD TV models. The TV with a 4K UHD display needs to be 55 inches or more to form a brilliant resolution. It means that if you wish to buy a TV of around 40 inches or smaller, the 1080p resolution will be sufficient to match your picture quality and display requirements.
HDR
HDR or high dynamic range showcases a clear image that is rich with brightness, contrast, and deep hues. The dynamic range features the finest contrast between the brightness and darkness and the greater the range, the finest the detail will be.
If you want to enjoy HDR content on an HDR-compatible TV, you will require a fast internet connection to enjoy your favorite shows without any hindrance. The bandwidth should be around 15-25 Mbps to enjoy the HDR content!
Viewing Angle
It is recommended to view the TV at a certain angle and distance to view the display perfectly. That means, when you view the TV from too far from the side, the picture image will appear inaccurate to the viewer. And when you sit directly in front of the TV, you can view the screen as clearly as possible.
If the room includes multiple seatings like two sofas, a sectional couch and other such options, then one may face different angles in front of the TV. In such scenarios, ideally, select a model that features a wider viewing angle. For example, OLED TVs include a better viewing angle of around 70 inches from the center and provide superior viewing from the sides as compared to LED or QLED televisions that include a viewing angle of 20 to 40 degrees.
Sound
Almost all high-definition TVs include Dolby Atmos audio paired with Dolby Vision for the finest audio and video synchronization. If you plan to design a home theater, then investing in a soundbar or surround sound system is advisable for creating the finest cinematic experience.
Inputs and Outputs
Even though this current era provides for wireless connectivity, smart TVs are designed with inputs and outputs to attach to multiple electronics. These are usually placed or added on the side of the smart TV. Some of the common inputs and outputs on the TVs include - USB inputs, HDMI ports, Radio Frequency inputs, stereo inputs and outputs, and more.
Trusted TV Brands
Popular TV brands like Sony, SAMSUNG, LG, Toshiba, TCL, Haier, Hisense, Vizio, etc. are trusted and preferred by millions of consumers worldwide. When buying a TV, be sure to look for 4 to 5-star ratings from consumers or reviewers.
FAQs
How to select the right TV?
You can choose the right TV for your home by doing research online and reading the specifications of each TV model you’re interested in. Consider the size of your living room or space where you intend to set up your TV, and other features such as picture quality, audio, and built-in streaming services. Also, make sure the TV falls within your budget.
Additionally, you can consider add-on features like built-in streaming platforms, voice technology, etc in a smart TV that can be integrated with other smart home systems.
Which TV is better, OLED or QLED?
OLED TVs make a superior choice than QLED TV if you wish to get a better viewing angle, deeper black colors and fewer power bills. OLED television sets are also thin, flexible, lightweight and make a durable option. QLED TVs can be preferred for their higher brightness, better average screen size, lesser price, and longevity. It is ultimately your choice to select from either of these options.
Which is the best TV for gaming?
OLED screen technology TVs make the ideal choice for enjoying your favorite games. It usually includes features like multiple ports like USB, HDMI, eARC, better refresh rate, low input lag, etc that allow gamers to receive most from their gaming consoles.
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