Look For These 8 Features Before Buying A New Television
In today's world of entertainment, the television is no longer just a box to watch your favourite shows. With the rise of Smart TVs, our viewing experience has been transformed in ways we never imagined a few decades ago. Gone are the days of simply turning on a TV and flipping through channels. Instead, we have access to a universe of content, all at our fingertips, through a variety of apps, streaming services, and even voice commands.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best Smart TV for your needs? Do you focus on stunning picture quality, or do you prioritise ease of use? With features constantly evolving, it can feel like an overwhelming task to make the right choice. That's where we come in! In this guide, we'll break down the top features to look out for when buying a new Smart TV, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Smart TVs 101: Top Features To Look For When Buying A New Television; Photo Credit: Pexels
1. Picture Quality: The Heart Of The Viewing Experience
When it comes to Smart TVs, picture quality is the foundation of any great viewing experience. Imagine watching a movie with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and crisp details-it transforms your living room into a mini cinema. When selecting your new TV, focus on the resolution, panel technology, and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support.
Start by considering the resolution. 4K is now the standard for most new TVs, offering four times the resolution of Full HD. It's perfect for watching ultra-high-definition content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube. If you're feeling adventurous, 8K TVs are available, though the content is still limited, so you might want to wait a bit longer before jumping in.
Equally important is the panel technology. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panels offer perfect blacks and superior contrast ratios, making them ideal for movie lovers. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, LED and QLED panels also deliver impressive results with bright, punchy colours. Lastly, consider HDR, which enhances the contrast and brightness of images, bringing more lifelike colours and details to every scene.
2. Smart Features: Beyond Just Streaming
While streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have become household names, today's Smart TVs offer much more than just the ability to watch your favourite shows. Smart features encompass everything from voice control and home automation to app support and gaming capabilities.
Voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are increasingly integrated into TVs, allowing you to change the channel, adjust the volume, or search for specific content with a simple voice command. For those who have smart homes, your TV can also act as a hub to control lights, thermostats, and security cameras.
App support is another important consideration. Make sure your Smart TV is compatible with the streaming apps you use most often. Beyond that, many TVs now offer gaming support, either through cloud gaming services or the ability to connect gaming consoles seamlessly. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite series or jumping into an immersive game, your Smart TV should have the capabilities to enhance your experience.
3. Sound Quality: Don't Settle For Less
Let's face it-most built-in TV speakers can leave much to be desired. If you're someone who cares about sound quality, it's worth investing in a TV with impressive audio or pairing it with external speakers or a soundbar. After all, what's the point of a stunning picture if the sound is flat or muffled?
Look for TVs that support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio technologies, which provide immersive sound that makes you feel like you're part of the action. These technologies simulate surround sound, filling the room with audio that moves in sync with what's happening on screen. However, if you're willing to splurge a little, you can always explore external sound systems, such as soundbars, that bring cinematic audio to your living room.
4. Operating System: The Backbone Of Your TV's Interface
The operating system (OS) of your Smart TV plays a crucial role in determining how easy and enjoyable your TV experience is. Whether you opt for LG's webOS, Samsung's Tizen, or Android TV, each system offers its own set of features, apps, and user interfaces.
A smooth, intuitive interface can make all the difference. You'll want an OS that's user-friendly, quick to navigate, and compatible with your favourite apps. For instance, if you're heavily invested in Google's ecosystem, Android TV provides seamless integration with Google Assistant and a wide range of apps available through the Google Play Store. If you're an Apple user, you may prefer a TV with AirPlay 2 support, making it easier to stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
Consider the app library as well-does the OS offer the streaming services and apps you use most? A well-optimised OS can save you time and frustration by providing a clean, responsive interface to enjoy all your entertainment.
Smart TVs 101: Top Features To Look For When Buying A New Television; Photo Credit: Pexels
5. Connectivity: More Ports, More Possibilities
Today's Smart TVs are more than just television sets-they serve as hubs for all your devices, from gaming consoles to sound systems and streaming boxes. This means that connectivity is crucial when it comes to choosing the right TV.
Look for a TV with a variety of HDMI and USB ports, especially if you plan on connecting multiple devices at once. HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard, offering enhanced bandwidth for higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, which is a bonus for gamers or those with high-end media equipment. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 support ensures faster internet speeds, while Bluetooth compatibility can help connect wireless headphones or speakers.
For those who prefer a wired connection, Ethernet ports are also a great option for ensuring a stable internet connection, especially if you plan on streaming content in high resolution. Ultimately, the more connectivity options your TV offers, the more future-proof it will be as you expand your tech ecosystem.
6. Design And Aesthetics: It's All About The Look
While the tech specs are crucial, don't forget about the aesthetics! After all, your new Smart TV is likely going to be a focal point of your living room or entertainment space. The design of the TV should complement the style of your home, whether you prefer sleek and minimalist or bold and striking.
Most modern Smart TVs come with ultra-thin bezels, which give them a contemporary, almost floating appearance. Some models even feature ambient modes or picture frames that allow the TV to blend seamlessly with your decor when it's not in use. If you're limited by space, look for wall-mountable TVs or those with flexible stands that fit your setup.
It's not just about the looks, either-consider the build quality and durability. A well-built TV will not only last longer but will also provide a more stable and secure viewing experience, particularly if you plan on wall-mounting it.
7. Energy Efficiency: Saving The Planet (And Your Bills)
In an age where sustainability is becoming a priority for many, energy efficiency is an often-overlooked feature when shopping for a Smart TV. The energy consumption of your TV can affect both your electricity bills and the environment, so it's worth paying attention to the energy rating of the model you're considering.
Look for TVs that are labelled with energy-saving certifications, such as the Energy Star rating, which indicates that the TV has been designed to consume less power. LED and OLED TVs tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional LCD models, while newer models with automatic brightness adjustment can help optimise energy usage based on the ambient light in your room.
By opting for an energy-efficient TV, you're not only saving money in the long run but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable planet.
8. Price vs. Value: Balancing Budget And Features
When it comes to buying a new TV, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of high-end features. However, it's essential to strike a balance between your budget and the features you actually need. A more expensive TV might offer cutting-edge technology, but is it worth the extra cost if you don't plan on using those features?
Consider your primary usage-do you need top-tier gaming capabilities or are you mostly watching regular TV shows and movies? Determine what features are most important to you, such as picture quality, sound, and connectivity, and focus your budget accordingly. There are plenty of excellent options available across various price points, and you don't have to break the bank to get a fantastic viewing experience.
Smart TVs 101: Top Features To Look For When Buying A New Television; Photo Credit: Pexels
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When buying a new Smart TV, it's easy to be swayed by flashy marketing or impressive specifications. However, by focusing on the features that truly matter to you-such as picture quality, smart functionality, and sound performance can make an informed decision that enhances your viewing experience for years to come. Whether you're a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to enjoy the latest TV shows, a Smart TV with the right features will transform your home entertainment. Remember, it's not just about having the latest tech- it's about finding the right balance of quality, connectivity, and usability that fits your lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.
