TV

Key TV Features to Consider When Buying

• Screen Resolution

  Resolution dictates how sharp images will look. HD (1080p) has been superseded by 4K TV tech, and now 8K TV is becoming common (if expensive). 4K (4,096 pixels) will provide beautifully clear footage of sports and movies, and should suit most buyers, while 8K packs in twice as many pixels. Not everyone will notice the difference, but cinema obsessives and people who want the full Premier League football watching experience probably will.

• Size

  Size matters when buying a TV. If you need a family TV for a living room, something substantial like a 55-inch TV or even a whopping 65-inch TV could be ideal. Some manufacturers even range as high as 98-inches, although micro TVs are also available and could be the ideal option for placement in bathrooms or on bedroom tables. When choosing a size, bear in mind how far you'll be sitting from the screen. As a rule, use the formula distance from screen in inches divided by 2. That should give a rough estimate of the size required.

• Display Technology

  The best TVs today will have OLED or QLED displays. The differences are explained in more detail below, but both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colours. In both cases, the technology is based upon light-emitting diodes (LEDs). QLED tends to produce richer, more precise colours due to their high “luminance”, with a faster refresh rate as well. However, OLED screens deliver deeper contrasts, as they are capable of creating purer blacks. So if you're into noir TV series where shadows and light are key, you'll notice the difference.

• Refresh Rates

  Refresh rates dictate how quickly a TV can change the image and are measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the rate, the less viewers will experience screen lag and glitches, while characters will move more smoothly in general. Anything from 120-240Hz should do fine, although if you drift below 120Hz, the imperfections will start to become obvious.

• HDR

  High Dynamic Range is a technology which enhances the contrast between on-screen colours. Introduced in the late 2010s, it's quickly become an essential feature for high-end TVs, and it can also extend the capabilities of mid-range sets, giving them the kind of picture clarity and brightness you'd expect from much more expensive products. Basically, it's something that needs to be included with a set that's worth watching.

• Connectivity

  Every Smart TV model needs to connect with WiFi in order to connect with content systems like Netflix or Freeview. Beyond that, some also come with HDMI connectors, which allow you to connect external devices to the TV. Check how many HDMI slots your chosen TV has, as some only have one, meaning that you may need to swap connectors for Blu-Ray players, speakers, and computers. Specialist TVs will feature setups for home cinema systems, and computer/smartphone connections like Chromecast are also routinely included.

• Sound

  High resolution means nothing without beefy sound. If sonics matter, look for models with soundbars, Dolby Atmos and front-facing main speakers. They pack much more punch than those mounted on the rear. Some also have special features for sporting events which boost ambient crowd noise. But remember that even basic TVs can often be enhanced with stand-alone speakers such as soundbars, which you can arrange as required.