Here’s What to Look for When Buying a TV
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26 December
26 December 
Are you staring at endless TV options online or in stores, feeling completely lost about which one to choose? With countless models, technical terms, and prices ranging from budget to premium, making the wrong choice could mean years of regret and thousands of dollars wasted.
The consequences of a poor TV purchase go beyond just price. Imagine dealing with washed-out colours during your favourite movies, struggling to read small text, or experiencing lag during gaming sessions. Even worse, that “great deal” TV might become outdated within months as new streaming features and gaming capabilities emerge.
But don’t worry – choosing the right TV doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading your living room centrepiece or buying a TV for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll break down the essential features in simple terms and help you make a confident decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
The first and most visible choice you’ll make is screen size. While larger screens might seem appealing, the perfect size depends on your room dimensions and viewing habits. Remember that room layout matters too. Consider wall space, furniture arrangement, and whether you’ll mount the TV or use a stand. A massive screen in a small room can be overwhelming and cause eye strain, while a screen that’s too small might diminish your viewing experience.
Modern TVs primarily offer 4K resolution, which has become the standard for quality viewing. With four times the pixels of Full HD, 4K provides exceptional detail and clarity. While 8K TVs exist, they’re still premium products with limited content availability. For most viewers, 4K offers the best balance of quality and value.
Picture quality goes beyond resolution. Look for HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, which enhances contrast and colour range. Different HDR formats exist, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. While HDR10 is the basic standard, Dolby Vision offers superior performance with dynamic scene-by-scene optimization.
Understanding display technology helps make an informed choice. OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast by individually lighting each pixel. They excel in dark room viewing and movie watching but may be susceptible to burn-in with static images.
QLED technology, popularized by Samsung, uses quantum dots to enhance brightness and colour. These TVs perform exceptionally well in bright rooms and offer excellent durability. Mini-LED, a newer technology, combines elements of both, offering improved contrast and brightness over traditional LED TVs.
The smart platform determines how you’ll interact with your TV’s features and streaming services. Let’s explore the major platforms:
Android TV, now evolving into Google TV, offers extensive customization and app selection. It integrates seamlessly with Google services and provides features like built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant. The platform excels in content recommendations and search functionality. However, it can sometimes feel overwhelming with its numerous options and occasional advertisements. Brands like Daewoo India offer the best Android TV in India.
webOS stands out for its intuitive interface and smooth operation. It allows pointer-style navigation, making it easier to navigate menus and type text. Recent versions include enhanced AI features for content recommendations and voice control. The platform supports major streaming services and offers quick switching between inputs and apps through a customizable menu bar.
If you are looking into webOS vs Android TV, look into the differences between both and carefully make the purchase.
For gamers, several features deserve attention. HDMI 2.1 support enables high frame rates and resolutions crucial for next-gen gaming consoles. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) prevents screen tearing during gameplay, while Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures minimal input lag by automatically switching to game mode.
While TV technology has advanced significantly in visual aspects, built-in speakers often leave room for improvement. Many modern TVs are incredibly thin, limiting space for quality speakers. Consider a soundbar or home theatre system for an enhanced audio experience. Look for TVs with Dolby Atmos support and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) if you plan to connect external audio equipment.
Modern TVs should offer multiple HDMI ports for connecting various devices. Consider how many devices you’ll connect simultaneously – gaming consoles, cable boxes, streaming devices, and soundbars all need ports. USB ports prove useful for connecting external drives or powering streaming sticks.
Wireless connectivity has become increasingly important. Built-in WiFi is standard but check for Bluetooth support if you plan to use wireless headphones or speakers. Some TVs also offer screen mirroring features for sharing content from mobile devices.
Motion processing capabilities matter, especially for sports and action movies. A native 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion handling compared to 60Hz panels. Viewing angle is another consideration – some TVs lose picture quality when viewed from the side, making them less suitable for wide seating arrangements.
Anti-glare technology becomes crucial in bright rooms or spaces with many windows. Some TVs offer special coatings or panel designs to minimize reflections and maintain picture quality in varying light conditions.
While often overlooked, energy efficiency can impact long-term ownership costs. Larger screens and brighter displays typically consume more power. Check the energy rating and estimated annual energy cost. Premium TVs often include energy-saving features like automatic brightness adjustment and power-saving modes.
If possible, view the TV in person, though remember that store lighting differs from home conditions. Pay attention to warranty terms and available support options. Factor in additional costs like mounting hardware, cables, or sound systems when budgeting.
Consider how long you plan to keep the TV. Investing in better technology might make sense if you expect to use the TV for many years. However, don’t pay for features you won’t use – a mid-range TV often provides excellent value for typical viewing habits.
Choose your webOS/Android TV from Daewoo Electronics only!
While both offer excellent picture quality, their strengths differ for everyday use. QLED performs better in bright rooms and is ideal for daytime viewing of news, sports, and regular TV shows. It’s also more durable for households where the TV stays on for extended periods. OLED excels in dark room viewing, making it perfect for movie nights and gaming sessions where deep blacks matter. For regular TV watching, QLED often provides better value unless you do most of your viewing in a dark room.
The average lifespan of a modern TV is about 7-10 years, but several signs might indicate an earlier upgrade is needed: noticeable decline in picture brightness, dead pixels appearing, significantly slower smart features, lack of support for newer apps, or inability to connect to modern devices. Sometimes, an upgrade might be worth considering if your TV lacks important new features like HDMI 2.1 for gaming or modern streaming capabilities.
Proper wall mounting can benefit your TV by providing better ventilation and protection from accidental bumps. However, incorrect mounting can impact viewing angles and potentially stress the panel. Ensure proper ventilation space (at least 2-3 inches from the wall), use the correct VESA mount size, and consider professional installation for large or premium TVs.
