High-quality TVs are cheaper than ever, but this can be a double-edged sword. All the special features of modern models can be confusing, which makes it difficult to decide on which system is the best purchase. This is especially the case when you’re buying a TV that will be shared by everyone in a household. Which elements are really important, and which components can be overlooked as unnecessary and costly additions?
Hardware Elements
Understanding which elements in smart TVs and which are overhyped is challenging, though fortunately, some parts can be explained quickly and easily. Firstly, you won’t need to go any higher than 4K resolutions into the realm of 8K. A 4K TV already pushes the limits of human vision, whereas 8K moves well beyond diminishing returns.
Any major advertisements of AI can also usually be excluded as marketing speak. As appealing as the word might seem, AI implementation is practically always over-promised and under-delivered. If the model you’re interested in has it naturally included, that’s fine, but don’t make a decision based on whether or not a TV ostensibly boasts any advanced AI features.
If you have any gamers in the house, then at the minimum, you’ll want to ensure that your choice offers a dedicated ‘Game Mode’. These reduce the delay a TV experiences when outputting game content, which provides a better feel and gameplay advantages. If a TV also offers a high refresh rate of 120Hz, then that’s an added bonus.
Elements like HDR support might also be worth a look for any serious film buffs. The effects here can be transformative or annoying, depending on your preference, but they can be difficult to describe well in text. The best way to see if HDR is something you’re interested in is to visit a store that sells these TVs, and on a casual browse, note which ones include HDR and how it makes the light and dark areas of a screen contrast.
Software Concerns
Moving beyond the physical components of a TV, you’ll also have to explore the different operating systems. The different smart TV platforms all offer slightly different app selections and feature sets, and some might work better with the systems you already use than others. If you use Apple, for example, Apple TV could be a must. If you prefer more customization, Android might be better.
A modern smart TV with the right firmware can effectively mirror the usefulness of a smartphone on a big screen. If you’re a fan of a real money slots online, for example, then TVs with a Chrome browser would let you play these games just as you would on a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Games like Starburst and Divine Fortune would come with all the same gameplay, only controlled by a remote. The same applies to a huge range of online apps, though those that use GPS or rear cameras will be excluded.
A good TV can last you a decade, so it’s important to carefully select your model long before heading to the store. Ask your family carefully, look online and in different stores, and remember that marketing speak about AI and super-high resolutions can be ignored. For gaming, binging, or relaxing for a nice night in, patience in searching is the key.