Sooner or later everyone encounters the urge to buy a new TV. Maybe your old set has started developing problems, maybe you’ve seen some ads for hot new models, or maybe you just want an excuse to upgrade! Whatever the case may be, there are several things that need to be considered when purchasing a new television.
Consider Linear Television
Linear Television refers to the type of programming where programs are delivered on a set schedule, such as cable or satellite television. Watching linear tv programming provides a strong advantage to the consumer because it allows for a more predictable viewing schedule, avoids commercial breaks, and guarantees that new episodes or seasons will be available when new sets are purchased. In other words, buy a TV that supports linear programming.
Check The Resolution
When checking the resolution of the television it is important to make sure that these numbers accurately reflect their respective units. For example, a 720p HDTV should display 720 rows of pixels horizontally and 1080 rows of pixels vertically, but many TVs on the market do not match this standard exactly. It is best to check with the manufacturer for exact specifications before purchase – however, if you’re in a pinch most displays will list their resolutions somewhere in the features of your TV.
Avoid Interlaced Screens Interlaced screens create two independent images by alternating horizontal lines from frame to frame (essentially creating one image from every other line). These types of screens are easier to produce and therefore more common, but they can cause a significant amount of motion blurring due to the fact that they do not produce a complete picture. This blurring is especially prevalent in fast-moving objects on the screen.
Check Out The Connections
When checking the connection options of the TV it is important to remember that older TVs used to come with VGA input ports. However, many newer HDTVs no longer include this option. This means that if you have a computer with an old monitor (or vice versa), you will need to buy an additional adapter or converter to connect them together. Do not purchase a TV without checking the available ports first! Don’t forget that TVs have evolved from being just a picture box into an all-inclusive entertainment center. You’ll need at least two connections: one for video and one for audio. In addition, you may want as many as six different connection options as well as ports for USB drives, laptops, or other media players.
Boost Your Sound To Get The Most Out Of Your Set
One of the most common complaints about televisions is their poor sound quality – however, there are plenty of ways around this issue. For example, ensure your television comes equipped with RCA audio outputs and hook it up to a stereo system for improved sound clarity (this also provides greater flexibility, as most stereos can be moved around the house). If you don’t want to give up your current sound system, purchase an HDTV with dual speakers or use an additional set of speakers. Keep in mind that most sets only come with one pair of RCA audio inputs – this means that if you have more than two pieces of equipment (e.g., a DVD player and a stereo), you may need to buy some adapters.
Don’t Overlook Energy Efficiency
Smart televisions can sometimes use up energy even when you aren’t watching them thanks to background updating and preemptive multitasking. Check the estimated energy usage of a TV before purchase and consider an Energy Star compliant set for a more environmentally-friendly choice.
Be Aware Of The Display
TVs come with either LCD or Plasma displays, but they aren’t always easy to distinguish between when shopping online. For example, LG’s plasma television is called ‘NeoPDP’ while Samsung calls their plasma TVs ‘Super PLS’. Despite these names, both displays generally offer comparable color vibrancy and black levels (the ability to produce an image that disappears into darkness rather than casting a shadow). When it comes down to it, choosing between LCD and Plasma boils down to personal preference and price range: because LCD screens need backlight pixels to remain visible even when black, they are slightly more energy efficient.
Consider Size And Placement
It is important to remember that the best televisions in the world won’t look very good if they are placed too far from a wall or if they hang too high on your living room wall. Make sure you have ample space around your television and consider ways of mounting it either above or below eye level so that everyone can enjoy clear viewing from anywhere in the room. The available sizes are 32 inches, 40 inches, 46 inches, and even higher.
Warranties And Guarantees
Although modern televisions are generally reliable pieces of equipment, it is always a good idea to invest in a warranty or guarantee especially if you’re buying a larger or more expensive TV. Make sure these policies cover the replacement of parts and labor as well as shipping and read reviews about the company that offers it to make sure that they provide quick and effective service.
Pricing
The prices on TVs vary depending on size (generally more expensive for larger screens). Other factors include resolution (LCDs can be 1080p while plasmas range from 720p to 1080p), connectivity options (HDMI ports), and smart functionality (Internet-enabled TVs allowing you to access apps like Netflix). Expect to pay around $300 for standard definition TVs and upwards of $1000 for 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Buying a new TV can be quite confusing and the features and design might not be very clear. You should always talk to the manufacturer or seller to get concise information about all the necessary factors and specifications you need to know before buying a TV so that you won’t have any surprises! When it comes down to it, the most important things to consider when buying a new television are the size of the screen and the available connection options.
Make sure you don’t select a TV too large for your living room or purchase one without checking all of its connectors – this will save your time and money in the long run. While HDTVs continue to evolve with better sound quality and more picture options, they still lack many features found on older cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs such as high refresh rates and perfect color reproduction. If you follow these tips, choosing a suitable tv will become much easier!
