How to choose the perfect TV? Key selection criteria

Buying a television is an investment that should bring satisfaction for years. However, choosing the right model can be difficult, considering the wide range of available features, technologies, and sizes. Here are the most important criteria to consider when purchasing a television.

1. Screen Size

The screen size of the television should be adjusted to the size of the room and the distance from which you will be watching. It is assumed that the optimal distance is about 2-3 times the diagonal of the screen for HD televisions and 1.5-2 times for 4K.

• For small rooms: 32-43 inches.
• For medium rooms: 50-65 inches.
• For large living rooms: 70 inches and more.

2. Resolution

Resolution affects image sharpness. The market is dominated by televisions with the following standards:

• Full HD (1920x1080): For those who mainly watch terrestrial television or use smaller screens.
• 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160): The standard in modern televisions, ideal for large screens and streaming content.
• 8K (7680x4320): For technology enthusiasts, although there is still little content in this resolution.

3. Panel Type

The screen technology determines the quality of the image:

• LED/LCD: Popular and relatively inexpensive, but with limited contrast and black depth.
• OLED: Offers perfect black, great contrast, and wide viewing angles. Ideal for movie lovers.
• QLED: Technology developed by Samsung. Provides better brightness than OLED but slightly worse black depth.
• Mini-LED: A newer LED technology with more precise backlighting that offers better contrast.

4. Refresh Rate (Hz)

The refresh rate affects the smoothness of the image, especially in dynamic scenes:

• 60 Hz: Sufficient for everyday television watching.
• 120 Hz and more: Ideal for gamers and those watching sports or action movies.

5. Smart TV Features

Most modern televisions offer Smart TV features, allowing access to apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify. Pay attention to:

• Operating System: Android TV, webOS, Tizen – each has different capabilities and ecosystems.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice control options.

6. Ports and Compatibility

Check the number and type of available ports:

• HDMI: Choose a model with at least three HDMI ports, especially if you plan to connect a console, soundbar, or decoder.
• USB: Useful for playing content from a flash drive.
• HDMI 2.1 Support: Important for gamers, as it supports 4K image at 120 Hz.

7. HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR improves image quality by offering better contrast and more realistic colors. You will find various HDR standards on the market:

• HDR10: The most basic standard.
• HDR10+ and Dolby Vision: Advanced technologies that offer even better image quality.

8. Audio

Built-in speakers in televisions often do not offer the best sound quality. If you care about a cinematic experience, consider purchasing a soundbar or speaker system. Some televisions have Dolby Atmos features that significantly enhance audio experiences.

9. Brand and Warranty

Reputable brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, or Philips offer higher quality and longer lifespan for their products. Check warranty conditions and service availability.

10. Budget

Television prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand zlotys. Determine your needs and decide which features are essential for you to avoid overpaying for unnecessary technologies.

Summary

When choosing a television, it is worth considering your needs and lifestyle. If you often watch movies, opt for OLED and support for Dolby Vision. For gamers, refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support will be important. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a large screen with high brightness. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the equipment meets your expectations and fits your budget.