Don't buy a new TV without these 8 features!

With so many TV brands available today, it's easy to get lost in the maze of options. Before buying your next screen TV, check to see if it has the following features.

1. OLED or QLED screen

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An OLED or QLED TV is a must when buying a new screen. OLED is the best choice if you're looking for the deepest blacks, the most vivid colors that really pop on the screen, and incredibly sharp details to fully immerse yourself in your movies and shows. . However, that great picture quality comes with a hefty price tag - some OLED models cost thousands of dollars. And there is a risk of image burn-in after about 5 years of use.

However, if you want incredible quality without breaking the bank, Samsung's QLED TVs are great. While they can't compare to OLED, QLED displays have incredible brightness and color thanks to backlighting and quantum dot technology that makes colors pop. In addition, you also get a wide viewing angle so a large group can enjoy the show together. The best part is that there is no risk of burn-in issues like with OLED.

2. High Dynamic Range (HDR)

When it comes to High Dynamic Range (HDR), there are many standards to consider. HDR10 is the basic standard - it supports 10-bit color and is bright at around 1,000 nits.

Dolby Vision is a step up from HDR10. With Dolby Vision, brightness adjusts with each scene so dark scenes can get darker and bright scenes can really stand out. It uses "dynamic metadata control," which means the TV knows how bright each part of the movie will look. Dolby Vision screens have a brightness of over 1,000 nits and support 12-bit color, although most TVs today reach 10-bit.

HDR10+ is located between HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Like Dolby Vision, it allows changing the brightness level when playing content. HDR10+ is open source, royalty-free, and is growing in popularity as support increases.

3. Anti-glare

If you find yourself squinting to see what's happening on the TV or constantly scrolling, trying to find the perfect viewing angle, then an anti-glare screen is probably what you need.

An anti-glare screen reduces the amount of light reflected off its surface. Instead of light reflecting back, more light is transmitted through the screen so users can see the image clearly. The result is a much more comfortable viewing experience no matter where you sit or what the lighting conditions are in the room. However, the downside is that the anti-glare coating can sometimes make images look a bit blurry or grainy, especially with bright colors. That's because the coating scatters light to minimize reflections, which can reduce sharpness a bit.

4. Multiple HDMI ports

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Although most new TVs have at least a few HDMI ports, choose a TV with 3 or more ports. That way, you won't have to constantly unplug and replug game consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players when you want to change what you're watching.

Also, pay attention to which version of the HDMI port is. HDMI 2.1 is becoming more popular and supports higher quality 4K/HDR video with super smooth frame rates of up to 120 fps. It also has exciting features for next-gen gaming on PS5 or Xbox Series X, like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode.

5. Intuitive operating system

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Nowadays, almost any TV has "smart" capabilities, meaning it can access streaming apps, connect to WiFi, etc. However, not all platforms All smart TV platforms are created equal. Some operating systems are slow and laggy, with outdated interfaces that aren't designed with an intuitive user experience in mind.

Therefore, it is advisable to research the smart platforms that the brand is considering purchasing. Look for platforms with great interfaces, plenty of app support, and positive reviews for intuitive navigation. Roku, Android TV, TizenOS, and LG's webOS are good options.

Also, take the time to test the remote and how well it interacts with the operating system before buying a new TV.

6. Energy efficiency

If you're looking to buy a new TV, look for the Energy Star symbol. That certification means the product meets energy efficiency standards. Also check your TV's energy consumption statistics, which are usually listed somewhere on the product or in detailed information online. TV models with low power usage will help save money on electricity compared to older TVs that operate less efficiently.

Screen size also affects the amount of power a TV uses, with larger TVs often using more power. A large 75-inch TV will use more electricity than a 50-inch TV. So if screen size is not a priority, choose a more compact option to save power. LED and OLED screens are also greener than older LCD and plasma screens.

Also, pay attention to any "eco" or energy-saving modes the TV has. Look for features that automatically reduce brightness when there's no movement or content for a moment. You can even unplug your TV when it's not in use, which can make a difference over time.

7. Integrated voice control

Gone are the days of frantically searching for the remote control whenever you want to pause what you're watching or change a program. Now just say, "Hey TV, pause" or "Lower the volume" and you're done. This is great when you're busy, like cooking dinner in the kitchen but want to keep an eye on a game. Just ask the TV to do it instead of stopping what you're doing.

Many major TV brands have models that allow voice control of the screen. For example:

1. Samsung TVs work with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
2. LG TVs have their own AI called ThinQ, which also connects to Alexa and Google Assistant.
3. Sony TVs work well with Google Assistant and Alexa.
4. Alexa and Google can also operate Hisense and Philip TVs.

Just make sure the specific TV model you're looking to buy has voice control.

8. Bluetooth connectivity

Bluetooth on your TV is a game-changer if you like staying up late watching shows without disturbing anyone who's sleeping. Nowadays, many new TVs have Bluetooth functionality, but you should still check carefully before buying.

Bluetooth is convenient for more than just private music listening. It allows the TV to wirelessly connect to all types of content, such as speakers, soundbars and phones, to enhance home entertainment. Plus, there will be no more clutter caused by cables connecting the TV to other devices. Just remember that Bluetooth isn't perfect - it doesn't have a long range, and not every device can connect to each other. So when buying a TV, keep in mind the special Bluetooth requirements to find a device that is suitable for what it will connect to.

Samuel Daniel

Update 27 April 2024