A comprehensive TV buying guide that will give you all the information you need on how to buy a new TV.
Getting Started
Wondering how to buy a TV with all the new styles
and features available? The HDTV Buying guide contains everything
you should know before you buy a new TV. Topics such as the
different screen technologies, styles, features, and everything
in between will make sure you take advantage of everything modern
televisions have to offer.
Contrary to popular beleif, bigger is not always better. The truth is, there is such thing as too big when it comes to televisions. A TV that is too large will dominate the room and look awkwardly out of place. Consider the size of the room and how far away the viewers are seated from the screen. Use the calculator below to determine how far the viewer should be, based on screen size or viewing distance. When it comes to screen size, you must determine your perfect balance between size and clarity. However, you may just decide to get the largest screen for your money. Figure out which is more important to you and go from there.
LCD televisions consume less power than plasma and work well (models with matte
screens work best) in bright rooms and handle glare fairly well.
They also tend to be the least expensive of the three options.
Typically available in sizes ranging from 19 to 40 inches, LCD
televisions suffer in dark rooms due to a lack of back-lighting
and have a narrower viewing angle, and an inability to achieve
true black picture quality.
Best For: Anyone looking for an inexpensive television
with solid picture quality in a bright room where picture flaws
aren't quite as visible as they are in dark rooms.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED televisions represent next generation LCD
technology. Their superior brightness comes from their LED back-lighting
technology which allows them to perform well in both light and
dark rooms, and deliver the best color levels and contrast ratio.
LED televisions consume less power than LCD and plasma models,
and typically have a thinner back. Models start around 32 inches
and can have improved picture quality but, come at a higher
price tag.
Best For: Those who don't mind spending more for thinner panels, and brighter picture, with superior backlightin, and don't want plasma.
Plasma
The original flat-screen technology, plasma
televisions boast improved black-level performance, uniformity,
and viewing angle. They also have high contrast ratios and tend
to have superior motion resolution. The downside to plasma is
their high power consumption, lack-luster performance in bright
rooms with glare, and an irreparable back light.
Best For: Videophiles and gamers who place a premium on dark-room picture quality
Don't Get Burned With Plasma TVs!
In plasma television's early beginnings, problems like "screen-burn," and glare
distortion plagued many but, with improvements in plasma technology,
that is a thing of the past. When you watched a program with
say, a static menu or station logo on the bottom right hand
corner of the screen, for an extended amount of time, the
pixels, "burnt" into the screen, would persist even when the
channel was changed. New models use a pixel shifting method
that prevents images from burning into the screen that involves
an adjustment of pixels - invisible to the naked eye. New
anti-glare technology , like angled glass, prevent glare distortion.
720 vs 1080p vs 4K
You may see these numbers when shopping for an HDTV, but
are not sure what they represent. Well, these numbers correlate
to the vertical resolution. The higher the number, the crisper
the image.
The latest advancement, called, 4K Ultra HD TV, has 2,160
visible lines (double the vertical resolution of 1080p). It
also has double the number of lines measured horizontally
from edge to edge (3840, vs. 1920 for a 1080p HDTV). This
is where the term "4K" comes from, as it is four
times the resolution of a 1080p TV.
As of right now, 4K programming is difficult to come by.
The TVs themselves are also quite expensive and there are
only several on the market. If you are looking for a television
for your living room and are looking to get more than 40-inches,
whether it is LCD, LED LCD, or Plasma, your best bet is 1080p.
Anything under 40-inches, you might want to consider a 720p
TV as you won't truly see the difference in clarity. As for
4K HDTVs, best wait until they become more affordable. That
is, unless you just won the lottery and want an incredible
viewing experience.
Combination
TV Combos are an excellent selection of TVs
for anyone that is looking to add function and save space, Perfect
for a kitchen or dorm room, TV combos are flat panel TVs with
built-in DVD players, typically located on the side of the unit.
Projection
Projection TVs work similarly to the way that
projectors in movie theaters do. The projector is mounted on
the ceiling facing a projector screen. The image from the projector
is then beamed onto a specialized screen. The better the screen,
the better the image resolution. A painted, flat wall will work
but, a true projector screen will have the best results. A great
benefit to owning a projection TV is its large picture sizes
and authentic cinema feel. Yes, you can play video games through
these projectors as well.
A 3D feature allows viewers to enjoy their favorite 3D content
from the comfort of their home. Providing they have a 3D content
component (Blu-ray or some television networks), and a pair
of 3D glasses, they can enjoy everything 3D has to offer.
Some TVs also have 2D to 3D conversion features that convert
traditional 2D content to 3D. Converted content isn't as effective
as true 3D, but it makes for a greater selection of 3D TV,
sports, and movies.
Screen Resloution
Resolution measures the quality of the television's picture
and uses numbers like 720 and 1080 to represent the lines
of pixels within the screen. To calculate the total number
of pixels in a screen, you have to multiply the horizontal
by vertical lines. So, a TV with a 1080x1920 resolution has
2,073,600 pixels. More pixels equate to better picture.
You will also see an "i" or a "p" at
the end of the resolution number. These stand for interlaced
and progressive; two different scanning processes that render
video. Interlacing systems splits the picture into even and
odd horizontal lines and alternately refreshes them 30 times
a seconds to render the picture. The superior progressive
system scans the entire picture, line by line, every sixtieth
of a second to display twice the picture information of an
interlaced system.
There is a process called de-interlacing that converts interlaced
picture to progressive, but it's not as effective as a true
progressive scanning system. Remember, no matter the resolution
of your screen, the picture will only be as clear as the content
being shown. If recorded at a resolution of 720, using a 1080
TV will not get a better picture.
Refresh Rate (120Hz, 240Hz, and 480Hz technology)
Dymanic sports, games, and action films bring your televisionto life; they also demand the most performance. The refresh rate (measured in Hz) of a television measures the speed at which the image on the screen refreshes so your eyes see clear movement, instead of a blur behind a moving object, or motion blur. The higher your refresh rate, the less chance you have of seeing motion blur. Clear Motion Rate, by Samsung, is a newer standard for measuring motion clarity that takes into account the refresh rate, as well as the quality of the image processor, and the backlight technology of the unit, for a more in-depth and comprehensive measurement.
Connections
Take note of the number and type of connections available
on your TV of choice. Most modern HD devices (Blu-ray players,
game consoles, etc.) require one HDMI or component-video connection.
Make sure your television has enough ports for all your devices.
Older devices (VCRs, DVD Players, etc.) may use S-Video or
RCA composite inputs, so plan accordingly.
High definition audio components (home theaters, soundbars,
etc.) use an optical fiber connection, or optical cable, which
carries a strong HD signal from the TV. Just like their digital
coaxial counterparts, they produce 5.1 surround sound but
cannot handle the ultra-HD sound of a Blu-ray.
When connecting a computer or laptop, an HDMI connection
is best but if you need to conserve HDMI inputs or have none
left, a DVI or VGA connection will work. Digital Video Interface
(DVI) is a high quality cable that carries both audio and
video, while a Video Graphic Array (VGA) cable will only carry
video.
USB ports can be used for connecting digital cameras or camcorders
for quick playback, or for connecting hard drives full music,
movies, and photos to play and watch. They can also be used
to connect a wireless adapter, or dongle, to a TV with internet
capabilities for a Wi-Fi connection. Essentially, any device
with a USB connection can be plugged in; the results just
depend on your TV's capabilities.
The network/LAN hardwires your television, via Ethernet cable,
to your home internet connection. It can plug into a modem,
router, extender, or adapter and is perfect for TV's with
smart capabilities that don't have built-in Wi-Fi (if you
don't use an adapter).
Internet Connectivity
The current trend in televisions is full internet and application
access through either a hardwired (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi (built-in
or via adapter). Manufacturer definition of "internet
capabilities" differs so be sure to clarify when choosing
an internet TV or, as they commonly referred too, a smart
TV. Some TVs use the connection solely for operating native
widgets like local weather and YouTube, not full internet
browsers.
Truly "connected" television operates much like
a smart phone. Users have access to wealth of online features
including streaming media, web browsing, games, and applications
like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The most important feature
of connected TVs is their IPTV capability. IPTV will allow
for greater control over your viewing options with improved
time-shifting and on-demand features. Current models feature
hands-free controls, voice-recognition, and native applications
designed to keep you in-shape and your kids educationally
entertained. A completely engaging experience, a smart TV
is the perfect home theater centerpiece and family hub.
Wireless Display Technologies
TVs with wireless display technologies such as Wireless Display
(WiDi) or Digital Living Network Alliance (DNLA), have the ability
to stream content from another (compatible) wireless device,
like a laptop or tablet. Users can stream music, movies, pictures
and more by activating the corresponding modes on both devices.
Picture-In-Picture
What was once used to simply watch multiple
programs on one screen has transformed into much more. Depending
on the TV, you may have the option of plugging a computer into
the TV with a Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable, or HDMI, and
your TV instantly can split its screen into two parts so you
can use a computer/laptop and watch TV at the same time. This
also works with video game systems.
Parental Control
The V-Chip, now an industry standard, gives parents total control by allowing them to determine which ratings are appropriate for their children and block out the rest.
Gaming Mode
Large screens are nice for gaming, except when they become too large for proper controller-to-television communication, resulting in extended buffering or in gamer terms, "lag". Units with a dedicated gaming mode will reduce buffering to create a real-time experience. Gaming modes also reduce the brightness of the screen, decreasing the risk of retained images, or screen burn.
Now, you've found your perfect TV . It fits beautifully in the room, has the perfect picture, and all the features you dreamed of, now what? The right accessories will enhance the look and experience of the unit while protecting, maintaining, and extending the life of its flawless design. What's a perfect TV without the perfect show or game to watch? The right content-providing components will keep you entertained for hours.
Screen Care
Proper screen care is vital to extending the life of your television. Avoid products that contain alcohol as it will erode the special glass of the screen. Instead, choose a water-based screen cleaner and a micro fiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Check out our selection of screen care products to keep your new, or old, TV looking stunning for years to come.
Mounts and Stands
Integrate your HDTV into your decor by mounting it flush against the wall or displaying it on a elegant entertainment stand. Several different kinds of mounts are available that can allow you to simply tilt the screen, or completely rotate it to match any viewing angle. Browse the selection of mounts and stands to find the one that matches your style.
HDMI and A/V Cables
No matter what you are connecting to the TV, it is going to require the right cables. Higher quality cables have less interference and deliver a stronger signal, which means better picture and crisper audio. Determine what kind of cables you are going to need and shop Abt's A/V and HDMI cables accordingly. Not sure which one you need? Check out our Video Cable Buying Guide or HDMI Cable Buying Guide.
Surge Protectors
Protect the investment of your television by ensuring that power surges don't fry out the circuitry of the unit. A proper surge protector will keep the power levels consistent even during lightening storms, which can not only keep your TV safe, but can save you money over time by lowering your energy consumption. Shop Abt's complete selection for surge protectors. Not sure what you need? Check out our Surge Protector Buying Guide.
Remotes
As your entertainment system is sure to be made up several different components, a single universal remote will consolidate all remotes into one simple master control. Remote controls can be very simple and straightforward, to more detailed, higher-end models with features like touch screen navigation. Don't worry about losing four or five remotes, condense them into one with a universal remote control.
Antennas
A proper antenna can help you avoid fuzzy screens while adding more channels at the same time. With the new digital standard, 100's of digital channels broadcasted, and can be picked up using an external indoor/outdoor digital antenna. HD radio antennas will also bring the freedom and choice of satellite radio directly to your entertainment system. Pick out your perfect antenna and enjoy the extra entertainment. Our Antenna Buying Guide will help you make the right choice.
Find the right content!
DVD and Blu-ray players bring the magic of the movies to your family room. Digital streaming devices bring the best content from around thet net into one simple device. Gaming consoles can bring you 3D action, Netflix, and more from one device. A satellite receiver and a digital video recorder will give you hundreds of HD channels and the freedom to record your favorite programs. Each content provider has its own benefits and its up to you to find the right product for your style. Perfect picture is nothing without equally perfect sound. Consider a speaker package, home theater system, or a soundbar to complete your home theater package.
Pleasing People...Since 1936
Dymanic sports, games, and action films bring your televisionto life; they also demand the most performance. The refresh rate (measured in Hz) of a television measures the speed at which the image on the screen refreshes so your eyes see clear movement, instead of a blur behind a moving object, or motion blur. The higher your refresh rate, the less chance you have of seeing motion blur. Clear Motion Rate, by Samsung, is a newer standard for measuring motion clarity that takes into account the refresh rate, as well as the quality of the image processor, and the backlight technology of the unit, for a more in-depth and comprehensive measurement.
TVs with wireless display technologies such as Wireless Display
(WiDi) or Digital Living Network Alliance (DNLA), have the ability
to stream content from another (compatible) wireless device,
like a laptop or tablet. Users can stream music, movies, pictures
and more by activating the corresponding modes on both devices.
