How to shop for a new TV
What to know about screen sizes, connecting devices and finding deals
Whether you're a sports fanatic, cable news junkie, sitcom binger or blockbuster movie streamer, a quality television can enhance your viewing experience. If your current model isn't up to the task — or you're simply ready for an upgrade, here's what to know about buying a new TV.
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
“It's such a competitive market and screens are made by such a small number of manufacturers that almost all TVS are good,” says Scott Olechowski, chief product officer and co-owner of streaming service Plex. It's a matter of matching your needs and preferences with a specific model.
Your first decision is screen size. There are plenty of guides online for determining what will work best in your space; just search “TV size calculator.” Once you have a size in mind, start researching specific models. Consumer Reports lists which brands and models are the most reliable and offer the best value based on extensive independent testing. Then check online reviews for more detailed information about specific TVS you're interested in, says Eric Rosenberg, a finance and technology writer in Ventura, Calif. Compare brands and prices, then dig into specific features.
FOCUS ON THE SCREEN
Everyone processes images differently, so what looks great to you may be fuzzy or dim to someone else. That's why it's critical to visit a store with other household members and see how everyone likes the picture on different models, says Michael Yokota-llewellyn, lead technician and audio-video expert at Onsite Consulting in Denver. And eyeball your favourites from different angles, Olechowski says; something that looks great straight on may be distorted from the side. Another tip: Typically, retailers set TVS to “retail” mode so they look good in the store's unnatural environment (fluorescent lights or windowless viewing rooms). Ask the salesperson for the remote and turn off retail mode to see the screen with the settings you'd use at home.
CONSIDER ESTHETICS
While screen quality and features should be your top consideration, don't discount how a TV looks.
“If you don't intend to wallmount the television, ask to see the stand or look on the box for a picture,” Olechowski says. “Is the stand nice or ugly? My wife and I bought a TV that had a space-age design stand so unappealing it became a distraction.”
Another option: Many newer models of higher-end TVS are framed to make them more palatable.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Knowing a few marketing buzzwords can help you cut through the hype. All TVS are now “smart,” for example, which means they can connect to the internet and install applications.
Resolution — meaning the quality and clarity of the picture — is measured by the number of pixels on your screen. The current standard is 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels), which is about four times more than older HD models. Some very large models (think 75 inches and up) offer 8K resolution, but are ridiculously expensive, Yokota-llewellyn says. HDR (high dynamic range) also comes standard on most newer TVS. It makes brights brighter and colours more vivid.
Backlit LED screens are fine for the average viewer, Rosenberg says. But if you want optimum contrast and blacks that are truly black, you may want to pay a premium for OLED. There's also “refresh rate” or how many times per second the image updates. “120 Hz is solid for most people,” Rosenberg says. “240 Hz is not worth the money because your eyes simply can't work that fast.”
THINK ABOUT CONNECTIONS
Do you have speakers, a gaming console or a DVD player? Make a list of every device you plan to plug into your set, Yokota-llewellyn says, and take it with you to the store to ensure that the new TV has enough — and the right kind of — ports. You might want to look for a model with one or two extra spots to give you room to grow.
ACCESSORIES
Most TVS sound awful. “The speakers are on the back and some are no larger than on the average laptop computer,” Yokota-llewellyn says. Be prepared to buy an external sound bar, which sits in front of the TV and starts around $60. Or you can invest in a surround sound system — a wired or wireless network of small speakers placed around a room. Expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for mid- to high-grade sets.
And while TVS are smarter than ever, not all are created equal when it comes to loading speed or built-in streaming services. There are budget-friendly ways to address that, though. “You can buy a less expensive TV and get a streaming stick like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast to add services and features you'd pay more for if it were embedded in the costlier TV,” Olechowski says. Streaming sticks that plug into the TV'S HDMI port cost $50 to $80.
DEALS AREN'T HARD TO FIND
Big box stores, warehouse stores and specialty retailers offer a wide selection of the top brands. Or you could try an independent electronics store if you need extra help and guidance, Rosenberg says. Look for a retailer with excellent customer support and a good return policy. Costco, for example, has a liberal return policy and offers extended warranties on many models, he adds. Or you can shop online, which can be particularly helpful if you're in the market for a 75-inch flat screen that won't easily fit in your small car.
Prices vary by brand, features and size, but you do usually get what you pay for, so if your budget allows, it's not a bad idea to spend a little more on a higher-quality model. A 55-to 65-inch 4K TV made by a major brand, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio or Hisense, runs $350 to $1,000, Yokota-llewellyn says. Anything less than $300 is going to be small (less than 55 inches) or lower quality.
“Don't overthink it. At the end of the day, more TVS are similar than not,” Rosenberg says. “Find the right resolution, refresh rate, right size and reputable brand for the right price and you'll be OK.”