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Overview
It can be overwhelming to figure out which TV to buy because there are so many different options out there. Technology advances so quickly that new terms are flooding the market rapidly. It is important to know a little bit about what you are looking for when you venture out to buy a TV, and this guide will provide you with what you need to know.
Types of TVs Available
The first thing to learn is the different types of TVs on the market. Tube televisions and plasma TVs are a thing of the past, and almost all TVs today are either LCD or OLED. The majority of televisions on the market are LED LCD, which use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the LCD screen. These televisions can vary in price from $200 to thousands of dollars.
Another form of LCD television is called quantum dots. This type of TV has a wider array of colors and more brightness, and it is becoming more common. One final form is QLED, which is somewhat misleading. It is a quantum dot LED TV, and it can be confused with the OLED brand.
OLED TVs use organic LEDs to achieve absolute black with stunning contrast. This type of TV has the best picture with colors that pop, and they are priced accordingly.
Similarities and Differences Between Types of TVs
There are similarities and differences between OLED and LCD TVs. LCD TVs use the type of display that is used on computer monitors, smartphones, and tablets. They use a back-light that has an overlay of liquid crystals. An OLED TV uses light-emitting diodes, and it gives you better picture quality. It also uses less energy. However, it is more expensive. Another feature of OLED TVs is that they have the potential to be bendable, and they are much thinner. This opens the door for major changes down the road.
LCD TVs offer a great picture, and they are available in a range of prices. OLED TVs might offer a better picture, but they degrade more rapidly and are more susceptible to water damage. They have deeper blacks, but they have dimmer whites. OLED is newer and its price is a consideration when you are deciding which TV is right for you.
How Long Do They Last?
An LCD TV should last around 60,000 hours. If you watch television three or four hours a day, this will last you more than 15 years. An OLED TV lasts longer. It will last around 80,000 hours, but it could last longer as long as you don’t run into other issues. When your TV is nearing the end of its useful life, you might notice color distortion, dead pixels, or bars and lines on your screen. These are all signs that you need to have your television repaired, or it may be at the end of its useful life.
What Is the Best Type of TV to Buy?
The best TV to buy is the one that meets your needs. The OLED has the best picture and color, but it is very expensive. Because it costs thousands of dollars, many people find that they are satisfied with an LCD TV.
If you are looking for the best possible picture and money is no object, then you might consider the OLED. However, if you want a TV with a great picture at an affordable price, the LCD televisions are fine.
What Should I Consider When Buying a TV?
There are a number of factors to consider when you purchase a television. Take a look at the following:
Screen Resolution: The screen resolution is the number of pixels that make up the picture, and there are several on the market. The most common is 4K or Ultra HD. They have 8K, but it is more expensive and you don’t need to worry about it. There is also 2K and 1080p, which are lower resolutions.
Refresh Rate: The refresh rate measures now many times each second a TV draws the image on the screen. The common measures are 60Hz and 120Hz, with 120Hz refreshing twice as often.
HDR: This stands for high-dynamic range, which gives you more detail and brighter highlights. Almost all of the midrange and high-end TVs have HDR.
Black Level: The black level is the level of brightness at the darkest part of an image where no light is emitted, which gives you a pure black screen. The deeper the black level is, the truer the colors appear on the screen.
Color Space: Color space is the range of color the TV can support. The three main colors are red, blue, and green, and the color space shows you the range of colors that can be reached.
Response Time: The response time is the amount of time it takes the TV to shift from one color to another.
Sound Quality: You want to look at the placement of the speakers and the size of them. You will also look for the audio output to determine the quality of sound you can get.
Best Way to Mount a TV
When you decide to mount your TV on the wall, you will need to make sure you have studs to mount it to. Choose a location where you can easily keep your components such as a cable box or gaming consoles. You should have a plan for hiding your cords, and make sure that your ports are accessible. Finally, make sure you can achieve the right angle to view it comfortably. Your other option is to use a stand and set your TV on it. However, most people prefer to hang the TV on the wall.
Conclusion
There are a lot of considerations when you are purchasing a television, but you need to start by setting a budget. Once you determine your budget, you can choose a TV with the features that are most important to you. LCD TVs range in price from very affordable to very expensive, so your budget will help you narrow it down.