Tips

Five Important Things to Consider When Buying a Television

1. Screen Size – Typically, bigger is better but make sure the panel fits your furniture. Ideally, you’ll want to sit around 8-10 feet away from a 65-inch screen to get any benefit from Ultra HD.

2. Contrast – Many LCD/LED models include full-array backlights with zone dimming. These will offer the best contrast outside an OLED display. OLED is the true successor to plasma with its super-deep black levels. But LCD offers brighter HDR highlights. Some panels can top 1000 nits. Without zone dimming, dynamic range will be less. VIZIO is the current price/performance king with its full line of zone-dimming models. For picky videophiles though, nothing beats an OLED.

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3. Color Accuracy – Most TVs have an accurate picture mode so if you buy from a major manufacturer, it’s likely you won’t need a professional calibration. Look for modes called Cinema or VIZIO’s Calibrated Dark and Light presets. If you do wish to make adjustments, be sure your chosen display has controls for color temperature, gamma, and color gamut.

4. Streaming Interface – Many TVs today are marketed as smart displays. This simply means they have built-in streaming options like Netflix and Amazon. In most cases, you can simply plug the set in, connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and enjoy content from thousands of sources. Some is even in Ultra HD with HDR though compression levels are far higher than what comes on an Ultra HD Blu-ray. User interfaces vary widely so try them out in a store before you buy.

5. Audio – If you plan to use a separate sound system like a sound bar or a receiver with speakers, this part doesn’t matter. But if you want to use the TV’s built-in speakers, the experience will likely be underwhelming. Sony has made a good effort with its OLED models that use the screen as a transducer. It’s the best built-in sound you’ll find in a flat panel. Otherwise, budget for a sound bar at the very least. And a subwoofer, even a small one, can really enhance bass and deliver a more cinematic experience.

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Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.