Look for These Features When Buying a New TV
By: RebootPoint_employee | Published: July 26, 2024
Photo by Marques Kaspbrak
Modern TVs are loaded with capabilities that may greatly improve your watching experience thanks to the quick technological improvements. Having the correct features on your TV may change how you watch and use it, regardless of your interests—movies, sports, or video games. Ensure your new TV has these necessary features before making your next major buy to guarantee you’re receiving the best performance and value for your money. Explore our guide to learn which elements are essential for a genuinely remarkable TV-watching experience.
Input ports
When buying a new TV, ensuring it has the right connectivity options and ports is crucial for creating a versatile and future-proof entertainment setup. Look for multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, Ethernet, audio outputs, and compatibility with both modern and legacy devices. These features support and enhance your overall experience, ensuring that your TV can accommodate a wide range of devices and provide top-notch audio and video quality.
HDMI ports
It is essential to have HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors on your TV in order to connect game consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and streaming devices. Gaining knowledge about the variations in HDMI versions and making sure your TV has enough ports will greatly improve your entertainment and viewing experience.
HDMI 2.0:
- Resolution and refresh rate: Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and modern game consoles can all play 4K material at 60 frames per second (up to 4K resolution at 60Hz) via HDMI 2.0.
- Bandwidth: It is capable of handling multi-channel audio and high-definition video because of its 18 Gbps capacity.
- HDR Support: HDMI 2.0 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), enhancing the picture quality with better contrast and color accuracy.
HDMI 2.1:
- Greater resolutions: HDMI 2.1 is future-proof for the upcoming generation of video games and multimedia, supporting resolutions up to 10K.
- Enhanced refresh rates: It is capable of 4K refresh rates up to 120Hz, which is necessary for better movie playing and high-frame-rate gaming.
- Enhanced bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 can transport more data and provide greater performance for high-resolution and high-frame-rate video thanks to its bandwidth capability of up to 48 Gbps.
- Supports dynamic HDR formats, which fine-tune HDR settings for more accurate image quality scene by scene or frame by frame.
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC: Higher-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS are supported by eARC, an enhancement over ARC that offers a more immersive audio experience.
How many ports: The optimal number of HDMI ports is four or more since this allows for the flexibility of adding more devices and facilitates switching between them without the trouble of reconnecting wires.
HDMI cable quality: Make sure the HDMI cables you use are of the appropriate caliber to fit the requirements of your HDMI ports. For example, use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables to take full advantage of HDMI 2.1 capabilities.
Port location: Verify where the TV’s HDMI ports are located. It may be easier to reach ports on the side or bottom, particularly if you intend to wall-mount your TV.
Ethernet port
Any modern TV must include an Ethernet connector in order to provide a dependable, quick, and secure internet connection. Compared to Wi-Fi, it offers more bandwidth, lower latency, and consistent performance, which improves streaming and gaming experiences. It’s easy to set up an Ethernet connection, which will guarantee that your smart TV works as it should.
Greater bandwidth: In situations when several devices are vying for bandwidth, Ethernet connections can handle higher data transfer rates than many Wi-Fi connections. This guarantees quicker downloads and more fluid streaming.
8K streaming: A dependable and fast internet connection is required to stream high-definition media, such as 4K or even 8K videos. These large data demands are better handled by an Ethernet connector than by the majority of Wi-Fi networks.
Consistency: Compared to Wi-Fi, a wired Ethernet connection offers a more reliable and constant internet connection that is less susceptible to interference. Video conferences, online gaming, and high-definition multimedia streaming all depend on this consistency.
Reduced Latency: Online gaming and interactive applications, for example, demand real-time answers, and Ethernet connections often offer reduced latency.
Easy setup: It’s simple to set up a wired connection. All you have to do is insert an Ethernet cable into your TV’s port and link your router to the other end. It is a desirable alternative for those who want hassle-free connectivity because of its simplicity.
USB ports
A TV’s USB ports are crucial for increasing its functionality and improving the whole watching experience. By enabling you to connect several devices and accessories, they expand your TV’s functionality.
Direct content access: Media files stored on USB devices or external hard drives can be played directly through USB ports. This is especially helpful for listening to music and browsing private images and videos.
Supply power to devices: Connected devices can get electricity from certain USB ports. To be sure it can power devices like streaming sticks or external hard drives enough, check the power output specs.
USB 3.0 vs. USB 2.0: When connecting high-speed storage devices or playing high-definition media files, USB 3.0 ports offer quicker data transfer rates than USB 2.0 connections. Aim for USB 3.0 ports to improve efficiency.
Voice control and assistants
The convenience and functionality of modern TVs are greatly increased by voice control and assistants. They provide faster content searches, multitasking capabilities, connectivity with smart homes, hands-free operation, and enhanced accessibility. Well-known voice assistants with extensive functionality and smooth interaction with other smart devices include Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
Hands-free operation: You can control your TV without a remote control by utilizing voice control. To switch between channels, adjust the volume, look up movies, or launch apps, just voice instructions.
Simple navigation: Handle intricate menus and settings with ease. You may ask your TV to find what you need directly, saving you the trouble of browsing through a variety of possibilities.
Multitasking: Voice assistants can be useful when multitasking. While cooking or doing chores, for example, you may check the weather, get news updates, set reminders, and even manage the playback of your smart TV.
Software and smart features
Modern TVs, with their sophisticated software and clever capabilities, are more than simply display devices, they are also powerful multimedia centers. These capabilities, which provide access to a variety of information, apps, and connectivity choices, significantly improve the user experience.
Games and applications: Smart TVs come with a wide range of applications that let you play games, stream music (Spotify, Apple Music), stay up to date on news, weather, social media (Facebook, Twitter), and more. These apps make your TV a one-stop shop for entertainment.
Frequent upgrades: TVs with strong software platforms get upgrades on a regular basis that provide new features, boost efficiency, and make sure they work with the newest applications and streaming services.
Operating System (OS):
Android TV: With a large selection of applications from the Google Play Store, an integrated Google Assistant, and Chromecast compatibility, Android TV makes it simple to share content from mobile devices.
Roku TV: Well-known for its intuitive UI and vast app selection, which includes almost all streaming services.
Tizen: Samsung’s in-house operating system, Tizen, has a slick UI, quick performance, and interoperability with the SmartThings network.
webOS (LG): With a user-friendly UI, a Magic Remote for effortless navigation, and a wide range of app compatibility, LG’s platform is straightforward to use.
Amazon Fire TV: This device seamlessly blends into the Amazon ecosystem, providing voice control over Alexa and a wide range of apps and streaming services.
HDR
Modern TVs must include HDR, which improves contrast, brightness, and color accuracy to provide better-looking images. While choosing a TV, it’s critical to comprehend the many HDR standards, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Advanced HDR by Technicolor. Better detail, vibrant colors, and overall visual performance are all made possible by HDR, which also offers a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
HDR: What is it?
High Dynamic Range, or HDR for short, is a technique that enhances the contrast and color gamut of the images on your TV. It improves the overall detail and color accuracy of the image by making bright regions brighter and dark areas darker, resulting in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
Improved detail and contrast: High Dynamic Range intensifies the contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. A more lifelike picture is produced by the increased contrast, which helps to display more details in the highlights and shadows.
Peak brightness: To enhance the contrast between dark and bright areas of a picture, HDR TVs can attain greater peak brightness levels. Sceneries with strong sunshine or reflections make this more apparent.
Broad color range: High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology can display a greater variety of colors because of its larger color gamut capability. Color reproduction becomes more accurate and subtle as a consequence.
Different HDR formats
Every HDR format has advantages of its own, and the ideal option will rely on your own requirements and tastes. HDR10 is a good choice if you want the most compatibility and content availability. Go for Dolby Vision or HDR10+ for better image quality with dynamic changes. While Technicolor Advanced HDR and IMAX Enhanced offer unique viewing experiences, HLG is best for live broadcasts. Make sure the new TV you select supports the HDR formats that best suit your viewing preferences and the kinds of content you want to watch.
HDR10:
Standard Format: The most popular and extensively accepted HDR format is HDR10. It has a 10-bit color depth and a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. It is an open standard.
HDR10 employs static information so that all of the content is subject to the same HDR settings.
HDR10+:
Dynamic Metadata: HDR10+, in contrast to HDR10, makes use of dynamic metadata, which enables the TV to modify contrast and brightness levels frame-by-frame or scene-by-scene.
Improved Performance: As a consequence, the material is represented more accurately and with better performance.
Dolby Vision
- Advanced Dynamic Metadata: To produce better images, Dolby Vision employs advanced dynamic metadata to modify the brightness, contrast, and color settings for each scene or frame.
- 12-Bit Color Depth: With its capability for up to 12-bit color depth, images may have even more color variation and complexity.
- Content Availability: Blu-ray discs, TV manufacturers including LG, Sony, and Vizio, and several streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ support Dolby Vision.
4K resolution
Purchasing a new TV may be a big choice, and it can be difficult to decide which features are actually necessary given the abundance of possibilities. 4K resolution is one characteristic that has grown in importance.
4K resolution: what is it?
A monitor with 4K resolution has about 4,000 pixels on the horizontal axis. In particular, 4K TVs feature four times as many pixels as Full HD (1080p) TVs, with a resolution of 3840×2160. Images with a greater pixel density are crisper and more detailed.
- Amazing detail: Compared to 1080p, 4K resolution offers a noticeably better degree of detail. This is especially apparent on bigger displays, when 1080p may begin to appear grainy.
- Enhanced clarity: Movies and live sports appear more realistic thanks to 4K TVs’ crisper and more lifelike visuals.
Great value: With its amazing image quality and affordable price, 4K resolution is a great feature for any new TV. Four times as many pixels per square inch as Full HD, 4K improves your viewing experience with its striking clarity, vibrant colors, and finer details.
Improved textures and depth: The higher pixel count offers a more immersive viewing experience, which improves the image’s textures and depth.
120 Hz refresh rate
A TV’s refresh rate is a crucial component that controls how fluidly motion is shown on the screen. A refresh rate of 120 Hz is very beneficial for a range of viewing activities, including gaming and sports watching.
Refresh rate: What is it?
The number of times per second that the image on a TV is changed is known as its refresh rate, and it is expressed in Hertz (Hz). In fast-paced action sequences, sports broadcasts, and video games, motion blur is reduced and smoother motion is produced with a faster refresh rate.
Decreased motion blur: Compared to a typical 60Hz refresh rate, a 120Hz refresh rate considerably lessens motion blur. This is especially helpful in action or sports scenarios that move quickly.
Fluid gaming: Players will enjoy a 120Hz refresh rate’s ability to give smoother gaming. In competitive gaming, it might be crucial to have quicker reaction times and lower input latency.
Clearer fast action: A refresh rate of 120 Hz is advantageous for action-packed scenes and sports broadcasts since it allows for smoother animation that lessens the startling impact of quick motions.
Soundbar
With its improved audio quality, user-friendliness, and compact, stylish form, a soundbar is essential to any modern TV setup. Whether you go for a surround sound system, standalone soundbar, soundbar with subwoofer, or smart soundbar, all of them dramatically enhance your viewing experience by producing louder, clearer sound. The compatibility for Dolby Atmos and DTS, audio channels, connectivity choices, sound modes, voice control, and overall design are important factors to take into account.
Improved sound quality: Superior audio quality is the goal of soundbar design when compared to TV speakers. They frequently have several speakers and subwoofers that produce powerful bass, crystal-clear audio, and a surround-sound experience. To fully appreciate games, music, and movies, this is especially crucial.
Simple configuration and networking: The majority of soundbars have straightforward setup procedures and frequently just need one wire to connect to your TV. With their support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI ARC, optical audio, and other connection options, you can easily connect game consoles, tablets, and smartphones.
Adaptable audio configurations: A lot of soundbars include sound modes and settings that may be adjusted to suit various kinds of media, including news, sports, music, movies, and more. This enables you to adjust the audio quality to suit what you’re listening to or seeing.
Elegant style: Since soundbars are usually small and thin, mounting them on the wall or positioning them in front of your TV is simple. They make your entertainment room appear tidy and orderly by saving space and doing away with the necessity for an intricate arrangement of several speakers and cords.