Buying a TV can be one of the most difficult electronics-related decisions you can make. There are so many makes, models, sizes, and features available, the choice can seem somewhat overwhelming. Thankfully, we've put together this TV buying guide to help you narrow down the field and find the one TV that's best for you and your home. Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider.
In the past few years, flat screen TVs have replaced the older, much heavier tube televisions. Since there are fewer sizes and configurations to consider, a guide to TV buying has become much simpler. When you start shopping for a new TV, you're going to choose from three main types of display technology. This TV buyer’s guide will focus on LCD/LED, OLED and plasma.
LCD and LED are the two most common types of televisions. The technology behind them is actually very similar. The only real difference is the way their screens are illuminated.
In the case of an LCD TV, the screen is lit from behind with fluorescent lighting similar to the long tubes found in ceiling light fixtures. LED TV sets are most often lit from the sides by LED light strips. These thin, pure white light strips have the advantage of producing better on-screen color and thinner TVs. They also use less power over time, making them more environmentally friendly--a factor some people use to guide their TV buying. Both LCD and LED screens work well in bright rooms and offer wide viewing angles.
Because of the technology they use, LCD and LED TVs can exhibit blurring of the image during fast-moving scenes. This motion blur effect is lessened by increasing the refresh rate (among other techniques), so some LCD and LED televisions offer specs greater than the standard 60 frames per second (measured in hertz, or Hz). You will see 120 Hz and 240 Hz models, with each being progressively better at solving the motion blur issue. Sometimes you'll even see some higher numbers, but be sure to look closely at the true refresh rate, because some TV marketing attempts to somewhat artificially inflate this number.
Another type of flat screen TV technology is called plasma. Plasma TVs deliver the most realistic possible color without the blurring or ghosting that can sometimes be seen on LCD TVs during fast-moving scenes. Since their screens are made of glass, plasma TVs are generally heavier than LCD and LED TVs, something that can guide TV buying decisions. Plasma TVs aren't as well-suited for brightly lit rooms and suffer from narrower viewing angles than LCD and LED TV sets. If you plan to sit directly in front of your TV and can avoid unwanted light, plasma TVs offer an overall superior viewing experience.
Recently an all-new TV technology has been released to the market called OLED. The OLED television panel is made up of millions of individual LEDs. These LED panels contain the organic element carbon within them, which provides “organic” part of the name OLED. OLED TVs do not need the traditional side or backlighting lamps -- they are self illuminating. Because they do not need these extra lights, OLED HDTVs can be thinner and lighter than even the thinnest of LED or LCD TVs.
Do you watch movies on a Blu-ray player, play games on a video game console, or watch TV using a high-definition DVR? You'll want to make sure when buying a TV that it has a least one HDMI input--the current standard for high-definition video--for each device you plan to connect. You can always buy an HDMI switcher or home theater receiver later if you need more inputs, but this route is generally expensive and less convenient than simply starting out with as many as you need.
TVs aren't just about watching--you also have to consider the sound. While nearly all TVs come with built-in speakers, it's crucial to decide if they're going to be adequate for your needs.
If you plan on using the built-in speakers, pay attention to the speaker size and power rating (rated in watts) in the TV's specifications. For more spacious settings where you think the volume will need to be higher, a rating of 10 watts per speaker or higher should suffice. The larger the speakers and power rating, the more robust their sound will be in your room--a good factor to guide your TV buying.
If you're concerned the TV's sound might not be robust enough for your needs, you can look into options such as a sound bar speaker. These generally sound much better than built-in TV speakers, while maximizing both space and cost.
If you enjoy watching streaming internet video from services like Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, and Hulu on your TV and don't have a device that supports them--like a game console, Apple TV, or Roku player--a smart TV could be something for you to consider. Smart TVs allow you to access to streaming video services and will often let you access services such as Twitter, or do things like check the weather and news without needing a computer.
If you watch a lot of Blu-ray movies and love 3D movies in theaters, or if you think you want to play video games in 3D, it's definitely worth letting 3D capabilities guide your TV buying decision. In addition to the 3D TV, you'll also need a 3D-capable Blu-ray player and 3D glasses to complete the experience.
Once you've taken into consideration the many factors and options in this TV buying guide, you can confidently begin your quest for the perfect TV from Amazon.com.