Televisions

Best Buy offers a wide range of TVs to fit your needs, whether you're seeking a large flat screen for your living room or a smaller one for the bedroom. When shopping for a TV, it's crucial to keep in mind key factors like size, resolution, type of TV, smart TV features, and budget to make an informed decision. Here are some essential considerations to keep in mind when choosing a TV that fits your lifestyle and entertainment preferences.

• Choose the Right TV Size

The three most important factors to consider when selecting the size of TV are the size of the room or viewing area, the resolution of the TV, and your budget. As you would expect, a larger room allows you more flexibility and can often accommodate a larger TV. In the past, people used the simple rule of choosing a screen with a diagonal screen equal to half the distance you would sit from the TV. However, TVs with higher resolution, like the many new 4K TVs, enable you to go bigger and sit closer for a more immersive, theatre experience. For example, if your sofa will be 2 metres (approximately 80 inches) from the TV, then select a 4K TV screen in the range of 55” to 75” depending on your budget, such as 55-inch TVs.

• Consider TV Display technology

TV images are created by light passing through a layer of liquid crystals to create their images; hence they are LCD screens. The crystals are packaged within tiny bundles called pixels. More pixels=more crystals, for example, there are four times as many in a 4K TV vs a 1080p TV. The different types of LCD screens, including LED, OLED and QLED, vary in the light used to pass through the crystals. The higher-end TVs, OLED TVs, QLED TVs, and MiniLED TVs, have very specific light reaching each pixel for more specific control of colours and brightness, delivering a better picture.

• Consider TV Resolution

Screen resolution becomes more important as screen size increases. A tiny TV doesn’t need thousands of pixels to produce a clear image. With a larger screen you need more pixels to keep the images looking natural, detailed, and with realistic colours. Most TVs today have 4K Ultra HD resolution enabling brilliantly clear images, even when seated close to the screen. TV technology keeps improving and 8K TVs are available for the best resolution possible. Another important factor affecting resolution is HDR. It’s a technology that enhances the range of colours and brightness levels the screen can show. Lastly, different screens allows for a range of response times and refresh rates: these affect how quickly the screen image can change due to the type of input it receives. For example, if you intend to play video games, select a gaming TV with very low response times and high refresh rates to prevent input lag and for the smoothest gaming experience.

• Research Smart TV Platforms

Modern TVs include an operating system, often called a Smart TV platform, with convenient menus for setting up the TV, and for helping you find content to watch.The most common platforms are Android TV, Roku TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Each offers slightly different features. For example, Android TVs offer access to the Google Play Store and Chromecast support, while Roku TVs include the Roku channel (with unique, ad supported free content) and an easy-to-use user interface. Many platforms include access to your favourite streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ that media streaming devices offer too. You can limit your search for a new TV to only those with a specific platform. Alternatively, you might select the TV based on brand or a few of the other considerations mentioned here, and accept the platform that comes with it.

• Check Connectivity Options in TVs

New TVs come with a range of connectivity options including different kinds of HDMI ports, USB ports, and even Wi-Fi. If you intend to connect the TV to a sound bar or stereo, as well as a gaming console or Blu-Ray play, then choose a TV set with an adequate number of HDMI ports. You may also want Bluetooth, especially if you intend to use wireless speakers or headphones with the TV. Smart TVs will need to be connected to the internet, so they will likely include an ethernet port. If the TV supports Wi-Fi, then make sure your router is secure to protect your privacy and is fast enough to stream the highest resolution shows your TV can handle without annoying buffering.

• Determine Your TV Budget

Above we have mentioned many features that affect the value of a television. Typically, lower priced televisions will have lower resolution, a more simply lit LCD display, and smaller screen. Include in your new TV budget accessories you may need like a mounting bracket or sound bar. Then decide the size range that will work in the room it will live in and factor in the resolution (as mentioned above). Finally consider the type of LED lighting (OLED, QLED, MiniLED, etc) and other features important for you to arrive at a final decision that is within your budget. Another option would be to check out Open-box TVs.