Television Buying 101

Technological advances around televisions take leaps forward every year. For example, a TV with a 32-inch screen was once considered a big TV. Now, 65-inch TVs are considered the norm, and TVs bigger than 70 inches are becoming increasingly more popular. If you're wondering about exactly what to look for when buying a new or even a refurbished TV, consider some of the following factors as you begin the decision-making process.

Start with size

Of all the things to consider when selecting a new TV, size is one of the most important factors. You should know how much space it'll take up in the room, especially if it's going on or into a piece of furniture. In addition, decide how the TV is going to be displayed, whether it will hang from a wall on a TV mount or sit on a stand in an entertainment center. When considering size, remember that TVs are measured diagonally. For example, you would measure from the lower right corner to the upper left corner. Since TVs come in many different sizes, you can find one that will best fit your space. Looking for a focal point in your living room or something for your entertainment lounge? Shop the selection of 65-inch TVs, a popular choice.

If you're planning to mount the TV on a wall, make sure you have the proper hardware for hanging and that the wall mount device is designed for the size of TV you choose. If you're hanging the TV yourself, the wall mount should be attached to a stud in the wall (not just drywall) so that it can support the weight of the TV.

Choose the right type of TV

There are many TV types available these days. This list includes LED TVs, LCD TVs, 4K TVs, and Smart TVs. Some of these categories overlap. For example, you might find a 4K TV that is also a smart TV. A brief description of TV types follows:

• LED TV: Light-emitting diodes produce light via a semiconductor device; some LED TVs are OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, TVs that emit light via an organic compound charged by an electric current. Samsung also has a new series of QLED TVs, or a television that uses a quantum dot display that can produce pure red, green, and blue light.
• LCD TV: Liquid crystal display TVs receive light from other sources, including LEDs. They're most commonly found in high-definition TVs (HDTVs).
• 4K TV: Ultra-high definition (UHD) TVs like these have four times the resolution (measured in pixels) of standard-resolution TVs.
• 8K TV: Like 4K TVs, 8K TVs have eight times the resolution of standard TVs, meaning they have a horizontal resolution of 8,000 pixels.
• Smart TV: TVs that have Internet capability and Bluetooth capability make it possible to pair the TV with other devices connected via Wi-Fi or wired access, such as computers, tablets and smartphones.
• Roku TV: A Roku TV can make streaming all your favorite shows easy. Available in different sizes and types, Roku televisions can stream content from various online services.

The resolution for HDTVs displays ranges from 720p (pixels of resolution per frame) to 1080p or 1080i (interlaced lines of resolution). UHD TVs, specifically 4K UHD TVs, have a resolution of 2160p, and 8K UHD TVs have a resolution of 4320p. These are the sharpest, clearest picture displays available. Looking for the best picture on a budget? Check out the selection of TVs under $400.

Create your own home theater system

You don't have to leave the comforts of your home to have a cinematic experience. Consider upgrading to a home theater system or enhancing your current stereo receiver and amplifier. New speakers can also deliver better overall sound for those blockbuster movies and live concerts you may find yourself watching. Adding a sound bar, to your TV entertainment center can deliver high-quality audio and some even feature integrated subwoofers for a theater-quality experience. Video game consoles, Roku streaming devices, TV antennas, projectors, and DVD/Blu-ray players are other components you may want to use in conjunction with your new TV.