TV technology has rapidly developed over the last 5 years, and it can often leave you confused with all the acronyms that represent all the latest features. If you’re due an upgrade, we’ve put together this buyers guide to help you make an informed decision on the best options and features for you.

What screen size should I get?

This is probably one of the most important factors when shopping around for a new TV. Select a screen too large, and it will command more space and look odd in the room; select a screen too small and you’ll miss out on a great experience watching your favourite movies, TV shows and sports teams.

A general rule of thumb for viewing distance is to sit 1.5 times the size of your screen, with the most popular screen sizes in UK living rooms being in between 43” and 55”. If you select a 50” screen, for example, you’ll need a minimum of 2.2m viewing distance for full HD and 1.7m for 4K.

Which screen resolution should I get?

HD, HDR, 4K, 8K or OLED? The acronyms can cause quite a bit of confusion. Here’s what they mean:

HD – this stands for high definition and refers to either 720p (HD Ready) or 1080 pixels (Full HD). HD enhances the quality from standard viewing. This technology is now quite dated, but you’re likely to pick up a TV at a competitive price with HD Ready technology.

HDR – High Dynamic Range is very similar to 4K technology. This generally means you’ll see a high contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. Most 4K TVs have this technology built in.

4K – With a very sharp resolution, 4K is also known as Ultra HD and has four times the amount of pixels as standard HD. Watching 4K on a larger screen makes everything crystal clear, you’ll need to get a screen larger than 40” to fully appreciate the difference in quality.

Mitchell & Brown 55" 4K UHD Smart LED TV 

8K – this is a fairly new technology and we’re still in the early days. This picture is flawless with four times the number of pixels found in 4K. You’ll find very little content for 8K at the moment, but this is a technology that will grow in popularity and provide you with a truly amazing viewing experience.

 

OLED – Organic light-emitting diode screens provide you with a brighter picture and smoother motion. These TVs are widely known as the best of the best and you’ll generally benefit from a slim and sleek design.

Should I get a Smart TV?

Smart TVs open more entertainment options for you and your family. Rather than purchasing extra devices to stream popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer and many more, you’ll be able to access your favourite content straight from your TV.  

 

Most TVs are now smart but it’s worth making sure, and as a result, manufacturers are making the user interfaces easier to use with handy sliding bars adopted by the likes of Samsung, Mitchell & Brown and LG. 

Do I need a soundbar?

This largely depends on the TV you purchase and what you’re using your TV for. For example, if you regularly watch the latest blockbuster movies or sporting events, you may want to purchase a soundbar. However, they’re not always required with a lot of tech packed into most newer models if you’re just watching standard TV with the occasional movie. It’s worth noting that a lot of manufacturers choose smaller speakers in thinner TVs to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Soundbars are worth the investment for sporting events and creating a cinema-like experience. You’ll just need to make sure you’re purchasing a high-quality soundbar to truly enhance the sound. 

LG Flat Soundbar + Subwoofer 2.1 Ch - 400w

Do I need an extended warranty for my TV?

This is where many manufacturers make a bit more money. You should always shop around to make sure that your TV has a lengthy and clear manufacturers warranty. Usually, manufacturers offer warranty up to 12 months after purchase, however, Mitchell & Brown currently offer the longest TV warranty available at 7 years, meaning you’ll never need to buy an extended warranty as an extra. 

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