There are multiple factors to consider when buying a new TV, which can seem a bit daunting – so it’s well worth getting your wish list in order.
Screen size
The first issue to address is screen size. Measure the physical space you have available for your next TV, as it may not be simply a question of swapping like for like. If your current telly is five to seven years old, the bezel surrounding the picture is likely to be wider than that on contemporary models. This means you’ll be able to fit a larger screen size into the same space.
As a general rule, bigger is always better. Thanks to the advent of 4K Ultra High Definition, TV pictures are a lot more detailed than they used to be in the days when Standard Definition and even HD was the norm but you’ll need a larger screen size to appreciate the benefit.
The market trend in screen sizes is moving toward bigger sets. 65inch models are slowly giving way to 75inch models, and these supersize models really bring the cinema experience home.
If you’re considering an 8K TV, then 75 inches upwards would be the sweet spot.
Streaming apps
The majority of new TVs are smart, which means they connect to the internet and let your TV access the main catchup channels like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and BritBox. And if you subscribe to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, you’ll be able to watch shows and films without buying an extra gadget (known as a TV streaming device).
However, you should watch out, as every streaming service isn’t available on all TV models. For example, NOW (Sky’s entertainment service) isn’t available on some older LG and Samsung models.
Voice control
Some TVs feature a voice assistant that can control the TV, helping you search for your favourite shows and saving you from typing in the title.
You’ll find Alexa and Google Assistant (which are the more advanced systems that link up with your Alexa smart speaker, or Google Home device) on some models. The Sky Glass TV uses its own Sky voice control system, and you can use Bixby on some of the Samsung TVs.
Resolution
Your TV screen is made up of tiny pixel squares, and resolution is how we talk about how many pixels are on the screen. Essentially, this is how clear and sharp your TV will be able to display your favourite shows, with the basic spec offering up to 1080p (aka Full HD). We wouldn’t recommend going for anything below this, as the image quality just isn’t good enough. If you want the best available images and your budget allows for it, you should check out Ultra HD TVs (also called 4K).
All of the top streaming services offer access to HD content as a minimum and often have the option to upgrade to 4K for a higher monthly fee.
While 4K content is widely available from popular streaming apps, premium TV services, BBC iPlayer and 4K UHD Bluray discs, native 8K content is conspicuous by its absence. However, this isn’t the dealbreaker it once was. Premium 8K screens come with AI (artificial intelligence) powered upscaling that can look very convincing.
HDR
Another way to improve your shows is to look out for TVs that can display in HDR, or High Dynamic Range. This enhances colour reproduction and makes your screen pop with vibrancy, perfect if you’re watching cartoons with children or fully experiencing David Attenborough’s amazing Green Planet documentary. In the TV description, this can often be named HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG.
Connectivity and ports
Connectivity is also important. Look to see how many HDMI inputs a set has, and what type they are. On budget TVs you’ll often get three HDMI V2.0 inputs, enough for connecting settop boxes, streaming sticks and games consoles.
Upmarket screens will have four HDMI inputs, of which at least two should be V2.1 120Hz 4K enabled. If you’re connecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, check to see how many HDMI inputs support High Frame Rate (HFR) 120HZ 4K gaming. Some models have HFR available on all four inputs, which is good for futureproofing, more commonly it’s just two.
Audio
Audio is the final differentiator. On budget and midrange TVs, it can be average at best, but higherend displays will often have multiple speakers creating a wider, more immersive presentation. Ensure one of the HDMI inputs is eARC compatible, as this will allow you to stream audio out of the TV into a soundbar.
