What features matter most on TV brands ?

 

HDMI ports

It may not seem important, but HDMI are essential for specific features and attachments. HDMI ports are used to plug future entertainment sources into your TV set, and they can be used up quickly. Look for the newer HDMI 2.0 ports, which is what the newer TVs will be manufactured with. HDMI ports are used to connect TVs to:

• Sound bars
• Game consoles
• Blu-ray players
• Satellite/cable boxes
• DVRs

Audio

Even the best TVs suffer from less-than-stellar sound due to their flat design, there is simply not enough room for large speakers on the TV to produce the full sound necessary to satisfy true audiophiles. There are two options:

• Quality built-in speakers: Look for a model that has larger speakers on the sides. A speaker on the back of the TV will not be beneficial if you plan on mounting the TV.
• Wireless technology: Another way to add a fuller sound to your TV experience is to purchase sound bars and different types of speakers to enhance audio. These speakers are normally placed strategically throughout the room to create a surround sound effect.

Smart TVs and smart apps

Upgrading to a Smart TV can add more to the overall price, but it will offer much more in terms of entertainment choices. Having such services built into the set is more convenient than attaching a separate streaming media box, such as Roku or Apple TV. It also saves an HDMI port that you can instead use for a game console or Blu-ray player. Moreover, today's HDTVs are essentially flat-screen computers, so having a built-in Internet connection means that the set's software can be upgraded or patched when necessary. For example, when you need to add new services or solve a picture-quality issue. Nearly all smart TVs have WiFi, but be sure to check the features list. Also, look for Smart TVs that have these features:

• Built-in apps: Check to see what apps are included. Is your favorite one missing? Some TVs enable you to add apps, but other may not have that feature.
• Stream other places: Other features on smart TVs include the ability to visit social websites, use your TV as a digital photo album and play casual games like Angry Birds.
• Remote control options: Some remote controls that come with the TV make navigating to streaming apps easy. If you are not happy with the remote provided, some TVs allow you to use your smart phone as a remote.

Picture resolution

Most TVs sold today are at least 1080p and are called regular high-definition, or HDTV, sets. Newer technology is always being developed, of course. Already Ultra HD TVs are being produced, and high-dynamic range TVs are on the horizon as well.

• Pixels: It's all about the pixels. That's what that little p stands for; 1080p actually means a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, or 1,920 pixels horizontally and 1,080 pixels vertically. Pixels, also known as picture elements, are tiny, individual dots that collectively make up the image you see on your TV screen.
• 4K UHD: If you are someone that want the next best product, the Ultra High Definition TVs are for you. This TV has even more pixels, along with higher frame rates and more realistic color.

Screen size

Size does matter when it comes to buying a TV, but not in the way you’re probably thinking. Getting the biggest TV isn’t necessarily always the best idea, especially if you are putting your TV in a relatively small space. Where you put your TV has more to do with your distance from the TV than the size of the room it will be sitting in. The farther away from the TV you are, the smaller the screen will appear to you, so a 50-inch TV will likely work much better in your living room than in your bedroom. Getting a TV that is too large for your room can negatively impact your viewing experience.
To get a good idea of how big of a TV will work for your space, do some homework. Measure the distance from your seating to the place where your TV will be at home, then bring your measuring tape to the store with you so you can get an accurate feel for how your viewing experience will be with TVs of varying sizes.
What size TV suites you? Screen size is measured diagonally, and while there is no hard-and-fast rule, the basic guideline is that the closest you can sit to your TV and still maintain a proper maximum field of view is 1.6 times the diagonal measurement of your television.

• Bedroom: Most experts recommend getting at least a 32-inch model.
• Living room: Try to find a TV within your budget that is at least 50 inches. If possible, 60 inches or larger for the best viewing experience is suggested.
• Other rooms: In other rooms, 24 or 32 inches will probably work. If possible, go with the larger size, especially if you have the choice between features like Smart TV or higher refresh rates.