TV expert recommendations

The relevance of the issue

In fact, the technology of choosing an inexpensive, but good TV model is quite complicated. It is necessary to take into account many nuances, such as: optimal diagonal, screen resolution, viewing angle, additional features, etc. It’s not uncommon for salespeople to consult a beautiful speech with a “stuck” model on a shelf, listing its functions that may never be useful to you. That is why, in order not to overpay the extra money and not to buy a "pig in a poke", then we will consider the main criteria and determine which TV is better to choose and buy for home.

Criterias of choice

Immediately we draw your attention to the fact that there are a lot of criteria for choosing a reliable TV, and every moment should be considered at the time of purchase. Carefully read the information below, on the basis of which make the right decision.

Screen type

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the type of screen. Today they can be represented by the following technologies:

1. CRT. The most ancient version, which was indisputably present in every house. Oversized kinescope is familiar to everyone. Its advantage is low cost and long service life. Disadvantages - relatively large sizes (in relation to LCD and LED devices), as well as a minimum set of functions. In addition, the CRT screen spoils vision.
2. Liquid crystal (LCD). The image is high-quality, the thickness is small, high color rendering and relatively low cost. The only significant drawback is the fading of crystals, as a result of which spots appear on the display. This type of TV has an optimal ratio of price and quality. It is recommended to choose a liquid crystal model for the living room and the hall, because in this case you can mount the tv on the wallmaking the interior of the room more modern.
3. LED. Advanced technology, presented in the form of LED backlight matrix (in contrast to fluorescent lamps that are used in LCD screens). Among the main advantages are good image quality, low power consumption and reduced matrix thickness.
4. Plasma. Not crystals are used to display the picture, but sealed cells filled with gas. The display in this case is better, but the devices consume more power. Also a disadvantage is the fact that the size of the plasma screens is at least 32 inches, which is associated with design features.
5. Projection. Another variety of devices in questionable demand. On the one hand, projection televisions are inexpensive and have a high-quality picture. On the other hand, there is a problem with fading pixels, as well as a small viewing angle, which significantly reduces the demand for products.
6. Laser. One of the modern options that appeared on the market in 2008. The image quality of the laser screens is quite high, at the same time, the products consume a little electricity and have a long service life. The only drawback is the very high price.

The most popular in 2018 are of course LED displays. They are quite good both for home and for giving, so we strongly recommend that you choose the LED TV.

I would also like to note that the screens are flat and curved. A flat surface is more popular and more common. Curved screens are more expensive, but allow you to completely immerse the viewer in the picture shown on the display.

Backlight type

Today, LED displays have several backlight options. To choose the right option for price and quality, get acquainted with the characteristics of each type of backlight:

• Edge LED. The linear arrangement of the diodes along the contour of the screen, which is in the rough sense a luminous frame. Thanks to this technology, manufacturers make screens thin, economical and durable. An important advantage is a good viewing angle, a disadvantage is that local dimming of colors is difficult.
• Direct LED. LEDs are located over the entire screen area, while the brightness is adjusted separately for each diode. Due to this, there is a good local dimming of colors, better dynamic contrast and greater coverage of color shades.
• QLED. It is a coating of quantum dots that creates a backlight that displays the colors most susceptible to the human eye. This is one of the best lighting options to date. If you are ready to choose an expensive but high-quality TV in 2018, pay attention to models with QLED backlight (as a rule, these are SUHD TVs from the leading Samsung company).
• OLED. The newest technology in the modern world. The backlight is represented by diodes that are coated with a phosphor. As a result of the passage of an electric pulse, the diodes glow. The advantage of OLED screens is the shortest response time, the largest black depth indicator and the largest viewing angle among similar technologies. A significant drawback is the cost, not everyone will choose an OLED TV.

Diagonal

Modern models can have a diagonal from 14 to 105 inches.

The range that is in demand is 32-55 inches. To choose the right diagonal TV, you need to be guided by the following requirements:

• The distance to the viewing area. It is usually accepted to install the device at a distance of 3 diagonals. Based on this, and at the same time, based on the size of the room, you can choose the most optimal option.
• The area of ​​the room. It is logical that in the kitchen 4 * 4 meters choose a 32-inch TV does not make sense. Choose a TV by room area to buy the most suitable screen size.
• Special purpose. Another important factor. It all depends on what you decide to choose the equipment for - to use it as a home theater in the hall or to watch news in the kitchen. For example, for the latter case, it is advisable to use a small 26-inch screen, and in the first one you can even use a large 55-inch display.

Resolution

Probably every confident Internet user who watches movies online and downloads them from a torrent knows what screen resolution is. This parameter displays the total number of pixels. Among obsolete models of devices, the resolution 1024 * 768 is most often used, new models 2017-2018 may have resolutions such as 1920 * 1080 (high-definition television, full HR di) and 3840 * 2160 (ultra-high definition, ultra HD).

The larger this parameter, the better picture quality you can see. It should be noted right away that the resolution should be selected based on how exactly you will use the device. For example, to watch analog television, choosing a FHD (1920 * 1080) TV does not make sense, because the maximum possible signal transmitted through the cable will be several times smaller. In the event that you will use modern gaming platforms (like PS4) or watch a high-quality movie (2160p, 1080p or 720p), you must give preference to higher display resolutions and choose a new generation television - UHD.

Sound quality

Also an important factor that you need to pay attention to when choosing. The “cleaner” the sound will be reproduced by the built-in speakers, the more comfortable it will be to watch a movie or a TV show. As a rule, sound quality is affected by the size of the unit and the total cost. This is obvious, because there is no point in hoping for a high-quality clear sound in the device with a diagonal of 20 inches, especially if it costs a couple of thousand. To choose a TV with good sound, you need to give preference to those models that have a built-in Dolby Digital sound decoder, which is one of the best. It is also advisable to choose a model with NICAM support.

Response Time and Refresh Rate

Another parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a TV for your home is the pixel response time. This parameter represents the time required to change the position of the crystal in one pixel. In other words, how fast the picture can change during a dynamic scene. If the response time is long, loops may remain on the screen during dynamic scenes, which impairs viewing comfort.

As for the refresh rate, you need to choose the largest value possible. At the same time, it is important to understand that for inexpensive TVs the frequency does not exceed 100 Hz, mid-range models have an optimal refresh rate: from 200 to 400 Hz. The largest indicator in 2018 is 1000 Hz.

We draw your attention to the fact that the relevance of this criterion is gradually being lost, because most modern models have a response time of about 5 ms, which is quite enough. If the device is relatively old: 2004-2008, check that the response time is not more than 8 ms, otherwise the loops will be noticeable.

Interfaces

In simple words, these are “sockets” for connecting various devices: webcams, headphones, tuner, game console, etc.

A modern TV must include the following interfaces:

• HDMI - used to transmit video and audio from a PC, modern camcorders, gaming platforms, etc.
• USB port is the most popular interface to date. Via USB, you can connect a webcam, flash drive, Wi-Fi adapter and other very useful devices.
• SCART - used to transmit images and sound, as well as synchronized launch of the TV and VCR.
• DVB-C / DVB-S - digital and satellite television.
• PAL - analogue television.
• S-Video - an analog connector for transferring images from a computer.
• Mini-jack - used to connect headphones.

We recommend that you immediately read the article on how to connect the TV to the home theaterto select the model with the interfaces you need!

Brightness and contrast

It is not so important to provide you with the existing parameters, how to explain the verification of the normal brightness and contrast of the TV.

As a rule, many devices are displayed in household appliance stores that display the same picture (for comparison). Sometimes shops are cunning by setting maximum brightness and contrast parameters on poor screens, while on good modern units this parameter is in the middle position. The result is a slight difference with a relatively noticeable difference in price. To choose the right TV for brightness, you need to ask the sales assistant to go to the settings to see the brightness / contrast scale.So you can compare the technical characteristics and, having analyzed the picture, understand how high-quality it is in comparison with other devices.

Format

Another important parameter depends on the screen resolution - format. In older models, the format is 4: 3, while most modern devices have a 16: 9 widescreen screen. You need to choose the last option, because most modern videos, movies and even TV programs support exactly 16: 9. Also on the market there are 16:10 and 21: 9 formats, they are used on large screen sizes.

Scientists have experimentally proven that in a 16: 9 format, viewing is more comfortable due to the physiological abilities of a person.

operating system

Surely, choosing a TV in 2018, you noticed that different models can be equipped with different OS options. In our opinion, this is not the most important selection criterion, because Modern TVs are equipped with modified and easy-to-use OS. The only thing you should know: Samsung is released on the Tizen operating system, LG on webOC, Panasonic on Firefox OS, and Sony and Philips on Android TV.

An overview and comparison of various video operating systems is provided in the video:

Manufacturers

When choosing a TV by manufacturer, we recommend that you give preference to the following brands:

• Samsung
• LG
• Sony
• Sharp
• Philips

It is this group of companies that is famous for its quality, which is why it retains its leadership in the global ranking! Even according to customer reviews at the thematic forums, it is possible to analyze that this particular five of the manufacturers is the most reliable and high-quality, which is why the price difference in comparison with other brands is visible. Even if you decide to choose a budget TV without the bells and whistles from these manufacturers, the purchase will pleasantly surprise you.

We immediately draw attention to the fact that after choosing a particular model, it is better to go to a forum on the Internet and read customer reviews. Often, even giants such as Sony produce unsuccessful models that fail after half a year after purchase. More about top tv manufacturers We talked in a separate article!

Additional functions

Also, when buying, you need to know the following functions that new TV models may have:

• 3D image support. The 3D image will allow you to delve into the movie as much as possible, but after a long movie show, your eyes may hurt. About, how to choose a 3d tv We talked in a separate article.
• Picture in picture (the ability to simultaneously watch multiple channels).
• Support for Wi-Fi (you can "sit" on the Internet and watch your favorite videos on YouTube from a 55-inch screen).
• Anti-reflective coating (the screen will not play the role of a mirror in intense lighting)
• Reading a memory card (having a special slot for connecting a memory card from a phone or digital camera)
• The ability to mount to the wall (if you choose a thin display, you can save free space in the room by hanging the wall-mounted TV as a picture).
• Function “List of favorite programs” (a smart twist with which you can add the most interesting TV programs to your favorites).
• Smart tv. It is found in all new models. Smart TV allows you to watch movies and other kinds of content directly on the Internet by connecting the TV to the network.
• TimeShift A very useful feature that allows the viewer to pause your favorite program or match, broadcast on regular television. If you don’t want to miss anything while watching programs, we recommend choosing a TV with the time shift function.
• Progressive scan. The frames are transmitted sequentially, so that the picture on the screen is completely drawn. This allows you to get high-quality and clear image on the display.
• 24p True Cinema. This technology allows you to play video in the frequency that was recorded by the operator, namely 24 frames per second.While ordinary TVs play movies a little faster - 25 frames per second.
• Miracast A technology that allows you to transfer content from your smartphone to a TV wirelessly.
• Gesture and voice control. A convenient opportunity to refuse to use a remote control. This filling, to be honest, not for everybody.

We have listed the main, but not all, functions of modern TVs. The list provided above will be enough to know what to look for when choosing a TV for home.

We recommend watching the video on which expert opinions are provided on how to correctly choose the right model for price and quality:

To summarize

So, you have familiarized yourself with the main criteria for choosing a TV for home in 2018, now I would like to provide some useful tips that will help you clearly answer the question of how to choose a high-quality TV so as not to overpay money and use the purchase for many years.

• Pay attention to the support of video formats. It is necessary that the device can read the most popular formats, such as MKV, MPEG-4 and XVid.
• The power of the speakers for normal viewing should be at least 15 watts (better than 20).
• Check the TV menu right away in the store to make it clear and easy to use. If there is extra money, immediately check the screen for broken pixels (for an additional fee, some stores may provide this service).
• To choose a TV with a good viewing angle, you need to know this value. An angle of 176 degrees is enough for comfortable viewing, even from the side.
• Some Philips models have an AmbiLight feature, which provides multi-colored LED backlighting for the display. LEDs allow you to fully immerse yourself in watching a movie with special effects (for example, when a fire lights up, the contours glow in orange). If the issue of money is not a problem, we recommend that you choose such a model.

Finally, once again we draw your attention to the fact that right before the purchase you familiarize yourself with the discussions of buyers on various information portals. Thus, you can find out all the problems that you may encounter with a certain model in the future!

Rating of popular models

If you don’t know which TV to choose for home in 2018, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ratings of the best models compiled by us in terms of price and quality, the current price (in rubles) at the offers of popular online stores is shown in brackets.

32 inches:

• Samsung UE32M5503AU (from 21,000)
• LG 32LH570U (from 15,000)
• Sony KDL-32WD603 (20,000)

40-43 inch:

• LG 43UJ740V (from 40,000)
• Samsung UE40MU6103U (from 31,000)
• LG 43UJ634V (from 25,000)

50-55 inch:

• LG OLED55C8 (120,000)
• Samsung UE55MU6400U (from 55,000)
• LG 55LJ622V (from 40,000)

60-65 inch:

• Samsung QE65Q7CAM (from 140,000)
• LG OLED65C7V (from 180,000)
• LG 60UJ634V (from 55,000)

That was all I wanted to tell on this issue. We hope that now you know how to choose a TV for your home in 2018 and which one is better suited in certain conditions! We ask you to leave your feedback about the technique used, so that the rest of the readers know which models to give preference to, and which are better to bypass!

We recommend reading:

• How to make a do-it-yourself TV antenna
• How to pay less for electricity
• Top TV Manufacturers