How to Choose the Right HD TV for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best HD TVs

Overview

This HD TVs buying guide provides comprehensive information to help you select the right TV for your needs. We will look at the different types of HD TVs, explain the different terms and features, and discuss the various factors to consider when choosing an HD TV. We will also provide helpful tips and advice to give you the confidence to make the best purchase.

Key features

  1. Screen size: How large of a TV do you need? Do you want a smaller unit that fits in a corner, or a larger screen that can dominate the room?
  2. Resolution: Make sure the HDTV you choose has at least 720p resolution. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality.
  3. Display type: Most HD TVs come in LCD, LED, and OLED varieties. LCDs use fluorescent lighting, LEDs use LED backlighting, and OLEDs use organic LED lighting. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Connectivity: Check the different ports and inputs on the HDTV. You’ll need multiple HDMI ports, as well as at least one USB port. It’s also important to check if the TV is Wi-Fi enabled.
  5. Refresh rate: Refresh rate measures how quickly the image on the screen is updated. The higher the refresh rate, the less motion blur you’ll see. Look for HDTVs with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz.
  6. Smart features: Many HDTVs have built-in smart features, such as streaming apps and voice control. Consider what you’ll use the TV for and select one with the necessary features.
  7. Price: Finally, consider your budget. HDTVs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, so you’ll need to decide what you’re willing to spend.

See the most popular HD TVs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Picture Quality: HD TVs provide a superior picture quality with beautiful colors and sharp contrast.
  • Selection: There is a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to HD TVs, allowing you to find the perfect size, price, and features for your needs.
  • Inputs: HD TVs typically have several inputs, such as HDMI, USB, and composite video, allowing you to easily connect to various devices.
  • Durability: HD TVs are designed to be more durable than standard TVs and so they can last longer with regular use.
  • Energy Efficiency: HD TVs are more energy efficient than standard TVs, allowing you to save money on your electric bill.

Cons

  • Cost - High Definition (HD) TVs can be expensive and may not be within the budget of every potential buyer.
  • Size - HDTVs can be very large, and may not fit in the space that a customer has available in their home.
  • Decision Making - There are many different features and options to consider when purchasing an HDTV, such as resolution, refresh rate, and connectivity, which can make the decision making process difficult.
  • Compatibility - Not all devices are compatible with HDTVs, such as older consoles or DVD players, which can limit the potential use of the television.
  • Standardization - As technology advances, the standards for HDTVs continue to change, and older models may not be able to keep up with the latest features.

Best alternatives

  1. OLED TVs -Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TVs use a self-lighting technology that allows for better contrast, wider viewing angles and deeper blacks than LED/LCD TVs.
  2. QLED TVs - Quantum-dot LED (QLED) TVs use an LCD backlight combined with quantum-dot technology that enhances colors and produces deeper blacks than LED/LCD TVs.
  3. LCD TVs -Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TVs use liquid crystals and backlighting to create an image. Prices for LCD TVs tend to be lower than other types of TVs.
  4. LED TVs - Light-emitting diode (LED) TVs use an LCD backlight with LED technology to produce an image. LED TVs tend to be thinner and more energy-efficient than LCD TVs.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • HDMI Cable - A high-speed cable used to connect your HD TV to other devices.
  • Remote Control - Allows you to change the settings of your HD TV with ease.
  • Antenna - An external antenna can be used to pick up over-the-air broadcast signals.
  • HDD Recorder - A device used to record shows and movies from your HD TV.
  • Wall Mount - A bracket used to securely mount your HD TV to a wall.
  • Speakers - External speakers can be used to enhance the audio of your HD TV.

Common questions

  1. What size TV should I buy? The size of TV you should buy depends on a few factors, such as the size of your space, the type of content you will be watching, and how far away you will be sitting from the screen. Consider the size of the space you plan to put the TV in, the distance you plan to be sitting from the screen, and the type of content you will be watching. For example, if you plan to watch movies, you should buy a bigger TV for a better viewing experience.
  2. What features should I look for? When shopping for an HD TV, look for features such as a high-definition image quality, a wide range of colors, a wide viewing angle, and advanced picture settings. Additionally, look for features such as a variety of connection options, built-in Wi-Fi, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
  3. What type of display should I get? The type of display you should get depends on your individual preferences. The most common types of display are LCD, LED, and OLED. LCD displays produce good picture quality and are generally more affordable, while LED displays are more energy efficient and produce better picture quality in a wider range of settings. OLED displays offer the best picture quality, with deeper blacks and more accurate colors.
  4. What is the best brand? The best brand of HD TV will depend on your budget and personal preferences. Popular brands include Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Philips.
  5. What other accessories do I need? You may need other accessories to get the most out of your HD TV, such as a streaming device, a soundbar, or a universal remote. You may also need a surge protector or an antenna if you plan to watch broadcast TV.

Trivia

A funny fact about HD TVs is that early models of HD TVs were so large they were often referred to as "Huge Displays". This nickname came about because many models of HD TVs had huge display screens. For example, in 2009, Sharp released a 70-inch HD TV, which was one of the largest HD TVs on the market at the time. The nickname stuck and many people still refer to HD TVs as “huge displays”. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.