Buzz
Hertz
The number of hertz on your screen indicates the frequency of image refresh per second. While in the past, most TVs had a frequency of 50 Hz, today, this number goes into the hundreds or more, with some high-end models boasting refresh rates over 1400Hz.
The advantage of a high hertz value is less image jitter. For gaming on TV, it also has some drawbacks because all this image processing leads to latency in the overall image structure.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast Ratio reveals how many shades your TV can display between the darkest black and the whitest white. With a contrast ratio of 1000:1, you get a thousand nuances. It also ensures that with a high contrast ratio, you get more natural colors. However, contrast ratio alone doesn't cover everything as there are various measurement methods. Many manufacturers also use artificial means to boost contrast, often referred to as dynamic contrast.
Brightness
It's crucial that your TV has good brightness, measured in candela. The stronger the light source, the higher the 'candela.' Higher brightness results in a sharper image. Brightness of the screen is especially important when watching TV in a well-lit room.
Response Time
Response time indicates how long it takes for a pixel to change color. If the speed is slow and the images are fast, it can lead to a scanning effect. Response time is measured in milliseconds. The lower the response time, the better. Particularly in fast-paced events like sports, you benefit from a low response time. Computer monitors often have much lower response times than TV screens.
Tip
When buying a TV, always pay attention to the viewing angle. When sitting at an angle in front of the TV, the image can become blurry and lose contrast. Especially in a room with scattered seating, it can be uncomfortable. The latest TVs claim a 178-degree viewing angle on paper, but in reality, image quality can diminish at a 30-degree angle, both horizontally and vertically.
What features are available on your TV?
Today, a TV is not just for regular two-dimensional viewing anymore. Smart TVs, voice and gesture control, 3D: these are some of the new features you can find on a standard TV.
3D Television
In recent years, many TVs come with the ability to display three-dimensional images. Using 3D glasses, you suddenly perceive depth. There are generally two types of 3D technology: active and passive. Active means the TV rapidly displays images for the left and right eyes, while active glasses (powered by small batteries) consistently cover one eye at a time. Honestly, the hype around 3D is fading.
Smart TV
Many TVs have internet connectivity through wired or wireless WiFi. The evolution has given rise to the emergence of Smart TVs. Numerous TVs provide options to browse the internet or download apps familiar from smartphones and tablets. You can watch Youtube, use Facebook or Twitter, catch up on a missed broadcast, download a movie, binge-watch series on Netflix, or play games.
Furthermore, you can frequently connect these TVs to your home network, allowing you to view photos, movies, and music directly from your computer or smartphone. It depends heavily on the type of Smart TV model for all these functions to be responsive.
User-Friendly Interfaces
The era where standard remote controls were the sole means to operate a TV seems to be fading. For instance, more and more TVs can be controlled via smartphones or tablets. But manufacturers go even further. Some TVs can be controlled by voice or motion.
It often goes beyond just a sleek device that needs training. You increasingly find that these smart remote controls have become the standard.
Which connections matter on your TV?
At the back (and often on the side) of every (smart) TV, you'll always find an array of connections. Which ones matter the most?
HDMI
A modern TV typically has at least three HDMI inputs. For instance, you can connect your Blu-ray player, game console, and audio amplifier.
Scart
Previously commonly used on TVs, Scart has nearly been entirely replaced by HDMI. Older devices like DVD players and video recorders still have this connection. As Scart takes up quite a bit of space, manufacturers often provide extension cables or converters for TVs.
USB
In this digital era, USB connectivity is gaining increasing importance. By plugging in a USB drive to your TV, you can effortlessly play digital movies, photos, and music. On some TV models, you can also record digital TV programs onto a separate hard drive connected to the USB port. Most TVs nowadays come with one or more USB connections.
Ethernet or Wifi
Essential for a smart TV to connect to the Internet, either through wired or wireless connections.
Does a TV need good sound?
When it comes to sound quality, most modern TVs are disappointing. Due to their slim design, there's little space for decent speakers. For a high-fidelity audio experience, we recommend connecting separate speakers to your TV. In this context, investing in a surround sound system or soundbar is worth considering.
