Choosing a smart TV is becoming increasingly difficult with the rapid development of technology. Understanding key features and functions is crucial when making a purchase. Let’s look at them in more detail.
Basic parameters
Before buying, pay attention to a number of important parameters.
Screen size
The screen diagonal determines not only the visual comfort of viewing, but also the overall perception of content.
Initially, you should determine what purposes the TV will be used for. For smaller spaces, it is recommended to choose models with a diagonal of 32 to 43 inches. This will allow you to maintain the clarity of the image and not create unnecessary strain on the viewer’s eyes.
For large living rooms or movie theaters, models with a diagonal of 50 inches or more are more preferable. The larger screen provides more emotional immersion in the content being viewed, making it more realistic and immersive.
It is also necessary to take into account the distance from the TV to the viewer. For optimal image perception and prevention of possible negative consequences for vision, it is recommended to adhere to certain proportions between the screen diagonal and the distance to it.
Increasing the screen diagonal improves image quality and the ability to play content, but also increases the cost of the device. Therefore, it is important to balance between the desired screen size and the available budget.
Permission
Resolution determines the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen, and affects the clarity and quality of the image.
TVs with various resolutions are available on the market, ranging from HD (High Definition) to 4K Ultra HD and even 8K. It is important to understand that the higher the screen resolution, the clearer the image will be.
For example, 4K TVs deliver four times as many pixels as Full HD, resulting in more realistic and detailed video.
When choosing the screen resolution, you must take into account the size of the TV itself. On smaller screens, the difference between HD and 4K may be less noticeable, while on larger screens it becomes more obvious.
If you plan to purchase a TV with a larger screen size, it is recommended to choose models with a higher resolution for optimal image quality.
ou should also take into account the content sources that you are going to view on Smart TV. For example, if you watch movies or TV shows in 4K, then it makes sense to choose a TV with the appropriate resolution to fully immerse yourself in cinematic quality.
Do not forget about the functionality of the TV: some models support image quality improvement technologies, such as HDR (High Dynamic Range), which contribute to brighter colors and deeper blacks.
Screen Type
Different types of screens have their own unique features that affect the image quality, the level of comfort when viewing, and even the power consumption of the device. Let’s look at the main types of screens that are found on modern smart TVs.
LED screens are among the most popular on the market. They provide a bright and clear image, a good level of contrast and wide viewing angles. Thanks to the technology of diode illumination, such screens are usually more energy efficient.
OLED screens have high image quality due to the ability to turn off individual pixels, which provides a deep black color and a wide range of colors. Such screens are also typically thinner and more flexible, allowing for more subtle TV designs.
QLED technology uses quantum dots to improve image quality by extending color coverage and brightness. QLED screens usually have excellent color reproduction and image clarity, which makes them attractive to connoisseurs of high-quality images.
This type of screen uses microscopic LEDs, which allows you to create images with high brightness, deep black shades and high dynamic clarity. Micro LED screens promise not only excellent image quality, but also a long service life.
Refresh Rate
The screen refresh rate is a key parameter when choosing a Smart TV, as it determines the smoothness and quality of the displayed image. This indicator is measured in hertz (Hz) and indicates the number of times that the image on the screen is updated in one second.
The higher the screen refresh rate, the smoother the playback of dynamic scenes, such as sports competitions or rapid movement of objects on the screen. Standard Smart TV models usually have a screen refresh rate of 60 Hz, which can be enough for everyday viewing of TV shows and movies.
However, for better and more realistic content reproduction, we recommend choosing models with a higher screen refresh rate, such as 120 Hz or even 240 Hz. This is especially important for gamers and connoisseurs of the cinematic experience, as the high refresh rate of the screen helps to improve image quality and reduce motion blur.
When choosing a Smart TV, you should also take into account that some manufacturers may use technologies to improve the screen refresh rate, such as Motion Rate or TruMotion, which can create additional frames for smoother playback.
Sound system quality
When choosing a Smart TV, be sure to pay attention to the sound system quality, as it is key to a full-fledged cinematic experience. It is important to study not only the power of the speakers, but also the sound processing technologies that affect the clarity and depth of the sound.
The power level of the speakers directly affects the volume and sound quality. Some models are equipped with built-in speakers, while others require an external sound system. The location of the speakers also plays an important role: it must be optimized to create a surround sound field.
Some manufacturers equip their devices with audio processing technologies, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, and others. These technologies can create the illusion of being in the center of the sound process, which makes the sound more realistic and voluminous.
A high-quality Smart TV should provide the user with the ability to customize the sound to suit their preferences. This includes an equalizer, bass and treble volume controls, and spatial sound settings.
Check whether your Smart TV supports a wide range of audio formats. This is important to make sure that your device can play your favorite audio tracks and sound effects without losing quality.
Operating system
When choosing a Smart TV, one of the key aspects that you should pay attention to is the operating system, which determines the entire user experience of interacting with the device. In modern TVs, there are several popular operating systems, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages.
Android TV, a technology developed by Google, is one of the most widely used operating systems for Smart TVs. It offers a wide selection of apps from the Google Play store, as well as integrated support for voice control using Google Assistant. Android TV is updated regularly and offers a user-friendly interface for using various video streaming services.
Samsung’s Tizen operating system is also a popular choice for their Smart TV lineup. Tizen differs from Android TV in its optimized interface, which provides speed and ease of navigation. It is integrated with a wide range of applications, including Samsung’s own services.
Another well-known operating system for Smart TV is webOS, created by LG. webOS is characterized by an intuitive user interface and ease of use. It also provides access to various streaming services and applications.
Roku OS is the choice for many TV manufacturers, offering ease of use and a wide selection of channels for streaming. This operating system focuses on content and provides a convenient way to customize and personalize the user experience.
Voice Assistant
These intelligent systems allow you to control the TV with your voice, which makes the process of interacting with the TV more convenient and intuitive.
Thanks to voice assistants in smart TVs, users can control the TV from anywhere in the room. You no longer need to search for the remote control — just say the command in your voice.
The voice assistant makes navigating the TV menu fast and efficient. Just say what you want to watch and it will find the content in seconds.
The voice assistant in smart TVs can perform various tasks. From setting up reminders and managing your home devices to finding content that interests you — you can do it all with simple voice commands.
With the voice assistant, you can easily find the video or movie you need. Just say the name of a piece or actor, and the voice assistant will do all the work for you.
Additional features
Modern Smart TVs offer a variety of additional features that make them more versatile and convenient to use in various areas of life.
Many modern Smart TVs support game content that allows users to enjoy games directly on the big screen. Thanks to powerful processors and graphics accelerators, many games run smoothly and efficiently. Some models even support connecting gamepads for a more comfortable gaming experience.
With the function of playing music content, Smart TV becomes the entertainment center not only for watching videos, but also for listening to music. Many models support various streaming services, allowing you to choose from a huge catalog of songs and albums.
Some Smart TVs have built-in apps for sports and fitness. This allows users to monitor their physical condition, perform workouts right at home, and be motivated to live a healthy lifestyle.
Integration with smart devices at home is becoming an increasingly popular feature of Smart TV. With the help of special applications and control technologies, you can control lighting, thermostat, security and other devices directly from the TV screen.