TV buying guide: finding the best TV for you
Choosing a new TV doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you love movies, sports, or gaming, the right TV can transform your experience. This guide will highlight the key factors to consider, helping you find the perfect TV to fit your lifestyle. Let's dive in!
What do you mainly use the TV for?
Understanding picture quality
Resolution
When it comes to picture quality, resolution is a critical factor. Modern TVs typically offer full HD (2K) or Ultra HD (4K) resolution.
Full HD (2K): Provides a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, offering good image quality suitable for regular screens or less demanding viewers. Philips TV offers Full HD for TVs up to 43 inches.
Ultra HD (4K): Boasts a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, delivering sharper and more detailed images. This is ideal for larger screens and viewers who want the best possible picture quality.
Display technology
Different display technologies offer varying strengths:
OLED (organic light emitting diodes)
Known for its perfect blacks, infinite contrast, superior colour accuracy, and ultra-wide viewing angles. OLED TVs provide the best picture quality, especially in dark environments.
QD MiniLED
Uses smaller LEDs compared to traditional LED TVs, allowing for more precise backlighting control. This results in superior brightness, deeper blacks, and better contrast. The "mini" in QD MiniLED refers to the tiny size of the LEDs used.
QLED (quantum-dot LED)
Enhances the LED panel with quantum dots, which are tiny semiconductor particles that emit light. This technology provides more accurate, detailed, and vivid colours, as well as improved brightness and energy efficiency.
LED (light emitting diodes)
Provides good brightness and moderate contrast, suitable for general viewing. LED TVs are often more affordable and come in a wide range of sizes.
HDR10+
This is an advanced HDR format. HDR enhances pictures by combining three elements: expanded dynamic range, wider colour gamut, and increased bit depth. With HDR10+, you can expect more vibrant and lifelike images
Dolby Vision
Another advanced HDR format that dynamically adjusts brightness and colour on a scene-by-scene basis. It brings real value by offering a more refined and detailed picture quality, making every scene look its best.
HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
Developed for live broadcasts, HLG combines standard dynamic range and HDR in one signal. This is particularly beneficial for watching live sports and events, providing a more realistic and viewing experience.
P5 AI Picture Engine
P5 AI Picture Engine from Philips ensures you get the best picture quality possible. It dynamically adjusts settings to compensate for ambient lighting and the content being displayed, no matter what source content you have.
Variable refresh rate (VRR):
VRR adjusts the TV’s refresh rate to match the content’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering for smoother visuals, especially in gaming.
Choosing the right screen size
The size of your TV should match your viewing environment and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines:
42-43 inch TVs:
Ideal for small rooms or secondary TVs in bedrooms or kitchens. These sizes are compact and fit well in limited spaces.
Recommended viewing distance: 157 cm
48-50 inch TVs:
Suitable for medium-sized living rooms. These TVs provide a larger screen without overwhelming the space, making them great for family viewing.
Recommended viewing distance: 183 cm
55 inch TVs:
A popular choice for most living rooms, offering a balance of size and viewing experience. It's perfect for a movie night with your loved ones.
Recommended viewing distance: 201 cm
65 inch TVs:
Great for larger living rooms, providing an immersive viewing experience. These TVs offer a cinematic feel and are ideal for watching movies and sports.
Recommended viewing distance: 238 cm
75-77 inch TVs:
Made for home theatres or large rooms where you want a cinema-like experience. These large screens are great for watching with a group.
Recommended viewing distance: 274 cm
85 inch TVs:
Best for very large rooms or dedicated home theatre setups. These TVs provide the ultimate cinematic experience for high-end home theatre enthusiasts.
Recommended viewing distance: 311 cm
Unique features to look for
Ambilight technology
Philips TVs offer a unique experience with Ambilight technology. The integrated lights behind the TV respond to what you’re watching. This not only enlarges your screen visually but also creates a cosy atmosphere in your living room.
The Ambilight Suite includes several modes:
Sunrise Mode:
Wake you up gently with gradual lighting.
Lounge Mode:
Let you relax in ambient lighting even when the TV is off.
Ambisleep Mode:
Help you unwind before bed with soothing sounds and sunset lighting.
Audio quality
While most built-in speakers are adequate, some TVs offer advanced audio enhancements. Look for features like:
Bowers & Wilkins built-in sound system:
Integrated Bowers & Wilkins sound systems are designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience, with crystal-clear dialogue and deep, accurate bass. The frontal design ensures superior sound quality, providing an immersive audio experience without the need for external speakers.
External soundbars:
External soundbars can significantly improve your audio experience if the built-in speakers are lacking. They provide richer, more powerful sound and often include features like wireless subwoofers and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy integration with other audio devices.
Smart features
Modern smart TVs have many features that work well with your smart home systems.
Voice assistants
Consider TVs with integrated voice assistants like:
These allow you to control your TV and other smart home devices with simple voice commands, making it easy to search for shows, adjust settings, and manage other smart home devices easily.
Streaming services
With built-in apps, you can stream your favourite shows and movies directly from the TV without needing an external device.
Smart TVs offer access to a wide range of streaming services such as:
Smart home integration
Check if the TV can control other smart home devices like lights, security cameras, and thermostats. This makes it easy to manage everything from one place and automate your home from your TV.
Screen mirroring and casting
make it easy to share content with friends and family.
Smart TVs often support screen mirroring and casting from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to show photos, videos, and apps on the big screen. Technologies like:
Personalized recommendations
Many smart TVs use AI to suggest shows and movies based on what you like to watch. This helps you find new content without searching manually.
Design
If aesthetics and style are your priorities, consider these design features:
Clean and sleek design
Look for stylish and minimalist designs that look great in any room.
Swivel stand and adjustable stand width
Swivel stands let you change viewing angles, while adjustable stand widths allow the TV to fit in different TV cabinets.
Wall-mountable options
Ensure your TV can be easily mounted on the wall to keep your space clean and organized.
Final considerations
Conclusion
Choosing the right TV means thinking about what you need, like, and can afford. Use this guide to find the perfect TV for you. Whether you care most about picture quality, screen size, special features like Ambilight, or gaming capabilities, there's a TV that’s just right for you. Happy TV shopping!
Which smart TV is best for you?
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OLED+
4K Ambilight TV
65OLED909/12
- 164 cm (65") Ambilight TV
- Sound by Bowers & Wilkins
- P5 AI picture engine
- Google TV™
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OLED
4K Ambilight TV
65OLED809
- 164 cm (65") Ambilight TV
- P5 AI perfect picture engine
- Google TV™
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
-
The Xtra
4K QD MiniLED Ambilight TV
65PML9009/12
- 164 cm (65") Ambilight TV
- P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- TITAN OS smart platform
- Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos
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The One
4K Ambilight TV
65PUS8909/12
- 164 cm (65") Ambilight TV
- P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- Titan OS smart platform
- Dolby Vision and Atmos
-
This article was created with the assistance of AI, along with detailed input, careful editing, and fact-checking by our team to ensure accuracy and quality.
