TV Buying Guide

Choosing the right TV size for your space can be challenging. A simple method for determining what screen size will fit your room is a calculation based on the viewing distance. Start by measuring the distance between where the TV will be placed and where you plan to sit. Next, divide the total distance by 2 to get to a suggested TV size in inches. Viewing distance (in inches)/2 = recommended TV size. As a reminder, TV sizes are labeled by the diagonal measurement of the screen. This methodology is just a starting point in determining the best fit. Other factors, such as resolution, should also be considered. 4K UHD TVs have a higher resolution than 1080p and can be comfortably viewed from a closer distance. Because of this, you may consider a larger TV for a more immersive experience.

Full High Definition (FHD) is a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, also known as 1080p. Ultra High Definition (UHD) is a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, also known as 2160p but more commonly referred to as 4K as it has 4 times the amount of pixels as standard high definition televisions. What does this mean? The more pixels, the clearer the picture!

4K content is recommended for optimal viewing experience on any UHD TV. Although native 4K content is not yet widely available, viewers can find additional content via streaming providers and Blu-ray discs.

Rest assured though, even if you’re not viewing 4K content, your TV is working hard to upscale the content. All 4K TVs have the ability to upscale HD (1280x720) or Full HD (1920x1080) content and display them at 3840x2160 resolution to enhance the picture quality.

Although these terms sound similar, the technologies are actually quite different.

LED LCD TVs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the screen via edge lighting or full-array backlight methods through an LCD panel. Edge-lit TVs have LEDS around the edge of the TV screen, whereas backlit TVs have LEDs behind the TV screen. Key benefits of LED LCD TVs include a thin profile, remarkable picture quality and greater brightness than any other TV technology on the market.

Some TVs with full-array technology have the benefit of being able to dim specific sections of the screen, which allows for better contrast and picture quality than other LED LCD technologies. This feature is often referred to as dimming zones or local dimming.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) refers to the TV’s ability to deliver more colors, better contrast levels and increased brightness compared with standard HD and Ultra HD sets.

HDR10 is the most commonly used format for HDR. HDR10 has the ability to adjust black levels and peak brightness for an entire movie or show. Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ offer an additional step up in HDR experience since they offer scene-by-scene optimization.

While most 4K TVs can display HDR content, more premium TVs from major brands will offer a big step up in HDR performance largely due to higher peak brightness than standard TVs.