Unless you’re a tech expert, shopping for TVs is likely a daunting task.
All you want to do is stream your favorites on Disney+, Hulu and Netflix (to name a few), but there are thousands of models on the market from which to choose.
Not only that, but tech jargon like “OLED,” “4K,” and LCD versus LED can quickly transform into a conversation requiring a collegiate degree you didn’t sign up for.
Whether you’re in the market for a new smart TV for your living space or a budget buy that’ll simply deliver what you want to watch, it’s important to understand what characteristics to look for when buying a TV, to begin with.
Luckily, we spoke with John Couling, senior vice president of entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, to explain all the static-like confusion common among TV shoppers. He clearly defines what you should be looking for, how price plays a part and even offers some of the best TV models to shop for based on the criteria he lays out.
“Over the past decade, tremendous advancements in panel technologies and supply chain have made finding a great TV much more affordable,” Couling told The Post. “For example, manufacturers have lowered costs of big-screen TVs (TVs larger than 55″) significantly down from what was once considered a luxury category only a few years ago.”
He adds that more manufacturers are introducing premium features – like HDR and spatial audio – more widely throughout their product lines.
What specific characteristics determine TV pricing?
A lot of factors can impact the price of a TV, according to Couling. These can include panel size, performance capabilities, specific retailer or manufacturer promotions and even a manufacturer’s ability to reach economies of scale.
What’s the difference between LCD and LED?
“LCD panels are transparent and don’t create their own light,” Couling explains. “Instead, to create the final picture, these LCD panels are combined with a backlight that often comprises an array of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that illuminates the pixels in the LCD panel.”
While LCD and LED are excellent components for your TV to have, OLED is a step above.
What does OLED mean?
LCD, LED, QLED, OLED, etc. are names for display technologies, which are the backbone of your TV and are used to create the picture you see on screen.
OLED, or Organic Light-Emitting Diode, is a technology that can “illuminate each pixel on its own, at an individual level,” Couling said. “This approach eliminates the need for a separate backlight.”
What does HDR mean?
Not to be confused with the HDR feature on your smartphone camera, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is “an imaging technology that delivers more color, brightness, deeper blacks, and with that, more contrast and detail in pictures,” Couling defines.
HDR produces colors that are “vivid” and “rich.” The picture quality is clearly “more refined and realistic than what you experience on non-HDR TVs,” he adds.
What does 4K mean? How about UHD?
“The terms 4K and UHD (Ultra HD or Ultra High Definition) indicate a display’s screen resolution,” Couling said. “Resolution describes the number of pixels inside the TV that make up an image. These terms are used synonymously in consumer displays to refer to a resolution offering approximately 8 million pixels.”
That said, the more pixels you have, the more information visible on the screen to produce very fine details — like the nuances of a blade of grass or textures in clothing, according to Couling. And luckily for consumers, most manufacturers bundle HDR with 4K.
What makes a TV “smart”?
“Smart TVs” refer to connected TVs that allow viewers to stream their favorite streaming apps through a single device, Couling explains. “Today ‘smart TV’ capabilities come as a standard feature in most new TVs; however, it’s still an important feature to keep in mind when choosing your next TV.”
For people with older TVs that don’t support this capability, pairing a streaming device like an Apple TV 4K, a Fire TV Cube, or the Roku Ultra is a great solution. Couling notes they’re excellent additions to your living room if you already have a smart TV, as they’ll provide the most access to all your favorite streaming apps.
What should I look for in a quality TV?
“Picture quality is a fundamental part of any viewing experience, so keep an eye out for capabilities like HDR or Dolby Vision,” Couling notes. “I’d also be remiss, not to mention the other half of any viewing experience — audio.”
“In particular, splurging on a device with spatial audio technology, like Dolby Atmos, which completely immerse you in what you are watching as the sounds come to life around you,” Couling said.
Find the best TVs to buy based on the critical characteristics described:
1. VIZIO D-Series Full HD Smart TV, $160-$220
With the VIZIO D-Series Full HD Smart TV, enjoy full HD picture perfection that gives crystal clear, award-winning picture quality thanks to full-array LED backlight and active pixel tuning. The D-series model is also a smart TV that offers access to all your favorite shows, movies, news, sports, music and more, plus 250 free channels on WatchFree+.
You can use the VIZIO voice remote to easily change the channel and pair your Bluetooth headphones directly to your TV so you can enjoy uninterrupted movie time. Another awesome perk? You can control your TV with your voice when you use Apple Home, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Plus, with built-in Apple AirPlay and Chromecast, you can directly share or mirror anything from your laptop, phone or tablet to your TV.
If you’re a gamer, the D-series also offers new, next-gen HDR gaming with AMD FreeSync, ultra-low input lag, VRR to reduce screen tearing and Game Mode automatically powers on when a console or PC is detected.
2. TCL 75″ 4K UHD Mini-LED QLED Dolby Vision HDR Roku Smart TV, $1,299.99 (originally $1,799.99)
Not only does this TV have many of those well-explained, advantageous keywords like “HDR” and “4K,” but this TCL model is currently $500 off and conveniently supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for high-quality audio and video entertainment.
3. Sony 65″ OLED 4K UHD Smart Android TV, $1,899.99 (originally $2,499.99)
For $600 off, this fine 65″ Sony model will provide a cinema-like experience while also supporting Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for high-quality, at-home entertainment. Plus, the picture quality, as described above, is incredibly realistic.
4. LG OLED C1 Series 65″ Alexa Built-In 4K Smart TV, $1,796.99 (originally $2,499.99)
“This TV also features another Dolby imaging innovation — Dolby Vision IQ, which leverages the ambient light sensors inside the TV to detect how bright or dark a room is and intelligently adjust the picture to ensure it looks great in different lighting conditions,” Couling said.
Plus, with more than $700 in savings, why wait to pick up this Amazon’s Choice model that checks off all the boxes?
5. LG OLED A1 Series 65″ Alexa Built-In 4K Smart TV, $1,396.99 (originally $1,799.99)
Almost exact to the model above, LG’s AI Series TV is more than $400 off and is exceptionally great for its game optimizer feature for better gaming (and even streaming).
6. Hisense ULED Premium 65″ Android 4K Smart TV, $898.90 (originally $1,099.99)
Not only does this Hisense model boast that Amazon’s Choice sticker and support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, but it’s also more than $200 off and provides exceptional realism for an under-$1,000 price.
7. Vizio 65″ 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV, $496 (originally $599.99)
Supporting Dolby Vision for incredible ultra-vivid pictures, this Vizio model wonderfully has built-in Apple AirPlay and Chromecast for even better usability. Plus, it’s more than $100 off right now.
8. TCL 55″ 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR QLED Roku Smart TV, $549.99
According to Couling, this TCL model is a “great bargain for its performance.” Plus, the size is terrific for most spaces, and it supports Dolby Vision for near-lifelike pictures when streaming your favorites.
9. Sony 55″ LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV, $749.99 (originally $999.99)
For $250 off, this double-Dolby-supported Sony model works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for complete, hands-free access to watching your favorite shows. Plus, its full range of features is a good buy, based on the expertise on what to look for.
10. Hisense 55″ Quantum Series Android 4K ULED Smart TV with Voice Remote, $599.99 (originally $799.99)
This Hisense model provides superior HDR performance with peak brightness and dimming capabilities. Not to mention, it’s $200 off its already competitive price tag and supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an elevated, cinematic experience.
11. Toshiba 50″ LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, $359.99 (originally $429.99)
As the most affordable TV on this list (even without the $70 off), Toshiba’s 50″ Smart TV impressively supports Dolby Vision for a stellar picture for the price and incredible 4K Ultra HD resolution.
Check out New York Post Shopping for more content.