You can improve your home theatre experience when you buy a new TV. It can be difficult to know what kind of TV to get, but the most popular TVs are LED or LCD.
LED TV’s are not a new kind of TV. There is no new format or anything like that. They are just updates of LCD’s. The technology is the same, except instead of being illuminated from behind by a florescent bulb, the LED TV’s are lit by LEDs (light emitting diodes). These diodes are smaller in size and more efficient than the florescent bulbs, which means that the LED TV can be narrower.
If you compare the LED and LCD side by side, the picture is similar, but the advantage of the LED TV is that it is so thin, it can be hung up on the wall, saving all kinds of space.
Here are 4 things to keep in mind when buying an LED TV:
Viewing Distance
Measure your room before you buy, and keep in mind the minimum viewing distance from the TV. Bigger isn’t always better – or necessary. A 32-inch LED TV can be enjoyed at a minimum viewing distance of four feet. For TVs between 40 to 48 inches, the distance should be seven feet.
Avoid TVs that are HD Ready
You can save money by getting the HD Ready TVs, but there is a difference to the picture when you get full HD. The difference? HD Ready has 720p image resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels, for a total of 1 million pixels), while Full HD has 1080p image resolution (1,920 x 1080 pixels, for a total of 2 million pixels). Those million extra pixels make a difference in the picture.
Size is More Important than Smart
If you have to choose between a larger screen and a smaller screen with more smart options for the same price, choose the larger screen. Some of those smart features are gimmicks. A bigger screen is more enjoyable than gimmicks.
Sound
How will it feel if you have a TV with a great picture, and the sound is subpar? If you’re going for a large TV, go for a sound bar as well, or at least invest in good speakers. A sound bar is an all-in-one speaker system unlike a home theatre receiver which is more expensive, more complex and requires more space.
The best way to save money when you buy an LED TV is to shop the Black Friday sales. Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving. It is based on Thanksgiving in the US, so it is in November. The date changes, but it is the fourth week of November. It is considered to be the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Black Friday is the best time of year to buy a new TV, according to Consumer Reports. Sales can go as low as 60% off, even on high-end TVs. Black Friday prices can sometimes extend to Cyber Monday.
Happy shopping!