Buying a new TV? Don't make these 5 mistakes
Holiday promotions make December the perfect time to upgrade your home theater. The only question: Which TV is right for you? Tap or click for five of the best budget TVs on our radar.
The quality of streaming, sports and your weekend movie marathon all depend on the right device. There’s a lot to choose from, so we’re here to set the record straight.
Ready to buy? Before shopping, check out these five tips when buying a new TV.
1. Be price-savvy
Some manufacturers put certain features in the spotlight when branding lower-end smart TVs. For example, an ultra-wide screen at a low price is attractive — until you realize that color depth and image clarity suffer significantly. You might even miss out on advanced features like picture-in-picture or automatic device integration.
What is the best defense against this? Knowledge. Understanding what you want and some inquiry whenever you see a stellar deal that feels too good to be true. Sometimes a hefty price tag isn’t worth it, but in many cases, you’ll be paying for a much higher standard.
2. Go for 4K, not 8K
One harsh industry truth: The maximum resolution of a smart TV actually exceeds the production standard that your favorite content streams to you. While the footage may have been shot in 8K, this figure is reduced when delivered and broadcast.
While 8K is technically a more immersive image, spending more in this area isn’t the wisest use of your TV budget, at least for now. You’ll get a better bang for your buck with a 4K set.
RELATED: Simple steps to improve your new or old TV’s picture quality
3. Invest in good HDR
Resolution is one thing, and image quality, bit depth and color gamut are another. HDR (high dynamic range) is no joke in this regard and can make your favorite shows and movies shine like never before.
Can TV really hurt your eyes? Change these settings to reduce eye strain
Does watching too much TV cause eye strain? While sitting too close to the TV won’t likely cause you any lasting vision damage, it’s safe to say that an optimized viewing environment can make for a more enjoyable experience.
10 best soundbars to improve your home theater on any budget
Building a home theater is pretty easy, but for a truly theatrical experience, you need great sound on top of great visuals.
Soundbars are an excellent option to get that great quality, as they can improve the sound on any TV or projector. They’re also much more affordable than getting speakers, subwoofers, or separate A/V receivers for your home theater.
16 new movies you can watch at home with theaters shut down
Coronavirus and COVID-19 are reshaping the world in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Some of the biggest events and industries are either postponing or shutting down, and millions of jobs now hang in the balance.
But few industries are more visibly impacted than Hollywood, which has seen an unprecedented decline in both business and movie attendance. As if things weren’t hard enough with the streaming industry breathing down its neck. Tap or click here to see how all the streaming services compare.