Go Just Online is a participant in Amazon’s Affiliate Program. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Choose the Best Smart TV for Your Home

SMART TVS

Go Just Online

8/29/20245 min read

black flat screen smart tv on brown wooden tv rack

Features Entailed in Understanding Smart TV

From the evolution of smart TVs, numerous innovative features have been developed serving users and making entertainment delivery smooth. Display technology used is one of the basic aspects that customers consider, which affects quality viewing a lot. In contemporary times, the main type of displays smart TVs are available with are LED, OLED, and QLED. LED displays boast bright, vibrant visuals that have caused them to be very prevalent in many homes today. OLEDs, on the other hand, do even better with deeper blacks and an unmatched contrast ratio-one would consider it more immersive in view. QLED-a technology mostly from Samsung-offers a screen that is much brighter and color accuracy further enhanced by quantum dot technology. The display technology you choose will make a big difference in your overall visual satisfaction.

Resolution

Resolution is another critical feature, starting with Full HD and working up to 4K and, finally, 8K. Full HD, or 1080p, is generally good enough for the average little television but lacks the sharpness many have come to expect on larger screens. The new standard for modern smart TVs is 4K, or Ultra HD-four times the resolution of Full HD-and it assures detail and crispiness. If absolute maximum resolution is a must for some, 8K TVs offer unparalleled detail and sharpness, although they fall into the higher end of the price spectrum and are a bit limited in terms of compatible content.

Conventional modern TVs have had to incorporate smart capabilities in their core features to render the devices more convenient and functional. The presence of built-in applications, such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, negates the need to use other devices for streaming purposes. Further, the presence of voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby allows hands-free control and search functions. Screen mirroring features enable users to share whatever is on their smartphone or tablet directly onto the screen of the television, making them more versatile and interactive.

Connectivity

Connectivity options are very important for flawless entertainment. At least three HDMI ports should be there for connecting several gadgets, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. USB ports provide the connection to run media files from external drives. Bluetooth connectivity allows the support of peripherals like headphones and keyboards. Built-in WiFi ensures access to online services and content.

The quality of sound is, indeed, bringing the viewer a new experience; from recent developments like Dolby Atmos and DTS, which are dynamic spatial sound technologies allowing for a theater-like experience in the comfort of a person's home. Dolby Atmos adds height to the sound field, creating a 3D audio effect, while DTS technology brings clarity and depth to sound reproduction.

The operating system is the final say on how a smart TV operates and, importantly, controls the ecosystem of applications that are put out for it. Android TV offers a plethora of applications through the Google Play Store and easy integration with other Android devices. WebOS by LG is fabulous in terms of friendly interface and multitasking efficiency. Samsung's Tizen OS boasts a sleek, fast, and straightforward interface, along with access to a wide range of applications. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each operating system helps a consumer in selecting a smart television that meets their preferences and usage habits.

Assessing Content and Setup Requirements

The main thing to consider when deciding on the best smart TV that fits into your home is the evaluation of content needs and set up requirements. First, work to determine what streaming services and content platforms are must-haves for you. Most modern smart TVs come with built-in apps for the most popular services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, among others. It's best to ensure that native support is available within the TV for such services to avoid any additional setups with extra streaming devices.

HDR formats add a new dimension to your visual experience. The more common formats, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, ensure enriched color and detail in the content for more viewer appeal. HDR10 is the most commonly supported format, but Dolby Vision and HLG seem to be gaining popularity. If you want a future-proof smart TV with the capability of offering more high-quality content, you should opt for a set that supports multiple HDR formats.

If you are using free-to-air channels, then make sure the facility of inbuilt tuners is provided, which will enable you to view broadcast TV with the assurance that a separate set-top box is not required. If you are a gamer, then see about its gaming compatibility. Check the refresh rate and input lag of the TV; the higher the refresh rate and lower the input lag, the smoother and quicker your gaming will be. Some TVs even have special gaming modes that adjust settings for optimal performance.

Input and output connections are equally important. Ensure the TV has enough HDMI ports to fit your peripherals, including your soundbar, gaming console, and streaming sticks. Depending on your needs, additional USB ports, optical audio out, and Ethernet may be pretty useful, too.

Meanwhile, internet connectivity should also be optimized to ensure seamless streaming. Wi-Fi and at least Ethernet options are a must in smart TVs. With a good internet connection, you get less buffering and a better overall streaming experience. Similarly, have a look at how it will integrate with your smart home ecosystem. Most of the new TVs double as smart home hubs in their own right, integrating devices from all over for easy, centralized control. Check compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's HomeKit systems, whatever you may have, for seamless integration.

Design, Aesthetics, and Installation Options

It goes without saying that finding the right smart TV for your living room is more than just about technical specifications but also about design and aesthetics that go along with the decor in your living room. Size is the first important thing to look into when choosing the best screen to suit your room. Pretty obvious, though uttered silently, larger rooms can take larger screens, while smaller rooms function best with small, compact options. The general advice has been to select a screen size that is appropriate for the viewing distance; working out about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal measurement of the screen for an optimal view.

Screen finishes also come into play: glossy to enhance color vibrancy and contrast in generally darker rooms, while matte is used to reduce glare and reflections in brightly lit environments. The bezel design and general build quality also impact the aesthetic appeal of the television. Slim or virtually invisible bezels promote a more modern and immersive way of watching, while high-quality materials ensure durability and a premium look.

You can install it on the wall or use a TV stand. Wall installations save space and give an ultimately sleek look. And if installed with ultra-thin profiles, they get even more stunning-looking and resemble a floating screen-the perfect thing for modern living rooms. The stands, on the other hand, are pretty flexible and provide better access to various ports and cables.

The thoughtful additions work in an aesthetic manner to your installation. LED backlighting behind the TV will provide comfort during viewing and relieve eye strain when one is up late at night. Soundbars easily fit beneath the screen to enhance audio-visual in harmony. For keeping things clean and clutter-free, one must have an effective cable management solution. Hiding wires with cable covers or in-wall solutions will make your entertainment space neat and tidy.