Those were simpler times!
Each pixel in an OLED display lights up individually, allowing for truly pure blacks and insane contrast levels.
However, that amazing picture quality comes at a steep pricesome OLED models cost thousands.
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And there is the risk of image burn-in developing after about five years of use.
However, if you want incredible quality without emptying your bank account, Samsung’s QLED TVs are fantastic.
They make colors pop.
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Plus, you get wide viewing angles so the whole room can enjoy the show together.
Best of all, there’s no risk of burn-in issues you could potentially get with OLED.
HDR10 is the basic standardit supports 10-bit color and gets bright at around 1,000 nits.
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Dolby Vision is one step up.
HDR10+ sits in the middle of the two.
Like Dolby Vision, it allows brightness levels to change as the content plays.
LG
But it’s open source and royalty-free and is growing in popularity as support increases.
So, what does it all mean for you as an average viewer?
An anti-glare screen reduces the amount of light reflected off its surface.
That’s because the coating scatters light to minimize reflections, which can slightly reduce sharpness.
Almost all higher-end TVs nowadays come with some kind of anti-glare coating from the factory.
But it’s worth double-checking if you’re buying a cheaper model or an older used TV.
Don’t just assume it has anti-glare if it’s not mentioned explicitly.
However, not all smart TV platforms are created equal.
Some feel sluggish and laggy, with outdated interfaces that weren’t designed with intuitive user experience in mind.
So, my advice is to research the smart platforms that the brand you are considering buying uses.
Roku, Android TV, TizenOS, and LG’s webOS are good options.
The goal is to keep improving newer TV models so that they use less power.
So, if you’re in the market for a new TV, look for theEnergy Starlogo.
That certification means it meets standards for energy efficiency.
Screen size does impact how much power a TV uses, with bigger ones generally using more.
A massive 75-inch TV will use more power than a modest 50-inch.
LED and OLED screens are also greener than older LCD and plasma displays.
Also, pay attention to any “eco” or power-saving modes the TV has.
Look for features that dim the brightness automatically when it senses no movement or content for a bit.
Just call out to your TV rather than stopping what you’re doing.
Many big TV brands have models that let you control their screens with your voice.
For example:
Just verify the specific TV model you want has voice control.
Not every single model from each brand supports it.
Always check the details online or in the manual before buying.
Many newer TVs have Bluetooth these days, but it’s still smart to double-check before buying.
Bluetooth is handy for way more than just private listening.
Plus, there will be no more mess of cables running from your TV to other devices.