Every year brings a host of new benefits to TV technology.
But for people who aren’t tech-savvy or intimately involved in the appliance industry (and even a lot that are), it’s often difficult to break down what each feature actually adds to our viewing experience.
So we’ve made it simpler and picked out a few new features worth looking out for.
With Ultra High-Definition (also known as 4K or UHD) TVs quickly becoming the universal standard in TV quality, buying a large TV that delivers a beautiful, premium experience is getting cheaper.
And with so many brands on the market offering high-quality Ultra HD TVs at lower prices, we’re spoilt for choice. LG's OLED range, Samsung QLED series, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Panasonic... there are options to suit every budget.
If you're not familiar with Ultra HD, or why it really matters when it comes to watching your favourite content:
If you bought your TV before 2017, there's a very good chance you've got a Full HD (or Standard HD) set. Until recently, that's been the norm.
An Ultra HD TV offers 4x the pixels of a Full HD TV, which means that the image looks incredibly detailed, with far more natural, attractive colours. No matter what you're watching; documentary, movie, sports, gaming - you'll feel completely immersed in the experience.
Yep, it’s yet another confusing technology abbreviation!
HDR10+ (High Dynamic Range) is a picture quality format used in mastering Hollywood films.
In short: Every frame that appears in your favourite shows and movies is adjusted and improved for contrast and brightness. Images become super detailed and the colour really pops - much in the way that Hollywood films highlight the greater details in the darkest and brightest areas of a scene, resulting in a breathtaking experience. The image to the left gives you a basic idea:
Wide Colour Gamut: Previously only available on limited premium models, we are now seeing more and more affordable models coming out with this available. Your new TV will be able to accurately reproduce an incredible amount of colours. 1.07 billion of them in fact! Images produced on your screen will look more natural and lifelike than ever before. (see image to the left)
Full Array Local Dimming: Another previously premium feature which is now becoming more accessible, Full Array Local Dimming gives your TV a large number of independently controlled lighting zones to illuminate the picture on the screen only where required, dramatically improving contrast. In darker scenes, colour doesn’t get washed out, blacks are blacker and distracting ‘blooming’ or ‘halo’ effects are eliminated giving you an incredible immersive experience.
TVs are now more connected to your home than ever before. Most new models are now able to understand your voice commands and communicate with other smart devices in your home.
Now, while that may seem like overkill (and a bit like a low-budget sci-fi film), a home assistant does have its perks.
Imagine watching a cooking show.
Suddenly, a mouth-watering meal appears that you simply can’t resist. You can find out what ingredients are needed, check if you’ve got them, and even start preheating your oven - just by asking your TV.
A digital assistant can help organise your day-to-day by showing you calendar reminders for appointments, weather updates, or even a shopping spree.
By using simple voice commands, you can control your linked appliances (eg. air-conditioner, fridge, washer) - all from the comfort of your lounge or bedroom.
Specific to Samsung (see the new Q7 models) is the one clear cable.
A world-first, Samsung's clear cable combines your TV power and AV data cables into one convenient connection. Along with Samsung One Connect Box, which combines all of your device connections into one simple, out-of-sight box, it makes for a clean, attractive look - no more unsightly power cords!
Better yet, it also reduces the hassle of setting up your TV. It's a 5m cable out of the box, but Samsung also offer a 15m optional cable - so you can basically hang your TV anywhere you like!