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Buyer's guide: Picking the right TV [How To] [Times of India](Times of India Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) We've received many queries on which TV to buy. But given the number of brands, features and prices, it becomes extremely difficult to suggest few models. We are therefore listing a few points that every buyer should consider when shopping... Size: Bigger is better. But to calculate what size of TV is good for you, take the distance that you will be sitting from your TV and divide it by 1.6. For instance, if you are going to be seated six feet (72 inches) away, you should buy a set that's between 42 and 46 inches. Resolution: Buy Full HD. For smaller size sets below 42 inches HD-ready (1366x768px) or the 720p resolution is adequate. But if your budget allows, buy a Full HD (1920x1080px) or 1080p resolution model. At the top of the line, you'll see 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160px) TVs, but these are expensive with very little 4K content to view at the moment. LCD or LED? Opt for LED TVs. LCD sets are cheaper of the two, but they don't last as long as LEDs, which are also capable of better picture quality, and consume lesser electricity. Here, it should be noted that LED TVs can be Back Lit LED or Edge Lit. The former is more expensive, boasts of better picture quality, and results in slimmer TV sets. But if you're really looking for the best in class, you might want to consider OLEDs which make for slimmer TV sets, and are capable of deeper blacks.On the downside, OLED models are quite expensive. Opt for LCDs only if you're shopping on a budget. Conectivity: Invest in a model that comes with as many connectivity options as possible to make your purchase future proof. All sets come with an HDMI port that lets you connect a set-top box, game console, laptop, and camera to your TV set. Obviously, more HDMI ports are always better. While most sets come with USB ports, opt for one that supports maximum digital media formats and also playback via hard drive. Just because the set has USB, it does not mean it supports the playback of video files. Smart TV: Depending on your budget, you can expect to pick up a TV that comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports that will allow you to access the internet.These models also come with a web browser, as well as apps for online services like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, Skype, and even games. As broadband connectivity in the country improves, you can expect to see more digital content including full-length movies that can be directly accessed from the internet.So buying a Smart TV is a good step in future-proofing your investment. When you step out to buy, carry a hard drive and pen drives with movies and music in different formats.Ask the salesman to play all the formats. View the TV you want to purchase from different angles to check for shifts in colour. Pay attention to how hair is rendered on a screen to check for sharpness, and watch a sports channel to check for ghosting in quick moving images. (c) 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited |