TV Specifications Explained

If you're looking to buy a TV, you'll encounter a huge choice of specifications that can be confusing. These specifications provide insights into the TV's performance, features and capabilities.

In this post we've broken down each of the key TV specifications and their differences so you can make better informed decisions, when buying your next smart TV.

TV screen Resolution

• HD (High Definition): 720p resolution, offers good clarity for smaller screens.
• Full HD (1080p): Crisper images suitable for mid-sized screens.
• 4K Ultra HD: 2160p resolution, four times the pixels of Full HD, delivers sharper images on larger screens.
• 8K Ultra HD: 4320p resolution, even more pixels for extremely large screens, providing unparalleled clarity (less common and quite expensive).

tv Refresh rate

• This measures how many frames per second (Hz) the TV can display. Common options include 60Hz, 120Hz, and even higher.
• Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion and reduced motion blur, which is important for fast-paced content like sports and action movies.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

• HDR enhances contrast and brightness, providing a wider range of colours and more details in dark and bright areas.
• Common HDR formats include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).
• Look for a TV that supports multiple HDR formats for the best compatibility with content.

tv Panel Type

• LED-LCD: Most common type, uses LED backlighting for an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Different types of LED backlights (direct-lit, edge-lit) can affect picture quality.
• OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): Offers individually lit pixels, resulting in true black levels, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles.
• QLED: A Samsung technology that uses quantum dots with LED backlighting to enhance colour and brightness.
• QNED: LG technology in response to Samsung’s QLED, using LED technology but adds another layer in front of quantum dot filter called Nanocells. This layer absorbs unwanted light from the Quantum dot layer to reduce colour distortions.

tv Smart Features

• Many modern TVs are "smart" and offer built-in apps, streaming services, and internet connectivity.
• Different TVs use different smart platforms, each with its own interface and app availability.

tv Connectivity

• HDMI Ports: Ensure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your devices (e.g. gaming consoles, streaming devices).
• HDMI Cables
• USB Ports: Useful for connecting external storage or devices.
• Wi-Fi/Ethernet: Required for smart features and internet connectivity.

Audio

• Check for Dolby Atmos or DTS support for immersive sound.
• Some TVs have better built-in speakers, but external sound systems (soundbars, home theater systems) often provide superior audio quality.

Size

• Choose a size that fits your space and viewing distance. A larger TV is generally more immersive but requires more space & potentially a stand or wall mount.

Viewing Angle

• OLED generally provides better viewing angles compared to LED-LCD, important if you have wide seating arrangements.
• Optimal vertical viewing angle is between 0 and 15°

Gaming Features

• If you're a gamer, consider features like low input lag and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gameplay.

Energy Efficiency

• Look for the TV's energy consumption (in watts) or its Energy Star rating if you're concerned about energy costs.

Ultimately, the best TV specifications depend on your preferences, viewing habits and budget. It's important to strike a balance between the features that matter most to you and the price you're willing to pay. If you have any questions you would like us to answer, please visit our Expert Electrical team in store and they'll be glad to help you. Alternatively, you can call our team on +353 (0)504 21900 or via email through our contact form.