Screen sizes
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner, and only includes the actual visible screen itself, not the surrounding bezel. Smaller TVs are usually below 34 inches, whereas mid-size TVs range from 34 to 54 inches. If you’re replacing a larger TV, there are models with 55 inch-and-above screens.
Picture quality
Picture quality is a combination of the following:
- Resolution – how many pixels the TV screen is made up of. Generally, the higher the number of pixels, the more detailed the picture quality will be.
- Processing rate – how fast the TV processes the screen changes. The higher the processing rate, the smoother the picture will be.
4K UHD
The more pixels your TV has, the more detailed the image it produces; with a 4K UHD TV, you get four times the pixels of a Full HD screen.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR makes colours pop out and heightens the contrast between light and dark.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs give you access to the internet, allowing you to utilise subscription services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Most new TVs also come with subscription-free services including BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
Curved TVs
A curved TV offers a wraparound effect, preventing screen glare and ensuring the screen naturally fits your field of vision.
3D TVs
There are two types of 3D television:
- Active 3D – uses battery-powered active-shutter glasses with simple LCDs as lenses. These block the light when synced to the television.
- Passive 3D – uses lightweight circular-polarized glasses.
Please note: many of the larger technology brands (e.g. Samsung, LG) are no longer manufacturing 3D TVs, but for a small selection of their high-end lines. You may want to consider this when choosing your replacement.
If you're replacing a 3D TV that has been discontinued, you'll be able to upgrade to a TV with a better resolution and/or larger screen size for an additional fee. Check your replacement options to see what's available to you.
OLED
OLED – Organic Light-Emitting Diode – is a type of display technology that makes it possible to reach dark black levels from ultra-thin screens, while at the same time making TVs more efficient and eco-friendly.