Home Headlines 4 Features to Look for in a TV in 2020

4 Features to Look for in a TV in 2020

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Despite the easing of government restrictions to control the spread of the coronavirus, Filipinos are still encouraged to stay at home and limit their outside activities. Because of this new normal, a lot of people realized the immense value of having a great television at home to keep everyone in the family entertained.

Perhaps you are one of the many Pinoys who found themselves wishing for a better TV set after many hours of watching movies and TV shows daily for the past nine months. If so, this is probably the best time to say goodbye to your old screen and purchase a brand new television. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic would most likely continue to limit your travel and recreational options even in the upcoming year.

When searching for the right TV for your home, never sacrifice value for the cost. Remember that a high-quality television is an investment. As such, make sure to consider the following features that can significantly enhance your viewing experience:

4K Screen Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen. Imagine pixels as tiny dots or squares of colors that are used to create the pictures you see. Essentially, the higher the number of pixels, the better the image will be since it will translate into sharper and clearer images.

The standard for screen resolution used to be 1920×1080 resolution or full HD, but TV technology is changing rapidly. Instead of buying a TV with a full HD screen, it is now  advisable to invest in models with 4K/Ultra High Definition (UHD) screen resolution since the latter has four times the number of pixels as HDTV. Moreover, more and more streaming services and video sharing websites are already offering 4k content, indicating that this technology will be the benchmark for an excellent quality resolution soon.

While models with HD resolution offer clear and bright pictures, the biggest advantage of investing in a premium UHD televisionis that the images, even small ones, are more detailed, richer, and more life-like. Try watching a film on a UHD 4K TV in an appliance store as you shop around, and you will be amazed by the remarkable colors and bright clarity you will see.

Screen Refresh Rate

As the name suggests, the refresh rate is the number of times an image is refreshed or “redrawn” on the screen per second. Simply put, it is the number of pictures that a TV can show in one second expressed in Hertz (Hz). For instance, a refresh rate of 60Hz means that the images are refreshed 60 times per second.

Note that a higher refresh rate is ideal as it ensures that the various scenes on movies or shows, particularly those with rapidly moving objects, appear clear and crisp. Otherwise, the images will look blurry, similar to watching a pirated DVD film.

While the standard refresh rate is 60Hz, you should look for television with at least 120Hz for more solid images. Be wary of TV models boasting of an “effective refresh rate” as it is just a marketing ploy. A 120Hz “effective refresh rate” is actually just equivalent to a 60Hz refresh rate.

High-Definition Media Input (HDMI) Ports

Keep in mind to check the number of HDMI ports when shopping for a high-quality television. Some brands tend to reduce their manufacturing costs by reducing the number of HDMI ports on their TVs. As a rule of thumb, the more, the better!

Think about it.  If you intend to plug-in a soundbar, a game console, and a Chromecast, you’ll already use up three ports. What if you also want to hook your computer onto your TV? In this case, you need more than just three HDMI ports. Ultimately, you can maximize the use of your new TV if it has numerous HDMI ports, so you must consider this feature as you shop.

Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio refers to the variance between the brightest picture a television can display and the darkest. TV models with better contrast ratios present greater image detail as they show more delicate shadows and hues.

Since there is no reliable standard of measurement for this feature, it is best to compare television models on how well each one displays shadow detail. Find a movie with a lot of dark scenes like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2.

Do you remember the part where Voldemort and his Death Eaters, all robed in black, are standing on a dark hillside or when they attacked Hogwarts in the middle of the night? If the television you are eyeing offers an excellent contrast ratio, you can readily see the details of these scenes while maintaining the intensity of the darkness.

If you find yourself adjusting the brightness levels to see what is happening in the movie, then it is best to find another one. Try testing the different picture settings and picture modes of the various TV models and brands you are considering before making a decision.

Given the numerous models available on the market today, buying a television can be tricky. While it is easy to listen to the recommendations of enthusiastic appliance store salespersons, it is best to do your research before going to the store. Start by learning about the top TV features that will give you the best viewing experience, such as the items discussed above.

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