TV Buying Guide

Use our 6-step process below to guide you through and we’ll recommend some models for you!

Since there's no 'one size fits all' approach when it comes to selecting your next TV, try this simple technique below to determine the optimal screen size for you.

1

Decide on where your TV will be located and where the viewers will be seated.

2

In inches, now measure the viewing distance from the TV's location back to the main viewing point.

3

Take this measurement and divide it by 2.5 - the result is the approximate screen size that you'll need.

Tip: If your size is not manufactured, round up to the nearest size.

Example: If your viewing distance is 4 metres away from the TV, this equates to 157 inches. Divide this by 2.5 which gives you 62.8. Round this up to 65” for the best size.

For more, read our blog How to find the perfect TV size for you

Or checkout  Our top TV picks at different screen sizes

Now that you have your screen size sorted, it’s time to figure out your screen type.

You might have heard of OLED, QLED and LED and this list of terms is always increasing but when they all sound so similar, it’s easy to get a bit confused. Here’s a breakdown of what each screen type is and what they’re best for.

Edgelit LED: 

This has been the standard for TV screens over the past 10 years or so. Screens are lit by a row of LEDs attached to the frame.

Full-Array LED: 

An improvement on Edge-lit LED screens, Full-Array models are fully backlit from behind, meaning light is directed forward towards the screen rather than horizontally from the side.

QLED: 

Samsung’s answer to OLED screens favoured by other brands. QLEDs take the same approach as Full-Array LEDs with a full backlight behind the screen. The difference is the Quantum-Dots contained in a film in front of the backlight that emit their own differently coloured light to give QLED screens a better control of colour range. Quantum nano lightbulbs replace standard LEDs to give QLEDs a greater number of local dimming zones for more precise handling of contrast.

OLED: 

Over the past few years, most premium models have used an OLED screen due to their notable improvements on standard LED. In an OLED, both the LED light and the pixel are married together, removing the need for a separate backlight pixel. This means the light source for each pixel is individually controlled offering brilliant control of light and dark, with no grey or ‘hazy’ areas around highly contrasted parts of the image.

Neo-QLED: 

Samsung uses Mini-LEDs in their Neo QLED screens. Mini-LEDs are much smaller than standard LEDs (hence the name) meaning each Neo-QLED screen has far more individual light sources and a better handling of contrast between light and dark. Neo-QLEDs use the same Quantum Dot technology as standard QLED screens, just with the added benefit of more local dimming zones to offer deeper blacks. 

QD-OLED: 

The next step above OLED, QD-OLED screens work in a similar way by pairing up the pixel with an individual light source. The difference that gives QD-OLEDs the edge is their use of Quantum Dots that can be tuned to emit specific colours and have nearly a 100% efficiency level. This is different to standard OLEDs that rely on individual Organic LEDs that have a much lower peak brightness. 

Not sure which you need? read our guide here - How to choose the right screen type

We all use our TVs differently. Whether it’s gaming or sport, movies or tv shows, what you watch regularly can be a good indicator for what type of TV screen or model you should go for. Use our helpful guides below to help guide your TV purchase. 

• ⚽ What to look out for if you watch a lot of sport
• 🎮 What to look out for if you game regularly
• 🍿 What to look out for if you watch a lot of movies

When looking through TV models, you’ll find a lot of talk about the different screen and audio features, along with the different merits of the Processor being used to power your TV.

Whilst you should try not to get bogged down by the different technical terms associated with these features, it’s important to have at least a base understanding of what each area controls.

Please click into our guides below for more detailed information 

• Processor
  
• Motion
  
• Acoustics & Sound Features
• Smart TV Platforms
• Viewing Angle
  
• Upscaling
  

---

Step 5: Deciding between brands

The TV brand you opt for may well be dictated by the type of screen you need and your viewing preferences, but it’s good to know the differences between the main TV brands on the market before making a purchase decision.

Why buy a Sony TV?

With Netflix Calibration inbuilt and Sony equipment being used in the majority of major productions around the world, Sony TVs are expertly designed to get the best out of your content.

All 2021 models we sell (bar the X89J) and their upcoming 2022 line-up feature Sony’s Cognitive Bravia XR processor. Using AI, the XR can adjust and enhance both the image on the screen and the audio performance to best suit how the human brain processes information. This means you’ll get the best image and audio based on the way humans perceive sound, colour and movement with a Sony screen.

Why buy a Samsung TV?

Samsung is the only major brand to favour QLED technology over OLED. QLED, an upgraded version of LED and Full-Array LED, uses Quantum Dot technology for brighter and more true-to-life colours. QLED has been utilised across the majority of their 2020 and 2021 models at different price points, meaning Samsung are a good option to really get the most out of your budget - whatever that might be.  

Samsung also use their Quantum Processor which is optimised by AI and machine learning to upscale content to near 4K (or even 8K) quality.

Why buy an LG TV?

Though we don't stock LG currently, they are the main producer of OLED panels in the world. This means their screens are optimised for OLED technology, which may be a selling point to some customers. 

You may be looking to use a soundbar or separate surround sound system with your TV, or you might be relying on the TV speakers alone. Either way, it’s important to know that your TV is going to deliver in the sound department as well as for visuals.

• What to look for if you want to add a soundbar or surround sound system: Depending on what Soundbar or system you're looking to install, you may need to opt for a TV that has a certain connection point available. For example, the Sonos Arc requires either an HDMI eARC or HDMI ARC connection point to stream content in Dolby Atmos. It's worth being clear on the sound system you're looking to install, or clear about the limitations of your TV before choosing a system so that your expectations are met. For further information about Soundbars, please check out our Soundbar Buying Guide.
• What to look for to check the TV will provide good sound quality: Many of the acoustic features mentioned in our Acoustics & Sound Features guide will be helpful here. Having other speakers or actuators beside the screen other than the standard stereo speakers at the bottom of a panel will drastically improve the TV's sound quality.