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Smartphones, smart watches, smart lights are slowly going the “smart” route. And when buying a TV, you can still choose between a regular old set or a smart one. However, for obvious reasons, most consumers prefer the high-tech option that allows them to enjoy entertainment in more ways than one.
If you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment experience, we’re more than glad to help you find the best smart TV for your needs by taking a look at the different sizes, screen technologies and operating systems.
Screen Size
The first step when buying a smart set is to pick the right size. When choosing the ideal size, you have to take into account the room you’re going to place your set in, as well as the size of the furniture around it.
For example, if you have a small living room, then buy a 50 inch smart TV to watch movies and play games on. If you have a large living room then maybe go with a 65-inch or 75-inch screen so that everyone can see what’s happening on screen without having to sit too close to it.
Here are some practical guidelines on how to measure for the correct size:
- Measure the distance from the sitting area to where you plan to place the set. This is the viewing distance, and it should be measured in feet.
- Determine the screen size you prefer. This will depend on personal preference and budget, but a good rule of thumb is to choose a 50 inch smart TV for most rooms.
- Use an online calculator or refer to a size chart to compare the viewing distance with the television size. A good general rule of thumb is that the unit’s size should be one-third to one-half the viewing distance. For example, if your viewing distance is 8 feet, a set between 40 and 60 inches would be appropriate.
- Consider the room’s layout and the screen’s aspect ratio. If the room has a wide seating area, a set wider aspect ratio, such as 16:9, may be more suitable.
- Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better. Choosing a set that is too large for the viewing distance can cause eye strain and distortion.
Screen Technology
OLED screens are usually thinner than their LED and QLED counterparts, but they also tend to be more expensive. The main advantage of OLED TVs is their incredible contrast ratio which gives them an edge over the other two types when it comes to displaying deep blacks.
OLED TVs also have a much faster response time than the other two types, so if you’re watching fast-paced action movies or games, this is definitely worth considering. In terms of colour reproduction, OLEDs are able to produce vibrant and natural colours without having to over-saturate them like other types. This results in a much more lifelike picture quality compared to the other two.
QLED TVs are essentially an improved version of LED TVs, with better brightness levels and colour reproduction capabilities. They also tend to come at a lower price than OLED screens, but they don’t have quite as wide a viewing angle range.
Choosing the Right OS
So, what truly makes smart devices, smart? Well, they are able to learn and adapt to your needs over time. That’s where the operating systems come in. We will be creating a list of the best “smart” operating systems for TVs, and the distinct advantages and disadvantages all of them have.
Google Android
Given that it has been around for a while, it is arguably the most well-known. If you’re using an Android TV box or dongle, there are a tonne of apps you can download and install through the Google Play Store. You’ll be able to stream Netflix movies or your preferred YouTube videos.
The installation procedure is not too complicated. Connecting your device to the television and following the on-screen instructions are all that is required. You can then begin using your television set as a smart one after everything is finished.
The main downside of this operating system is that it doesn’t offer any sort of support for content with a 4K quality. This means that if you are considering buying a 4K set, this isn’t your best option. However, if you’re buying a 1080p television set, then this will be just fine.
Amazon Fire
Amazon Fire was released in 2014 and it’s still going strong today. The installation process is pretty much the same as the Google Android OS. All you have to do is connect your device to the TV and follow the on-screen instructions.
Amazon’s Fire TV OS is compatible with most Amazon products, which means that if you own any of those, then this will be perfect for you. But on the upside, unlike Google Android, this operating system provides exceptional support for 4K content. So if your wish is to experience the superior 4K video quality, then a set that supports this one is definitely worth considering.
Roku
This one is pretty similar to the Amazon Fire as it was also released in 2014. Roku has been around for quite some time now, so there are plenty of apps available in the Roku Channel Store that you can install on your television. You’ll be able to watch all of your favourite movies and shows on this one. One of the primary drawbacks of Roku OS is its lack of 4K content compatibility, just like the Google Android TV OS.
Android TV Box
This one was released in 2017 as an alternative to all other OSes out there. Similar to Amazon Fire TV OS, this one also provides the best support for 4K content out of all other options on our list. As far as apps are concerned, you’ll be able to install most of the popular ones. If you’re looking for a simple solution that doesn’t require much effort then this is definitely worth considering.
