Dont buy a new TV without these 8 features!

With so many TV brands out there, it's easy to get lost in the maze of options. Before you buy your next TV, check to see if it has the following features.

1. OLED or QLED display

An OLED or QLED TV is a must-have when shopping for a new display. OLED is the best choice if you’re looking for the deepest blacks, the most vibrant colors that really pop on screen, and incredibly sharp details that immerse you in your movies and shows. But that great picture quality comes at a steep price – some OLED models cost thousands of dollars. And there’s a risk of burn-in after about five years of use.

However, if you want incredible quality without breaking the bank, Samsung's QLED TVs are great. While they can't compare to OLED, QLED screens are incredibly bright and colorful thanks to the backlight and quantum dot technology that makes colors pop. Plus, you get wide viewing angles so a large group can enjoy the show together. Best of all, there's no risk of burn-in like with OLED.

2. High Dynamic Range (HDR)

When it comes to High Dynamic Range (HDR), there are a lot of standards to consider. HDR10 is the baseline standard – it supports 10-bit color and brightness around 1,000 nits.

Dolby Vision is a step up from HDR10. With Dolby Vision, brightness adjusts scene by scene, so dark scenes can be darker and bright scenes can really pop. It uses “dynamic metadata control,” which means the TV knows how bright each part of the movie should look. Dolby Vision displays are over 1,000 nits bright and support 12-bit color, although most TVs today stick to 10-bit.

HDR10+ sits between HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Like Dolby Vision, it allows for varying brightness levels as content is played. HDR10+ is open source, royalty-free, and is growing in popularity as support grows.

3. Anti-glare

If you find yourself squinting to see what's going on on your TV or constantly moving around, trying to find the perfect viewing angle, an anti-glare screen is probably what you need.

Anti-glare screens reduce the amount of light that reflects off their surface. Instead of light bouncing back, more light is transmitted through the screen so that the user can see the image clearly. The result is a much more comfortable viewing experience regardless of where they sit or what the lighting conditions in the room are. However, the downside is that anti-glare coatings can sometimes make images look a little dull or grainy, especially with bright colors. This is because the coating scatters light to minimize reflections, which can reduce sharpness a bit.

4. Multiple HDMI ports

While most new TVs have at least a few HDMI ports, choose one with three or more. That way, you won't have to constantly unplug and replug your game console, streaming device, and Blu-ray player when you want to change what you're watching.

Also, pay attention to which version of the HDMI port it is. HDMI 2.1 is becoming more common now and supports higher-quality 4K/HDR video at super-smooth frame rates of up to 120 frames per second. It also has cool features for next-gen gaming on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode.

5. Intuitive operating system

These days, almost any TV has “smart” capabilities, meaning it can access streaming apps, connect to WiFi, and more. However, not all smart TV platforms are created equal. Some operating systems are slow and laggy, with outdated interfaces that aren’t designed for an intuitive user experience.

So, the advice is to research the smart platforms that the brand is considering using. Look for platforms that have a nice interface, a lot of app support, and positive reviews for intuitive navigation. Roku, Android TV, TizenOS, and LG's webOS are good options.

Also, take the time to test the remote and how well it interacts with the operating system before purchasing a new TV.

6. Energy efficiency

If you’re shopping for a new TV, look for the Energy Star symbol. This certification means the product meets energy efficiency standards. Also check the TV’s energy consumption statistics, which are usually listed somewhere on the product or in online details. TVs with low energy consumption will save you money on your electricity bill compared to older, less efficient TVs.

Screen size also affects how much power a TV uses, with larger TVs typically using more power. A large 75-inch TV will use more power than a 50-inch TV. So if screen size isn’t a priority, opt for a more compact option to save energy. LED and OLED screens are also greener than older LCD and plasma screens.

Also, pay attention to any “eco” or energy-saving modes your TV has. Look for features that automatically dim the brightness when there’s no movement or content for a few moments. You can even unplug your TV when you’re not using it, which can make a difference over time.

7. Voice control integration

Gone are the days of frantically searching for the remote whenever you want to pause what you're watching or change shows. Now just say, "Hey TV, pause" or "Turn the volume down." This is great when you're busy, like cooking dinner in the kitchen, but want to keep an eye on a game. Just ask your TV to do it instead of stopping what you're doing.

Many major TV brands have models that allow you to control the screen with your voice. For example:

• Samsung TVs work with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
• LG TVs have their own AI called ThinQ, which also connects to Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Sony TVs work well with Google Assistant and Alexa.
• Alexa and Google can also operate Hisense and Philips TVs.

Just make sure that the specific TV model you're looking to buy has voice control.

8. Bluetooth connectivity

Bluetooth on your TV is a game changer if you like to stay up late watching shows without disturbing anyone else who is sleeping. Many new TVs have Bluetooth these days, but it's still worth checking before you buy.

Bluetooth is convenient for more than just private music listening. It allows your TV to wirelessly connect to all sorts of content, like speakers, soundbars, and phones, to enhance your home entertainment. Plus, it eliminates the clutter of cables running from your TV to your other devices. Just remember that Bluetooth isn’t perfect—it doesn’t have a long range, and not all devices can connect to each other. So when shopping for a TV, keep in mind the specific Bluetooth requirements to find one that’s compatible with what you’ll be connecting to.