Why do people buy televisions

The average price figures we show are a bit higher than the average for all big TVs on the market. We test these flagship models from all the brands, but with major brands there is a much greater difference in pricing between the least and most expensive sets they offer. This often skews the average prices higher for the major brands. Given their high average scores, sets from any of these TV brands might be worth considering.

Just note that its improved performance is mainly due to its newer 6-Series and 8-Series models, which have done very well in our tests—in particular, 6-Series sets offer a lot of bang for the buck, with top-notch picture quality, including the ability to produce an effective HDR experience, something most comparably priced sets fail to do.

That includes things such as Hz refresh rates, full-array LED backlights with local dimming, more effective HDR performance , and special gaming features such as low-latency modes and variable refresh rates.

As we note above, Sony focuses on high-performance, high-price sets. In this size category, TCL again seems to offer a very compelling balance of price and performance. Some models from Hisense, Toshiba, and Insignia might be worth considering for less finicky viewers who are on an even tighter budget. Some Vizio sets could also be in this group, though its best-performing sets fall into higher price bands than TVs from these other three brands.

Of these three brands, LG sets seems particularly attractive. These are in the top range for performance but are priced much closer to the lower-tier sets. The price range is narrower in this size category once you get past those top three brands. Sets from some of these brands in this size category have Overall Scores that aren't all that far from the pricier models above them. For example, based on the chart below, Hisense would be a better choice if price was a primary concern.

Remember, though, that the price and performance averages are for entire brands, not specific models. So, to create a more solid picture, manufacturers doubled the refresh rate to Hz and in some cases up to Hz. Since there aren't that many per-second images in original video content, TVs handle the faster refresh rates in different ways.

One method is to simply insert black images between the original pictures, tricking the viewer's eyes into seeing a less blurry, more solid picture. Another technique is to generate and insert new images — showing a state of movement in between the two adjacent pictures — to display more realistic-looking motion.

However, depending on how the video-processing is done, it can make a movie or sitcom look flat, or as if it were a poorly lit, old-time soap opera. Some new models are boasting High-Frame Rate HFR support, which means that they have both a higher refresh rate and added support for content with higher than 60 Hz frame rates.

With HFR content set to come from both movies and live broadcats, and HFR will be especially good for live sports, so it's definitely a feature to watch out for. Gamers will be especially keen to get higher refresh rates, but if you're using a gaming console, 60 Hz is the sweet spot. Most gaming consoles top out at 60 frames per second, and even the best 4K gaming TVs offer the best performance well below the Hz we suggest for other content.

A word of caution: beware of terms like "effective refresh rate," which means the actual frame rate is half the stated rate e. Everything else is done with video processing, not a refresh of the screen. It may seem like an afterthought, but pay attention to the number of HDMI inputs a set has. Manufacturers looking to shave costs may offer fewer HDMI plugs on the back. These ports can get used up quickly: Add a sound bar, a Roku or Chromecast and a game console, and you've used three ports already.

The newer HDMI 2. By matching the TV refresh rate to the frame rates of you content source — in this case the graphics card inside your game console or PC — you'll get smoother action and zero screen tearing. It also adds higher frame rates for 4K video and richer HDR data that will allow adjustments at the scene level for more-precise backlighting control. As of now, we've seen HDMI 2. And HDMI 2. Still confused about the different ports on your TV?

Checkout the best HDM2. Many of these TVs can dynamically light up specific portions of the screen and dim other parts to better represent a mix of light and dark areas in a scene — a feature known as active dimming or local dimming. One hidden feature separating the budget TVs from the premium models is backlighting. With several different types of LED backlighting used in modern TVs, it pays to knwo the difference between the different options.

Check out TV backlights explained: Edge-lit vs. Another LCD technology, called quantum dots, is becoming more common, spurred on by the requirements of HDR to produce a wider array of colors and more brightness.

The result is a wider color spectrum and increased brightness. Pros : Wide array of prices, sizes and features; Some affordable Ultra HD 4K models; Bright screens visible even in a sunny room; Image quality steadily improving with full-array backlighting and quantum-dot technology. Cons : Exhibits imperfections when displaying rapid motion, as in sports; Loses some shadow detail because pixels can't go completely black even with full-array backlighting ; Images fade when viewing from the side off-axis.

In place of a backlight, OLEDs use a layer of organic LEDs, controlled at the pixel level, to achieve absolute black and stunning levels of contrast. Footage of fireworks against a black sky is a favorite demonstration of OLED technology.

The best-in-class display technology is seen exclusively on 4K and 8K sets, and range in size from 55 inches on up to 75 inches or larger. Cons : Premium prices; lower peak brightness than some LCD sets, uncertainty about how screens will fare over time, including whether they will retain "ghost" images also known as burn-in from displaying a static picture for too long.

But the TV industry is always readying new technologies, and new jargon to go with it. While technologies like micro-LED and mini-LED are still new and relatively rare, you can buy TVs with the new tech now, so keep an eye on our coverage to find out about new features as they arrive. An increasing number of sets come with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting Internet-based services like Netflix for streaming videos or to run apps for watching special-interest programs, downloading on-demand movies, playing games or even posting to Facebook.

The latest models can even search for content across streaming services and live programming on cable and satellite. The interfaces are generally getting better. Vizio, LG and now Samsung use a handy bar of icons at the bottom of the screen. While most smart TVs include the major services, such as Pandora, Hulu and Netflix, check to make sure the TV you buy has the options you want.

Our guides to common questions about smart TVs and comparison of smart TV platforms are good places to start. With movies and shows offered by services from Amazon, Hulu, Netflix and YouTube, it's quick and easy to find both 4K resolution and HDR-enabled content — easier than finding Blu-rays with the desired formats.

The only concern is whether your internet connection can provide enough bandwidth. But not all smart TVs are created equal. Many budget-friendly brands will offer smart TV functionality without naming the actual platform that they use.

In these cases, expect to run into limitations. Off-brand smart platforms frequently suffer from severely limited app selection, sub-par performance and gaping security holes. But nowadays, it's hard to get a TV that isn't smart, even if you're going for a small bargain model. Find out more about the functions and features in our guide to smart TVs and How to buy a dumb TV — and why you'd want to.

Bottom line : Smart capability is now a standard feature in TVs, so it's less and less of a factor in your buying decision. Don't feel you need to rush to upgrade, or get those specific models, since in the worst case you'll be able to buy a cheap external tuner and connect that to your TV.

There's also HDMI 2. While 2. As long as your current TV works with your current sources, you should be fine. Really old TVs, older than 10 years, might have issues connecting to modern streaming and disc sources , but there's no real workaround for that. If your TV doesn't work with a new Roku or Blu-ray player , then you might need to upgrade if you want to use one of those. Get CNET's comprehensive coverage of home entertainment tech delivered to your inbox.

If you've got the itch for something new, but you're still on the fence, consider giving your TV a bit of a makeover. If you've never adjusted the settings, it's easy to do and will probably make your TV look better than it ever has. That might tide you over for a bit. And if you finally decide that, yes, you're ready to buy a new TV now, we at CNET do have some guidelines and suggested models.

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff Morrison does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world , including nuclear submarines , massive aircraft carriers , medieval castles , airplane graveyards and more. You can follow his exploits on Instagram and his travel video series on YouTube. He also wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel.

Now is the best time of the year to buy a new TV. Geoffrey Morrison. Whether online or in-store, TV prices are at their lowest this time of year. Can it beat OLED? Here's where we come in. When you're facing lists of thin-bezel flatscreen TVs from LG, Panasonic, Hisense, Samsung and Sony, which all look more or less the same, it may seem as though there's not much to pick between them.

Here, we take a closer look at the key things you should think about before you buy. From big decisions such as which screen size is best for you, to specific features to look out for and how much to spend, our expert advice will help you find your perfect TV. Our tough lab tests mean we can reveal which TVs have superb picture quality, sound fantastic and are easy to use.

Only logged-in Which? Sign up to reveal. It's hard to find fault with this sublime TV. It looks fantastic, and sounds amazing despite being very thin. Fantastic HDR implementation and a stunningly detailed 4K picture make this tremendous all-rounder one of the best TVs of There's very little we can fault here: the speakers are great and we love the design of the menus. Smaller TVs don't often do well, but this one proved that you don't need a big screen for great picture, sound and smart menus.

If none of these models are right for your home and budget, then head to ou r TV reviews to see what else we recommend. Watch our video to see how TVs differ and find out which type is right for you. There's more to consider with TVs than just how big the screen size.

Slide through our gallery, below, and click on the information buttons to discover more about screen types, such as LED, OLED, HD and 4K, features including built-in recording, plus how to connect devices. TVs may all look pretty similar when they're lining store shelves, but different resolutions, screen types and software means it's more than just the price tag that sets them apart from each other. Ultimately, the screen is important, but it's not the be all and end all.

It doesn't make a bit of difference to the audio or how easy the TV is to use and you shouldn't discount a TV based purely on what screen it has. So be sure to check our reviews before you buy. Several bulbs, known as a backlight, shine on a layer of liquid crystals to create the images on screen.

The screen technology widely considered the best for contrast and motion.