A smart TV is an electronic visual device with web 2.0 and many other integrated Internet features. In other words, one can say that smart TVs are a technological mixture of set-top boxes, flat screen TVs, and computers. These devices also provide internet access, over-the-top content, home networking and online interactive media. In smart TVs, the operating system is preloaded or is available through the set-top box. The software applications needed to run the device are either preloaded or installed through the set-top box.

Factors to consider before purchasing a smart TV

Screen size

The basic factor to consider while buying a smart TV is the screen size of the set. The size of the screen will depend upon the area of the room in which it will be placed as well as the number of people watching together. Your budget also will influence the TV screen size. Hence, the size of the smart TV you want to purchase will depend upon the space of the room, the number of people watching, the price of the TV and of course, the performance of the set. Bigger may not always mean better.

Choosing between LCD, LED, and OLED

All televisions available in the market today are based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. Smart TV sets use LEDs or light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the LCD screen. These screens are usually very slim.

Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display technology is different from that of LCD TVs. In OLEDs, every pixel gives its own illumination, while in an LCD set the pixels are illuminated with the help of an LED backlight. Choose your set depending on the screen resolution and picture quality offered by the TV.

HDMI connectivity ports

High Definition Multimedia Interface is a technology that has replaced the earlier AV standards. HDMI transmits video data that is uncompressed as well as digital audio data that is compressed or uncompressed from an HDMI-compliant device, like a display controller, to your compatible digital smart television. While buying your smart TV, make sure your set has a minimum of four HDMI ports of the latest HDMI 2.1 version.

Screen resolution

Choosing from High Definition or the newest 4K Ultra HD is the next thing to keep in mind while buying a smart TV. Full HD (1080p) allows one to watch TV with a very high level of detail. It is the most common type of High Definition TV resolutions available. 4K Ultra HD (2160p) is the newest and by far the latest resolution available in stores today. The image quality produced is very clear and gives you a very detailed and awesome TV viewing experience. 4K Ultra HD is the newest screen resolution available in the market which is costlier than the commonly available Full HD TV.

Refresh rate

Refresh rates expressed in Hertz (Hz) refers to how many times a picture is refreshed per second on the screen. This may be only one of the many specifications to look out for while buying a smart TV but it is as important as any other specification. Remember, the higher the number of Hertz, the smoother the picture on the screen. In other words, the number of times a screen is refreshed, the better the quality of the image produced. Usually, TV manufacturers use 120 Hz as a standard refresh rate. Some TVs may have up to 240 Hz.

Contrast ratio

It refers to the level of brightness that a screen displays. Televisions having higher contrast ratio will display a much better and detailed picture. While testing a television for its contrast ratio, the best thing to do is to watch a video having a dark scene and see how well you see details even in the shadows.

The above-mentioned points are the most important factors you need to keep in check while buying your own smart TV.