TV Buying Guide

August 13, 2021

Choosing the right television for your living space can be an overwhelming decision to make. There are so many things to consider to ensure you are getting the best television for your lifestyle at an affordable price. Here are the top things we recommend considering when purchasing your next television:

• Choosing the right screen size for your space
• Selecting the ideal resolution
• Smart features
• Number of HDMI ports
• OLED vs. LCD
• Outdoor TVs

Choosing the Right TV Size for Your Space

Samsung has put together a simple calculation to determine what TV size is ideal for your space. Based on their recommendation, you should measure the distance between your couch/sitting area and the TV screen in inches. Divide that number by two and that will result in your ideal screen size. So, for example, if your couch is 5 feet (60 inches) from your TV stand, a 30-inch TV would be the ideal size for the room.

Even with suggestions like these, we recommend using your judgment. No recommendation or guideline can replace your own opinion about what will look best in your space and meet your needs. Decide how big the space is that you will be placing your television, make sure you will be utilizing that space to meet your needs, and have the look and feel for the room that you want.

What Resolution Do You Need? 8K, 4K or HD?

Resolution measures the number of pixels that make up the picture on your TV screen. Generally speaking, the higher the resolution, the higher quality the image. Higher resolution screens also look better up close. If you will be sitting close to your television, you may want to consider a higher resolution screen.

Options available on the market today include Full HD (1080p), 4K or Ultra HD (2160p), and 8K or Full Ultra HD (4320p). Ultra HD, or 4K televisions, are quickly becoming the standard for today’s televisions. If you want to invest in a television that will last longer, we recommend selecting a TV with 4K resolution or higher. 8K televisions are new to the market, which means that their prices will likely be dropping in the coming years.

Smart Features: Do You Need Them & Which Platform Is Best?

There are several options to consider when selecting a Smart TV. Different models include various apps and features. Models are also available for many different platforms, including Roku TV, Google, Fire TV, and more. If you know that you will be streaming often, take into consideration which apps and features you will use most frequently. Shop our selection of Smart TVs online today.

Number and Type of HDMI Ports

The number of HDMI ports in a TV may not be the first thing that comes to mind when comparing models, but it can play a major role in the functionality of your television once you get it home. If you know that you’ll be using a sound bar, streaming device, Blu-ray player or gaming systems, consider how many plugs that will require before purchasing a TV.

HDMI 2.1 is relatively new to the market, but may soon become a standard, especially for those in gaming. If you are a gamer or would like to have the capability to view 8K resolution in the future, consider looking for HDMI 2.1 plugs with your purchase.

OLED vs. LCD

Most televisions today are LED LCD. This means that these televisions use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to light up the LCD screen. These TVs dynamically light up different portions of the screen to meet the needs of the image being represented. Because of the way that LED LCD TVs work, a true black color cannot be achieved.

OLED TVs use a layer of organic LEDs that are controlled at a pixel level, rather than a backlight like LED LCD TVs use. With this technology, OLED TVs can achieve a true black color and have higher contrast than LED LCD televisions. OLED TVs can achieve a better-quality picture than LED LCD televisions and maintain image quality, even if the screen is being viewed at an angle. If you’re looking for the highest-quality image, OLED is the way to go.

Outdoor TVs

If you have an outdoor pool area or shaded deck, you can upgrade your gathering area with an outdoor television. Our outdoor TV selection is weatherproof and brightly lit to accommodate any outdoor location. Shop our selection of outdoor TVs online today or stop into one of our locations to shop in person.

Looking to Finance?

Extend your budget and apply today for special promotional financing. Howard’s can work with you to find flexible financing options and you can receive 18 months of no interest. Learn more about our financing options online today or contact us for more details.

Shop Our Specials All Year Long

Selecting a new television can be a difficult decision to make. We’re always here to make it easier. Howard’s has been in business for over 75 years and is Southern California’s largest and most trusted appliance retailer. We offer free next-day delivery on purchases over $399 within qualified zip codes scheduled before 5 p.m. in the Southern California area. To make things easier for our customers, we also offer online chat, phone consultations, and online ordering. Shop one of our 13 locations or browse our selection online at Howards.com.