Choosing a new TV seems like a no-brainer. You take a) the one with the largest diagonal and b) within the available budget. But… There are also some other criteria that you should consider.
When you add criteria like that, buying a new TV can be overwhelming, especially since there are hundreds of models and a multitude of features available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right TV for your needs.
Energy efficiency: How to choose a cheap, long-term (and environmentally friendly) TV
When choosing a new TV, it’s important to consider its energy efficiency. Not only can an energy-efficient TV save you money on your electricity bill, it can also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. You may not find the second part relevant, but the question is, do you like pollution, extreme heat, drought? Whatever the answer, keep in mind that energy pollution works over decades. The environmental problems of today are due to the pollution of a decade or more ago. If you want to prevent environmental problems from getting worse, maybe even better, you might want to consider the energy efficiency of the electronics you use.
And furthermore, energy will become more and more expensive in the coming years, no matter what we do. If you choose energy-inefficient equipment, the price of using it will be higher in the years to come.

EU Energy Label (illustrated for fridges, but valid for all electronics and appliances)

North American Energy Label
To determine the energy efficiency of a TV, look for the ENERG label for products in the European Union or the ENERGY STAR for those in the US and Canada. Similar classifications exist in most countries of the world. This label indicates that the TV complies with the strict energy efficiency rules established worldwide. TVs with this label use less energy than standard models without sacrificing performance or features. (See the description of energy certificate systems on the European Union website ).
Another factor to consider is the size of the TV. In general, larger TVs use more energy than smaller TVs. So, if you want to minimize energy consumption, you can consider buying a TV with a smaller diagonal.
Additional features for energy efficiency
Additionally, some TVs come with built-in power-saving features that can help reduce power consumption. Look for features like automatic brightness adjustment and sleep modes to help save energy when you’re not actively using the TV. It should be noted that the efficiency labels describe the actual consumption during operation. But electronics consume up to 80% when they are not working but plugged in. Efficient functions allow you to save when you are not using the equipment. Or, alternatively, you can choose smart sockets or extension cords, which you turn off (or switch off) when you’re not using the TV.
By choosing an energy-efficient TV, you can enjoy all your favorite shows and movies while minimizing your impact on the environment and saving money in the process.
Determine your available budget
Once you’ve determined how much you want it to cost you over the life of it, set a clear budget for the purchase. Before you start shopping, it’s important to determine how much you want to spend. Televisions can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and stick to your budget. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted by another model over and over again, and shopping will become a pain.
Check out discounts and shopping facilities
Promotional campaigns and price reductions can help you to buy a device with clearly superior features within the established budget. Check the discounts available on this site, where we try to centralize as many of the special offers of the big online and offline stores as possible. Big Discounts page (EU : Romania). See also: Comerciant : The on-line shop directory.
Determine the diagonal you need
The size of your TV should depend on the size of your room and how far you will be sitting from the screen. As a general rule, the TV should have a diagonal of one third of the distance from the viewing position to the screen. For example, if you will be sitting 2 meters away, a 66 cm TV would be suitable. At 1.5 meters, the optimal diagonal is 50 cm.
Choose the display type
There are three main types of displays: LED, OLED and QLED. LED TVs are the most common and affordable, while OLED and QLED TVs offer better picture quality but are more expensive. OLED TVs are known for deep blacks and vibrant colors, while QLED TVs offer brighter colors and better contrast.
The technology of the moment is OLED, which replaces the plasma models that were popular a few years ago. Even though some plasma TVs are still available in the market, keep in mind that they have major drawbacks. First, it consumes a lot of energy. Second, they produce a lot of heat, which can be unpleasant. Third, their components are difficult to recycle and produce long-term disadvantages. The new OLED technology uses organic LEDs and offers great energy savings. Also, the colors are more natural and vibrant, and the resolution better.
HDR: What is it and how does it affect your viewing experience?
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology that allows for a wider range of colors and brightness levels on your TV. This technology increases the contrast between light and dark areas of an image, creating a more vivid and realistic image.
When shopping for a new TV, you may come across different types of HDR, including HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG. Each type has its own unique specifications and capabilities.
HDR10 is the most widely used type of HDR and can be found on most mid-range to high-end TVs. Dolby Vision is another popular standard that offers even more dynamic range than HDR10. HLG, or Hybrid Log Gamma, is a newer standard, also in the HDR range, that is designed specifically for live TV broadcasts.
If you want to get the most out of your viewing experience, consider choosing a TV with HDR technology. With its ability to produce brighter whites and deeper blacks, as well as more vibrant colors, HDR can make everything from movies to video games look more immersive and realistic.
Understanding resolution: What is 4K and why does it matter?
When shopping for a new TV, you’ll often see terms like “HD” and “4K.” But what exactly do these terms mean and how do they impact the viewing experience?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen, with more pixels resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. HD, or high definition, usually refers to a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. However, in recent years, 4K has become the standard for high-end TVs (the highest-priced and best-quality class of the marketed product spectrum).
4K resolution, also known as ultra-high-definition (UHD), offers four times more pixels than HD. This means images are sharper and more detailed, with smoother textures and more realistic colours.
Why does resolution matter? Simply put, the higher resolution allows you to see more detail in the image. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a video game, a higher resolution can make everything look sharper and more immersive.
It’s important to note that not all content is available in 4K yet. However, many streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer 4K content for certain movies and TV shows. Additionally, some newer video game consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, support 4K gaming. If you are looking for the best possible viewing experience, uni TV with 4K resolution will be the best solution. With its incredibly detailed visuals and vibrant colors, it’s sure to take your entertainment to the next level.
Consider the refresh rate
The refresh rate describes how many times per second the TV is activating the pixels on the screen. A higher refresh rate can reduce motion blur and make fast-paced action scenes look smoother. Look for a TV with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz.
Smart functions (Smart TV)
Many TVs now come with smart features such as built-in streaming apps or voice control. Consider whether you want these features and how important they are to you. Smart TVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a range of features designed to enhance your viewing experience. Below are some of the most common smart TV features and how they can benefit you.
Streaming apps
Among the biggest advantages of a smart TV is its ability to access the Internet and play programs that are not offered by cable TV. Thus, a smart TV can stream content from popular applications such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. With a built-in Wi-Fi connection, you can easily access your favorite shows and movies without the need for an external streaming device.
Voice control
Many smart TVs now come with voice control capabilities, allowing you to use simple voice commands to navigate menus, search for content and adjust settings. This feature is especially useful if you have difficulty using the remote or prefer to control programs hands-free.
Screen mirroring
Screen mirroring functions allow you to display content from your smartphone or tablet directly on the TV screen. This feature is great for sharing photos or videos with friends and family or playing mobile games on a bigger screen.
Browsing the Internet
Some smart TVs also offer web browsing capabilities, allowing you to browse the internet directly on the TV screen. This feature can be useful for searching for information while watching a show or movie, or for browsing social media during commercial breaks.
With these features and more, smart TVs offer a number of benefits. They can improve your viewing experience and make it easier for you to access your favorite content. When buying a new TV, consider which smart features are most important to you and choose a model that suits your needs.
Essential: Read reviews
You can’t try every TV on the market. Especially when you buy online, you can’t try any. But for all of them there are many reviews published by other users. Many of them are on Youtube, in video format, and this will allow you to see how they work. Sure, you won’t be able to see the actual resolution or colors, but you’ll find a lot of useful information. Before making a final decision, read reviews from other consumers and experts. This can give you a better idea of the TV’s performance and any potential problems.
By following these tips, you can choose a TV that suits your needs and fits your budget.