Buying a smart TV can be a time-consuming and complicated task, a chore that asks you to consider all the many features new models offer and the price tags that come with them. From HDR to audio capabilities, operating systems to actual size, there’s a long list of items you need to think about before pulling the trigger on a purchase.
However, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, perhaps holding off for a potentially better deal or maybe waiting for a new feature, I am here to tell you to wait no more. The time to buy a new smart TV is now. Here’s why.
Smart TV prices are on the rise
Scarce materials and global conflicts increase costs
The main reason why you’ll want to look into buying a TV as soon as possible is that prices are slowly increasing, and it doesn’t look like that trend will stop anytime soon. A confluence of reasons is contributing to rising costs. Smart TVs are becoming more expensive to make as geopolitical conflicts and trade disputes are completely disrupting processes that used to be fairly straightforward. Materials are costing more money, and shipping those materials is also more expensive. Moving them across borders is especially pricey.
It wasn’t too long ago that it seemed like deals were in the favor of the consumer. A number of companies are making smart TVs, giving more choice to the buyer. Materials used to be cheaper too. The environment changes quickly, however, and a scarcity of key components along with a paranoia about how current unpredictable markets will shake out is leading companies to raise prices to protect themselves against uncertainty.
Top TV features will last a while
Key specs will stay relevant for years
Another reason why you should get to buying a TV more quickly is that the value is going to stay high for quite some time. There are a bunch of key features you need for an entertainment system that don’t necessarily need to be upgraded, or won’t be able to be upgraded in the next three to five years.
For example, 4K resolution is common and worth the investment. 8K resolution is not. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of interest in or anticipation towards 8K resolution, so you don’t really need to worry about investing in 4K and then feeling like your TV is outdated. Companies have tried 8K and there really isn’t a market for it. Other specs, like 120 Hz or 144Hz refresh rate, are also topped out. You don’t need a more powerful refresh rate because you probably won’t even notice a difference.
Those two specs are key for a new TV, and they are ubiquitous. Similarly, the top HDR formats in HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are also fairly common. Most smart TVs offer one and some offer both. The duo is ideal, but as long as you have one format, you’re going to enjoy a lot of entertainment at its highest quality. Because these important features are found on most new TVs, there’s no reason to wait for future models.
You can save money on some features
While there are some essential specs and features you really want on your new TV, there are a bunch of extras that you don’t need. Many extras and supposed new features are in fact superfluous, and you can save a lot of time, energy, and worry if you just ignore them.
Software enhancements in particular are questionable. Companies enhance hardware specs on features like refresh rate with software processes. That’s why you may see an advertised simulated refresh rate in the several hundreds. What a lot of software does is try to improve upon older movies and TV shows; a lot of what’s added to your TV isn’t necessarily helpful for newer titles, and some of that tinkering, from adjusting brightness to increasing motion smoothing, can make the image worse.
There is a lot of talk about AI features that work to improve your image on the screen. These tend to be vague, and it’s unclear how much work they do. Some TVs claim they can optimize the image based on the environment and your personal preferences, but the former can change and the latter, while important, may not lead to a faithful or comfortable image.
There are other selling points you don’t need. Like the array of free channels that come with every operating system. These tend to comprise local news, ambient scenes, music stations, and 24/7 channels that play the same syndicated show continuously. They’re a way to keep you busy and sell you ads. They are not top features worth investing in.
All these features are marketing gimmicks, and once you realize they aren’t really worth much, you don’t need to worry about losing out on what’s available now and what may come next.
TVs are comprehensive hubs
You need a smart TV for all the entertainment
It’s vital to have a quality TV to act as the hub of your home entertainment system. For those who watch a fair amount of TV and movies, play videos, and generally operate a smart home, a new TV is a vital part of that lifestyle. And there are basic things you want from a TV that you can get right now if you don’t have them already.
Firstly, you want a smart TV with at least three HDMI ports that can accommodate HDMI 2.1 connections. Most new models have four, and those can be filled quickly when you consider a gaming console and soundbar to start. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X require an HDMI 2.1 connection for detailed resolution and gaming features, while a quality soundbar needs an HDMi 2.1 port with eARC capabilities for worthwhile audio.
For those wisely embracing physical media, you’ll need an HDMI port for a Blu-ray player. Then there is the robust Google TV streamer, which also connects to an HDMI port.
While you’re setting up a new TV to act as a base of operation, consider mounting it as well to save space and improve the viewing experience.
Keep your TV well maintained to preserve longevity
Dust the area and control the climate
As you consider everything a new smart TV can do, be sure you’re also considering everything you can do to make the entertainment experience better at home. Your environment can go a long way to improve the visual experience, and also help you save money on unnecessary expenses.
For example, the ideal viewing room is one that is completely dark and has just a little bit of bias lighting available int the form of a lamp or backlight. You don’t want to be watching TV in a bright room if at all possible. So when you are setting up your TV in a dark room, that means you don’t need all that extra peak brightness companies boast. And when you’re not keeping the brightness at a maximum, you’re also not wearing down your TV screen more quickly.
That kind of maintenance and care comes into play as well. If you keep your TV in a cool, dark environment away from direct sunlight, humidity, and excessive dust and debris, then it’s going to last a little bit longer and make the investment worthwhile.
