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Best Smart Television To Buy And Buying Guide

Updated: Dec 22, 2020

Buying Guide For Television:


How big?

Not I are going to fool, in this house, we are in "the bigger, the better", but the truth is that manufacturers and experts provide different methods (with very different results) for calculating the ideal size of our tv, whose general tone invites large diagonals.

The idea is that the experience is immersive, coming into play factors such as the angle of vision by which to distribute the viewers – it is ideal that you be in front of, the resolution and the distance of the tele to you.

Supply of tvs and content recommended are the 4K and this resolution, by our experience and several of these tables of calculation, if you are approximately 1.5 meters away and it should be in the furniture of the living room, you can afford a 55 inch.


What OLED or LCD?

One of the first questions to ask when choosing a tv is which panel technology to be implemented. Or come down to earth: what advantages and disadvantages they present, and what's in it for me and I can't afford.

OLED, LED, QLED, ULED... a scramble of acronyms in the it is easy to miss. In reality, this is all summed up in OLED and different types of LCD with LED backlight. While the OLED consist of small cells that light up themselves, the LEDS require external lighting with different schemes and technologies of image improvement. How does this translate?

One of the strong points of OLEDS is their ability to reproduce some black tones of great purity and realism, with the most vibrant colors and level of contrast. Its viewing angle is also higher and provide a response time lower.

On the other hand, a good LED tv is able to offer higher levels of brightness, some less saturated colors, greater durability and a lower cost.

That tvs OLED within the context of the high range does not imply that the LCD be worse, but if we are looking for a tele that is affordable, will inevitably be the panel technology of our chosen model. This not only has to do with the cost of the panel and mounting, but also with the size of the screen: it is usual that the OLED may be present in from 55-inches diagonal (although LG has been the exception by throwing models of 48").

Thus, price and diagonal will be the determining factors when choosing a technology panel. What you are on a budget or you're looking for a tv under 50 inches? Then your type of panel will be LCD, to larger diagonal and budgets, it will be a matter of your preferences.


Extra LCD: panel type and backlight

If you go for a LCD panel, you will discover that there is a big difference in price between a few models or others that determine at what range they are.

Here come into play other variables such as the type of panel, the scheme of backlighting and technologies for image enhancement as the nanocrystals.

The first is the type of panel, something that usually appear in the specifications or which you can find on the web Display specifications, the "encyclopedia" of the tvs. As happens when we choose a monitor, we're going to bump VA and IPS.

The panels IPS offer a high level of overall image quality, color reproduction and accurate viewing angles, broad with almost no degradation of color. Suffer from more leakage of light and the relationship of native contrast tends to be lower.

In the case of the panels WILLstand out by the depth of their blacks, high contrast ratio and native delivery of brightness and suffer from less leakage of light. Yes, its viewing angles are lower.

For the application scenario of a tv, in general, the performance of the panels WILL prove to be most appropriate.

If you prefer a led panel, the first thing that you'll find your scheme of backlight, namely: Full Array, Edge LED, Direct LED.

These "surnames" refer to how light the panels, something that influences how deep you are going to see the black on the tv.

Drawing on these lines it makes it quite clear: the most economical models are equipped with backlight Edge LED, with a strip of LED lights in the bottom of the screen.

A step above are Direct LED, which distributes LED across the rear screen, but without covering the entire area. The more LED, more accuracy and higher contrast.

The more ambitious you are, instead, the Full Array Local Dimming (pleated organza s), with a distribution of LEDS across the back but in greater numbers.


What panels 10 bit?

If we take an in-depth look at the specifications of the manufacturer, we will find out if a tv has a panel of 8 or 10 bits: the high-end models and mid high are 10. The rest will be 8 or 10 but "cheating" due to technical FRC to emulate more colors.

This differentiation between 8-and 10-bit refers to the ability to reproduce colors: 8 reach 16.7 million colors, while the 10-reach 1.073 million. Yes, in both cases are many, but the accuracy in the color palette is note.

Nanocrystals

Sony and their Triluminos, Samsung has Quantum Dots, the Nanocell LG. with their differences and their names varied, in the end we all are nanocrystals!

The nanocrystal in its different denominations are a technology that uses crystalline structures that are extremely small that modify the wavelength of the light.

And this has a result very interesting for the teles: offer a greater range of colors of way more energy-efficient. If we move into the range of the input or the media, with panels of 8-bit schemas and backlight simple, these improvements are appreciated greatly.

The importance of high dynamic range

The high dynamic range gives to write a bible, something that in fact we have made to resolve major technical issues. Here we will go to the application: grosso mode the HDR is the amount of light that is capable of projecting a television, which allows you to better differentiate the dark areas of the clear, something that influences significantly the brightness.

When producing content, it's done with information of reproduction of brightness and color that our TV will have to adapt as best you can. The main options for HDR are:

  • The standard most basic is the HDR10.

  • HDR10+, is an extension of the HDR10, offering an enhanced experience.

  • HLG is a complement of the previous and their impact on the quality of the image is lower than that of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision, it is the most ambitious within the usual. Bet for those with Dolby Vision is a good indication of the quality of the tv is good.


Are you going to play on your TV?

In addition to watching sports, series, movies, and programs, we are many of us use our tv to play. If it is your case and you're already putting your eyes to the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft, it's worthwhile to pay attention to certain technologies to seize the reigns of our salon to the fullest.

  • The input latency or input lag is the time that elapses from that perform an action with the command and see the result on tv. Of interest to be the lower, the better (less than 20 milliseconds). Eye because it is not a fact that is found with ease, but if the manufacturer "boasts" of it, it is a good sign. Guidance: the best LCD TV offers an input lag less than the best TV OLED

  • The response time is how hard it is for a pixel of the panel of the tv change colour. If it is not low enough, it may appear to blur. Here the monitors offer lower figures than tvs and, in contrast with the input lag, the best panels OLED beat the LCD in this field.

  • They have the standard HDMI 2.1, because its data transfer speed much higher than the standard HDMI 2.0. This is especially important if you plan to take hours with the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, as that will allow us to enjoy the resolutions and refresh rates the more ambitious of the spectacular new batch of games that come with both. Currently, only LG implements the standard 2.1 complete in all the HDMI ports of your TV high-end.

  • The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is the refresh rate variable , and serves to achieve images that are more smooth and flowing. Roughly what it achieves is to synchronise the pictures of the console with what is played on the tele. The models of LG with HDMI 2.1 and some high-end models of Samsung incorporate this technology.

The automatic-mode low-latency or ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) adjusts the latency that we discussed before to reduce it automatically. Some high-end models of LG, Panasonic and Samsung have incorporated this technology.

And what about the operating system?

Today, almost next to the smart TV monopolize the supply of televisions, but there are large differences between some operating systems and others, and even the more basic alternative (and uncomfortable) to have simply with a browser.

If the content of platforms like Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, and the like are "responsible" to have us glued in front of the screen hours, then it is worth to pay attention to the operating system.

According to our experience, we highlight three: the speed of WebOS (present in tvs LG), the intuitive appeal of Tizen, the operating system of Samsung, and the wide variety of applications of Android TV.

Some brands opt for the operating systems of their own to the ranges more affordable, as is the case for Philips, which combines Saphi with Android TV in their models. If you prefer operating systems less popular, make sure you have the apps that you are going to use. For example, HBO is missing on My Home Screen Panasonic and VIDAA OR some Hisense.

Our general recommendation is the following: bet for an operating system mainstream, for so it cures in health to achieve a streamlined interface, updates, and a good deal of applications.

Yes, taking into account that we don't change tv as a mobile phone, sooner or later will become obsolete: in that case we can always buy a set top box.

This can be extrapolated to your current election: if you find a tv that will fit, and the operating system you do not finish convincing, you have solutions and solvents that are affordable to improve the experience of smart TV as the Fire TV of Amazon (59,99 euros) or the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (37 euros).



1.TCL 50EP660



The TCL 50EP660 349 euros is a tele-range of very interesting entry for those who have a budget as tight.

Level of image quality, highlighted by its panel of type VA 50" with 4K resolution with support for modes HDR10 and HLG.

If we want to view streaming content, integrates the Android 9.0 as operating system, comes with Chromecast built-in sound and Dolby Audio.

And other functions that do not come bad, your design is fine and it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.


2.Philips 50PUS7354


This tv is also known as "The One", a model of the last year of the most complete in this price range. The model of 50" is around € 500 – but if you can fit in the lounge, and you can upload more, the option of 65" (641 euros) is not so bad – and features a panel is backlit Direct LED and the unique technology of the brand's Ambilight, which illuminates the contours, achieving a feeling most stunning in the colors.

Another particularly remarkable aspect of this tv is its wide compatibility with HDR: not only comes with the usual HDR10, but also Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG. As for the sound, it comes with the technology Dolby Atmos to an experience more immersive.

The Dutch firm bet by your operating system for its models more affordable, but in this case we are at the frontier: the Philips 50PUS7354 comes with Android TV.



3.Samsung Crystal UHD 2020 50TU7005


With the Samsung Crystal UHD 2020 50TU7005 (433 euros) we have a candidate simple and this year, whose strong point lies in the size of your panel and your operating system.

Account with a screen of 50-inch-type backlit Edge LED technology to improve the reproduction of color as the nanocrystals and PurColor. In terms of the high dynamic range, supports HDR10+ and HLG.

If you make use of the services in streaming and your house is more or less "intelligent" implements Tizen 5.0 (one of the best operating systems and in addition, up to date), it is compatible with Alexa, Apple AirPlay and Google Assistant and implements Tap View, which allows you to duplicate the screen of your smartphone on the tv.


4.LG 55UN7100


With the LG 55UN7100 (460 euros) we have a flat range of entry this year, a brand of first level with a diagonal remarkable of 55 inches and an operating system updated and fluid, webOS 5.0.

In terms of the characteristics of your panel, it is IPS with backlight Direct LED. It is compatible with the modes HDR10+ and HLG.

Their sound is the usual in this price tier, with a power output of 20W enhanced with technology Sound Ultra Surround to offer an experience more immersive.

And if you're going to use it to play, it comes with a technology that lowers the latency automatically (ALLM)


5.Hisense 55U7QF


We had the opportunity to try this Hisense 55U7QF (569 euros) some months ago, so beyond that it is highlighted by its schema backlight-Full Array, its wide compatibility HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG) or Dolby Atmos, all of them outstanding, I can tell you firsthand their strengths and weaknesses

Highlight their good adjustment of the colorimetry and image quality, in addition to its high dynamic range. Yes, with the OS of the brand, but according to our experience the size. In the must, viewing angles below the expected, a processed image can be improved and appreciate halos of light in the edges of the screen.

Another added plus in its favor: it costs a little more than 500 euros, and your panel is 55-inch type GOES.



6.LG 55NANO906NA



As in the LG we have seen above, with this LG 55NANO906NA (959 euros) we will enjoy the fluidity of webOS 5.0 in their most current version.

New account with an IPS panel 55" (although if your budget allows, you can go for the larger versions), and from here, begin the differences. In this case, backlight pleated organza s and the panel itself is 10-bit, which results in images of higher quality and greater depth of color.

It also goes a step further with the modes, HDR, and being compatible with HDR10+ and HLG as before, in addition to Dolby Vision. It also improves the sound, with identical 20W but with Dolby Atmos. As in the most basic model included in the selection, account with ALLM for gaming.



7.Sony KD-65XH8096


For those who want a tv too big, and current, this Sony KD-65XH8096 (890 euros) located in the mid-range of the japanese firm. Has a panel of 65" of type IPS with retroilumiación Direct LED.

One of its strengths is its high dynamic range, with HDR10, HLG and above all, Dolby Vision: Dolby Atmos for the sound.

Account with Chromecast built-in easy-to-use Android TV as the operating system and you can use it with Alexa, Apple AirPlay/HomeKit and Google Assistant.


8.Samsung QE65Q60T


The family Q60T is the simplest of the QLED this year from Samsung, a smart TV of the big diagonal that implements a good part of the innovations of the Korean company. It is especially interesting if you're looking for something big, the current, and that you will both view content and for gaming.

And that is if you want to play, not only has the low latency mode automatically, but also Freeysinc and HDMI 2.1 for maximum enjoyment of the impending new generation of consoles.

With a panel of 65" of type VA and backlight Edge LED, modes HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG and a brightness up to 1000 nits and the latest version of Tizen as the operating system.



9.Sony KD-55XH9505


We continue with LED panels but in this case of the highest quality: the Sony KD-55XH9505 (1162 euros) is the most ambitious of the firm nippon, with an LCD panel with schema backlight-Full Array, an image processor powerful (built on some of its OLED) for more fluidity of movement and technologies of image improvement as Triluminos.

The panel is to rate WILL be 55-inch, and 10-bit genuine, it is compatible with HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG. Also the sound is taken care of, with Acoustic Multi-Audio to achieve a spatial effect, and reinforced by Dolby Atmos.

Comes with Android operating system TV, and is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant, in addition to AirPlay and Chromecast built in. A tv quality to enjoy content at a very high quality.


10.LG OLED55CX


The LG OLED55CX (1359 euro) is one of the smart TV OLED more attractive in price and quality so full that it is both to consume content and for gaming.

Its panel is of quality, in this case, 55-inch, 10-bit, compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. To sound level, provides a setting of 2.2 channels 40 Watts with Dolby Atmos. For streaming, the solvent webOS 5.0 and AirPlay.

And also if you're going to play, has a low latency time and input lag, the HDMI standard 2.1, so gaming and eARC, which together provides a great experience to present and future.



11.Panasonic OLED HZ1500


Those who love the seventh art and looking for a tv quality to watch your favorite movies have in this Panasonic OLED HZ1500 (1749 euros) a serious contender.

Mount a a panel OLED 10-bit and 55-inch compatible with HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ and is calibrated for film professionals to seek to emulate the cinematic experience.

With the image processor most ambitious of the brand, stands out for its 80W of sound with Dolby Atmos.

In our analysis we highlight its great image quality, calibration, the wide compatibility of standards HDR and what's great about their sound.

As aspects to improve, the OS my Home Screen 5.0 features gaming, rather low for it to be a high-end model.


12.Sony KD-A8



Another of the smart TV more shocking that we've analyzed this year is the Sony KD-A8, available in 55-inch (1446 euros) and 65 inches (2264 euros).

Is the model OLED simplest of the family, but instead found a balance very attractive in terms of performance and price within the high range of the signature. The main difference is in the audio, 30W in total (10 W + 10 W + 5 W + 5 W) technology with Acoustic Surface Audio with Dolby Atmos.

This model mounts panels OLED 10-bit and 120 Hz with HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG and various technologies of image improvement as Triluminos. As the operating system, the usual of the brand name: Android TV.

In our analysis we stress the quality image of the brand, what cash of your sound system and your good finishes. Yes, you are missing some technologies for gaming such as HDMI 2.1.

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