With the array of TV brands available to us these days, getting overwhelmed with making the right choice is almost guaranteed while looking through the sets on display. Most often, it is usually a case of high performance/functionality battling with sophistication or status versus the price tag. The first hurdle to making the right decision will be to understand the difference in television types like LED, LCD, PLASMA or OLED TVs, we can then move on to more specific sophistications, functionalities, price tags and the brand offerings.
Let’s start with the light-emitting diode televisions known as the LED, these are the most predominant TV types in the market, offering better value for money, using backlight elements with better brightness and resolution than regular liquid crystal display (LCD) branded TVs which make them sleeker, less bulky and more energy-efficient with better contrast.
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This has relegated the LCDs to the background though they are still available due to their cheaper price tags. At the same time, however, plasma TVs beat out their LCD/LED counterparts when it comes to viewing angles and overall contrast ratio. Despite the superior picture quality of Plasma TVs, they are losing out to LED TVs in the market. Most brands like Panasonic, Samsung and LG have stopped the production of more Plasma TVs .
On the other hand, the “organic, light-emitting diode” OLED TVs are the latest advances in TV display, and regarded as the holy-grail in TV display technology. Unlike LED and LCD that require backlit element, OLEDs emit light naturally conserving energy for consumers but high price tags, providing sleeker designs and additional flexible and Curve TV features. While OLEDs are expensive, they offer superior color contrasts and deep blacks of any television in the market, with LG the leading brand in OLED TVs in Nigeria.
A knowledge of the types of TVs that exist is one thing, the features they posses is another thing. The image quality of any TV is reflected in its resolutions as it concerns the eyes. The resolutions can either be HD (720p), Full HD (1080p) or Ultra HD TV (4K) displays. It’s always advisable to go for a full HD TV if one can afford it or Ultra HD TVs which offer four times the resolution of full HD TVs with very high picture quality but also leaves a high impact on the pocket as well.
A plus to the factor worth considering these days will be the 3D or SMART feature of TVs. Smart TVs come with internet access and run third-party apps that enable streaming of content from services like YouTube, Netflix, video chat with services like Skype and other internet services. Most Plasma and LED TVs above N90,000 are Smart TVs (with many exceptions), while all current OLED TVs in Nigeria are also Smart TVs. 3D TVs are available for viewing 3D content. If you want to view certain movies in 3D, 3D TVs are recommended as the way to get the 3D effect without leaving your couch. Although unlike Ultra HD TVs, there isn’t enough content available for 3D viewing. Hopefully, with the popularity of 3D movies, 3D TVs will become more popular among consumers within the next five years.
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So, how do you ensure you get the best one that perfectly suits your needs and still won’t ruin your budget? Our first piece of advice? Don’t completely rely on specifications. Getting the right television also depends more on what you need. Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sharp, Haier Thermocool – TVs by these brands are usually durable, and repair expertise are readily available. Other reliable brands one can bank on are: Hisense, Scanfrost and Polystar – newer names but fast becoming popular in the Nigeria market and supposedly cost less.
Screen sizes or format (Flat or Curved) are relative to personal preferences. Curved screens are becoming popular no doubt, but may be hyped and often come in OLED and 4K formats, so don’t expect them cheap. Any clear technical advantage of the curved television over the flat ones? We wouldn’t know but the disadvantages of the curved TV like non-uniform exposure across screen and reduction of side-viewing angle (in most cases, only those sitting directly in front of it getting the best viewing experience) are obvious facts. Now with better enlightenment, check your budget, weigh options, and make the purchase. And for those who have made their choices, kindly share your #UserExperience with us.
