The site's experts have tested over 50 popular TV models to help consumers make a choice. When distributing positions in the rating, only test results were taken into account, and not the price category of the TV or its popularity. Each device has a detailed overview.
TV test results
As a result of testing, we received several interesting results and observations:
- Really deep blacks and maximum viewing angles are shown only by expensive OLED TVs (for example, LG 65EG960V), the capabilities of LCD panels in this regard are limited. However, we cannot unconditionally call OLED panels the best, as they do not have the most accurate color reproduction.
- Don't go for Ultra HD or 4K TVs (3840 x 2160 pixels) just for the sake of high definition. The proliferation of such models is clearly ahead of the emergence of 4K content, and even in the near future, it will still be a novelty. Nevertheless, there are already affordable 4K TVs on the market, for example, or the LG 43UF640V.
- Screen refresh rate is one characteristic that is often used for marketing purposes. It is often overestimated to incredibly high values: instead of the physical frequency of the image change, special indexes are written to display movements. So, in some stores at Sony KD-43X8305C this parameter is indicated equal to 800 Hz. This number corresponds to changing the image 800 times per second, while modern matrices are capable of displaying up to 200/240 frames per second. Such high numbers (800, and in some cases more than 1000) are taken due to proprietary backlight technologies, intermediate frames and image processing technologies.
- Curved screens are another fashionable and unnecessary feature of manufacturers. In our opinion, the effect of immersion from it is minimal, but the price for such a TV is usually higher. At the same time, the trend for such displays leads to very curious cases. For example, the highly curved panel of the Samsung UE40JU6600U at 40 inches looks ridiculous - to feel immersive, you have to sit very close to the screen.
- The best TVs in terms of signal latency (or in other words, input lag - the time between sending a signal and displaying it on the screen) can be called the inexpensive Sony KDL-32W705C. Usually this parameter is of interest to fans of dynamic games, when even fractions of a second are important. Curiously, we did not notice the relationship between TV price and input lag value.
- It is pleasant enough that every year "smart functions" work faster and faster. This applies to all major manufacturers. For example, the LG 65UF950V boots up in seconds and works quite briskly, and all thanks to more powerful stuffing and better software optimization. However, TVs are still far from the convenience of personal computers. Controlling the browser using the remote is inconvenient, besides, TVs are not so productive and noticeably slow down when working with several open tabs.
- The selection of applications for Smart TV is traditionally limited. These are mainly various TV channels and online cinemas. Even for Android models (for example, Sony KD-55X8505C), software compatibility with the device is still required. On the other hand, do you need any TV apps at all besides YouTube and movie services?
- Manufacturers often greatly underestimate the thickness of the case, indicating its value only at the thinnest point. So, it is stated that the thickness of the Sony KD-65X9005C is a fantastic 4.9 millimeters. In fact, this applies only to the LCD panel, below the body thickens up to 4 centimeters. It is not clear why such a thickness is needed? Is that bragging to the guests, because at first this subtlety is really mesmerizing.
- As a result of the pursuit of a thin body, the quality of built-in audio systems suffers. You may not notice it when watching movies, but you will definitely feel it when listening to music. Perhaps the only TV in our rating that does not need a separate soundbar is the Sony KD-65X9305C, equipped with six built-in speakers with a total power of up to 90 watts.
- Many TVs consume significant amounts of electricity even in standby mode. So, the Sony KD-65X9305C, which consumes a significant amount of energy in Standby mode, became a kind of record holder. According to our estimates, such a TV set will “eat” about 1830 rubles per year, which is much more than that of competitors. By the way, all tested were relatively "gluttonous" in standby mode and consumed an order of magnitude more energy.
- TV prices are growing very quickly in proportion to the increase in diagonal. This is especially noticeable for models with screens from 60 inches. Three factors play a role. First, the display area depends on the diagonal squarely: if the diagonal is increased by 20%, the screen area will grow by 44%, which will give a significant jump in price. Secondly, in this range are the coolest and top-end devices equipped with advanced technology. Third, huge models are simply less common in the market. So, if the 65-inch Samsung UE65JS9500T for December 2015 will cost about 300 thousand rubles, then a similar 88-inch Samsung UE88JS9500T costs 1.5 million rubles.
- HDR, or high dynamic range video. This is a new video format with a wider color gamut, deeper color and contrast, which is still coming soon. So now, along with the question “where to watch 4K video?”, Consumers will start asking “where to watch HDR video?”. There is no answer to this question yet, but TV manufacturers are already promising that their top models will support HDR video in the future.
- One of the best TVs in the category up to 32 inches was
This year is full of sporting events. In the spring, Russia hosted the World Ice Hockey Championship, the European Football Championship is in full swing, and the Summer Olympics are also ahead. If for someone these events became an excuse to replace the old TV with a new one, it will not be difficult to choose a model that is suitable for the price and parameters: now the stores offer a wide range of devices.
We have tested current models of TVs with a diagonal of 32 to 80 inches and a resolution of Full HD and UHD, starting with the base model for 14,500 rubles with an LCD matrix without Smart TV functions and ending with the flagship with an OLED display and a wide range of additional features for 950 000 rubles.
In the following, we will present you with detailed test results and give you recommendations on choosing the right TV device according to your needs. And for those who want to sit in their living room, watch football matches, movies and TV shows in XXL format, we have listed our favorites among home projectors.
Backlight: Displays based on organic light emitting diodes (OLED) have very uniform backlighting (left), but with Direct LED or Edge LED, dimming and light spots are more common. When choosing in a store, you can check this with a very bright or very dark image.The agony of choice: Ultra HD or Full HD
The main issue is the problem of choosing the resolution of the matrix: Full HD or UHD. After all, ultra-clear TVs are still more expensive than high-definition models: while among Full HD TV devices for about 50,000 rubles you can choose a 55-inch TV with high image quality and good equipment, you will have to pay for a UHD model at least twice as much. There is no universal recommendation for choosing, because in addition to the budget, the preferences and habits of the buyer will be the decisive factor.
The European Football Championship should not be considered an argument in favor of UHD: although at least eight out of 51 matches are announced in UHD, domestic channels and operators are not yet broadcast in ultra-high definition (except for Tricolor TV). And to get pleasure from watching football in UHD is possible only by workarounds.
For example, the Italian channel RAI broadcasts games in Ultra HD, and the necessary Tivúsat smart card together with the CI + module can be purchased in Russia. However, an Italian tax number may be required to activate - only those with relatives or friends in Italy will be lucky. However, you can try your luck on themed TV forums.
Wide viewing angles: Colors and contrast should be stable even at very wide viewing angles (left image), not distorted already at 30 ° (right). Therefore, in the store it is worth looking at the TV screen at an angle from the side. Movies and TV shows in UHD quality
But if a TV is needed mainly for watching movies and TV shows, then it makes sense to purchase a device with UHD resolution now. New to Russia, Netflix is \u200b\u200bconstantly expanding its offer of UHD content: the streaming service has made a name for itself with TV series such as House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black. Free short films, documentaries, and UHD trailers can be found on YouTube and Vimeo.
UHD Blu-ray discs and related players have been available in the European market since early April. Disc playback has the advantage of enhanced color and contrast performance over UHD streaming through the use of high dynamic range (HDR) technology. For its operation, a TV with support for the Local Dimming function of the matrix backlight is required. In most current TV sets, it is implemented.
The first Ultra HD Blu-ray blockbusters include The Survivor, The Martian and Mad Max: Fury Road. However, this pleasure cannot be called cheap: the price of one UHD Blu-ray disc is about 2,000 rubles. The first player models available on the European market and Panasonic DMP-UB900 cost about 22,000 and 60,000 rubles, respectively. In Russia, these new items will appear in the second half of 2016.
Confusion of concepts: 4K vs UHD
If you look through advertising brochures of electronics supermarkets or offers from stores on the Internet, you can often come across the abbreviation "4K". When it comes to TVs, projectors and other consumer electronics, it almost always means the current Ultra HD 4K standard with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, that is, four times the Full HD resolution. But there are other varieties of the 4K standard: for example, Full 4K with a resolution of 4096x2160 pixels. It is used almost exclusively in the professional field, such as digital cinema.
UHD devices for a lot of money
If you've opted for a UHD TV and want the best picture quality, you'll have to fork out: the two most expensive models got the highest marks in our test (see table).
This test winner works wonders for delivering flawless UHD picture quality on a 75-inch screen - whether native UHD or upscaled HD footage. The picture is very clear and colorful, and the motion reproduction is smooth. But at a price of 493,400 rubles, this device can hardly be called a profitable purchase.
Will cost even more Panasonic TX-65CZR950, which costs as much as 950,000 rubles, which greatly narrows the range of potential buyers of the 65-inch model. Even if you can get the highest quality OLED technology with a reference image, almost perfect brightness distribution, wide viewing angles and excellent checkerboard contrast (238: 1).
But even at a much lower cost, you can get the highest picture quality: in terms of image quality LG 55UG870V slightly different from more expensive models, and it costs only 106,000 rubles. By the way, all three devices can be recommended for 3D fans as well, due to the absence of flickering and crosstalk when playing 3D content.
If you are looking for a better value OLED TV alternative from Panasonic, look at LG 55EG960V: its diagonal is smaller by 10 inches, but it also costs about 186,000 rubles.
Equipment to the maximum
"Do not waste time on trifles" - this is the motto adopted by manufacturers in relation to equipment. Thus, 14 models out of 20 tested are equipped with dual tuners and two CI + slots. HDMI and USB ports are also available on all models in sufficient numbers, and many TVs can even connect Scart devices.
Powerful sound: Four speakers and two subwoofers on the front side provide excellent sound for Sony KD-75X9405C
Expandable smart TV: an additional plus - if smart TV can be expanded with applications
In addition, UHD TVs have a full range of smart TV capabilities: they all have a full-fledged operating system with a multifunctional system and pre-installed applications such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, weather forecast and others. In addition, the user has the option to add applications.
All models can connect to the Network both wired and wirelessly. The main differences are support for Miracast and video-on-demand applications. In addition, almost all models offer a convenient alternative for controlling smart TV - for example, in the form of a touch panel.
If, in addition to excellent picture quality, you also need rich sound, and at the same time would like to abandon the use of additional speakers, then the leader of our test is best suited. With a total of 90 watts of music power and a dual subwoofer, the sound is clear and powerful, just like a movie theater.
Model LG 55UG870V, which has earned our recommendation for the price, also makes an impression with a rich sound thanks to the built-in subwoofer - although the case here at high volume rattles.
Big opportunities - high power consumption
Large screen diagonals and rich equipment impact on energy consumption. So, both flagships with UHD resolution from Sony and Panasonic pull more than 200 W from the outlet and thus also take the lead, but in a negative light. At the same time, both devices offer power-saving mode, ambient light indicator and automatic shutdown.
Full HD: quality picture at a fair price
If UHD seems like an overkill, you can replace your old TV with a very good 55-inch model within a budget of 50,000 rubles. And if you prefer a smaller TV, you can keep within 30,000 rubles. At the same time, the test results for Full HD TVs (see table above) were not as uniform as in the case of UHD models. However, this is not so much due to the image quality as the equipment.
None of the candidates showed blunders when playing content in HD. If you are looking for the best picture quality in this class, as in UHD-TVs, then you can find it from Sony: the test leader KDL-65W855C has excellent picture quality when shown from HD- and SD-sources.
The device gains points primarily due to the high contrast on the checkerboard (218: 1) and brightness (396 cd / m2), as well as natural juicy colors. But the average price of 133,000 rubles is still quite high for a TV of this class. More expensive only Sharp LC-80LE657RU - however, for 283,000 rubles, the user also gets a huge screen with an impressive 80-inch diagonal.
However, even in the price class from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles, there are candidates worthy of recommendation among the top ten models. Within this budget, the buyer can expect to purchase a television device with a screen diagonal of 40 to 55 inches: for example, a 40-inch or 55-inch LG 55LF580V.
A really good buy will be LG 42LF562V: for only 27,700 rubles, excellent image quality is provided on a 42-inch display. True, in this case you will have to come to terms with some equipment shortcomings: LAN, WLAN and Smart TV are not worth looking for here.
But the LG TV is not alone in this: seven devices have dropped all of these features, which has a positive impact on the price. Not everyone offers USB recording and 3D support. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the list of equipment. Or you should immediately look at the leader of the Sony brand: it offers extensive equipment, even despite the absence of a dual tuner.
Half the power consumption
Full HD devices gain additional points compared to Ultra HD models due to their lower power consumption: on average, TV devices of this type tested by us without any additional energy efficiency settings consume from 60 to 90 W - that is, they consume about half as much as in the case of ultra-clear TVs.
Only two large-format models Sony and Sharp with screens of 60 inches crossed the 100W mark. But even they are much more economical than ultra-high-resolution devices.
Images:Manufacturing companies; Samsung; Sony; Philips
Today, those wishing to purchase a high-quality television receiver have this opportunity, because modern retail chains have a huge assortment of various equipment. We offer a brief overview of LED TVs that differ in resolution, diagonal size, feature set, manufacturer and cost. These devices are considered the most popular and in demand. Which TV is better to buy is up to you. Our goal is to find the most popular models of the past year to make your selection easier
Samsung was the first to start producing equipment based on this technology. In addition, with the light hand of the manufacturer, these receivers were named ledTV. This type of TV can be safely called an improved version of LED backlit LCD models. The difference between both technologies is the use of LED backlighting instead of fluorescent lamps.
Backlight happens:
- edge - lateral;
- direct - back.
The first option involves placing LEDs around the perimeter of the display, the second - evenly behind the matrix. Side lighting is more popular as it is considered less expensive. Rear - Provides a higher quality image as it can achieve better results by locally adjusting color and brightness.
Benefits of LCD TVs:
- attractive appearance, stylish design;
- environmental friendliness, ease of disposal;
- improved color rendering;
- good contrast;
- excellent brightness;
- economical power consumption.
The best TVs of 2019
Modern TV models are equipment for every taste and budget. The devices boast various diagonal sizes, HD and Full HD resolution support. The recently introduced new LED TVs have a large number of connectors, 4K resolution, Smart TV and 3D functions. The most reliable products are currently considered to be from Samsung, Philips, LG, Sony.
The 32 "device is ideal for small spaces. Such TV sets perfectly fit into the interior of kitchens, bedrooms, small living rooms. Let's start our Philips LED TV review with the 32PFT5501 model. An important advantage is the use of the Android TV operating system. Comparison of this budget model with others also revealed other advantages of the technique. The TV has a SmartTV function, wi-fi, the ability to transmit a signal from a mobile phone to a TV, it will give the viewer an ideal image, decent sound, fast enough navigation through the menu, convenient work with various applications or games. Management is carried out using a convenient menu or from a smartphone. This version of the technique is an excellent combination of price and quality.
The rating of small TVs would be incomplete without a representative from LG. The TV has a Full HD resolution, and the most powerful Triple XD processor developed by the company is responsible for the picture quality, which provides high-quality images, ideal clarity, contrast and color. The presence of an automatic noise suppression and voice amplification system will provide clarity of sound, the presence of two speakers guarantees sufficient sound volume. Although this unit does not have Smart TV function, PC gamers can still enjoy it.
The review of LED TVs will be continued by a representative of Sony. This model is rightfully considered the best in terms of technical equipment among devices with a diagonal of 43 inches. In addition to the sleek design and very thin body, the device has the necessary set of sophisticated features. The modern consumer will be happy to get a large viewing angle, good picture and great sound. The TV uses Android OS, supports Full HD, 3D and a fairly nimble SmartTV, four HDMI ports, etc. Among the disadvantages is the lack of newfangled 4K. If you want to choose this TV, get ready to buy 3D glasses yourself.
This model will continue the ranking of relatively inexpensive 43-inch units. The main characteristics of the TV: support for 4K format and Smart TV. The device uses an updated last year, a simple, fairly convenient operating system webOS 3.0, as well as ULTRA Surround technology. By the way, the latter is a joint product of LG and Harman / Kardon (the largest American electronics manufacturer). The result is a state-of-the-art speaker system that delivers detailed and highly accurate sound. Ultra-high definition will take the viewing of movies, clips, various TV shows to a completely different level. The clarity of the picture is almost perfect, and the blacks are truly black. A set of all kinds of connectors will allow you to connect various devices.
If you are in doubt about which TV to choose with the optimal ratio of functionality and cost, we suggest paying attention to this 48-inch model. Comparison with other devices showed that this TV for little money offers the consumer a good work of the built-in browser and Smart TV, the presence of bluetooth and wi-fi, a super-convenient menu, a clear image. In addition, this option has a convenient picture-in-picture mode that allows you to view two channels simultaneously.
The uniqueness of this model from Philips is the absence of serious flaws and negative customer reviews. On the contrary, most consumers note that this TV combines nice stylish design, large display, excellent picture quality and reasonable price. Main technical characteristics of the device: resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, refresh rate 100Hz, support for digital format DVB-T2, sound power 16W. Even despite the lack of wi-fi and Smart TV, this TV will compete with other models. The purchase of a set-top box will allow you to enjoy all the delights of watching various programs for little money.
Although this TV is not the largest, it can be classified as one of the best LED TVs. This 55-inch unit has a rather modest minimalist design. The device supports Ultra HD resolution, has a powerful quad-core processor, and a frame rate of 200 Hz. Naturally, it is possible to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB. Thanks to the Smart TV function, the TV turns into a multifunctional technique that allows you to watch all kinds of films, cartoons, music, sports, information programs at any time of the day or night. The browser and applications work very quickly, the quality and clarity of the resulting picture is simply excellent, there are no complaints about the menu. Disadvantages of the model: lack of 3D glasses and a webcam.
The 55-inch device rating will continue with the Philips LCD TV. This model has a 4-core processor, the latest 4K resolution, 3D, Smart TV and Wi-Fi support. The TV uses the Android TV operating system, the refresh rate is 1400 Hz. A small minus of this unit is thoughtfulness, that is, after pressing a button on the remote control, it will need 5 to 10 seconds to turn on.
The Japanese company is introducing a large premium TV with a 65-inch screen. Outwardly, this "not cheap pleasure" looks strict, stylish and expensive. The body is made of durable plastic with a thin metal frame, the panel width is 64 mm. The TV can be installed on a stand or attached to the wall using special mounts. On the back there is a fairly solid set of necessary connectors. The refresh rate is 3000 Hz, which is a record for TVs. With its built-in audio system, the device offers superb sound. The TV boasts a deep black (not dark gray) color, the highest picture quality, smooth and clear picture.
The presented 65-inch model is more than half the price of the previous one. The company decided to reduce the price of the TV set due to the lack of 3D support and the “multiscreen” mode (images on the screen from several channels). In addition, the power of the sound system is only 20 watts. The device's viewing angle allows you to watch TV programs from almost anywhere. Thanks to the direct-led technology, the viewer will not see the annoying looking trailing cables in dynamic scenes on the screen, he will receive a realistic picture, good brightness and contrast. The TV has a full range of standard connectors.
Currently, TV sets with this type of backlighting are a good solution for obtaining high-quality images, powerful functionality and a reasonable price. These devices are gradually replacing other models from the market, in particular, plasma. Which TV to choose is a purely personal task. Look for a solution on your own, our review will only help you a little to make the right choice.
Those who are now choosing a new TV have an incredibly rich range of models, with devices currently available in HD, Full HD, or in a wide variety of diagonal sizes and budgets. No matter how much I write about home theaters based on a projector, the most popular leisure device is a TV, which in its modern form is complemented by a set-top box.
A TV with the most popular Full HD resolution at this time, with excellent image quality and a screen diagonal of up to 55 inches, can be purchased from 20,000 rubles, but adding only 10 inches to the diagonal will have to part with an amount of 120,000 rubles.
they are in no hurry to drop in price: in the price range from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles, you can find a decent model with a diagonal of 55 to 65 inches, TVs with even larger screen diagonals are incredibly expensive. For those who have enough tits in their hands, I recommend a TV with an UltraHD matrix with a diagonal of up to 49 inches, which will cost a little more than 50,000 rubles. In the article I will try to tell you about the most interesting models of TVs with Full HD and UHD resolution from 32 to 65 inches.
Picture quality of modern TVs
Can't decide between a Full HD or UHD TV? Believe me, both models provide good image quality. One of the latest Full HD TVs I've had to deal with is the 65-inch model. I am delighted with the quality: high contrast, excellent color reproduction and image clarity. In the comments to the article, many people ask about budget TVs with a diagonal of 32 inches for use in the kitchen or cottage, I can recommend the Samsung UE32J5100AK to such users, though if they are ready to give up connecting to a home network and connecting to the Internet. Honestly, I was always a little worried about the functionality of smart TVs, since all the capabilities that they have can be acquired by buying a flash drive in a compact case or a small-sized box.
Some TV models with UHD resolution do not always perform flawlessly with the playback of HD and SD content due to the poor clarity of moving objects - a trifle, of course, but then why am I writing articles about TVs at all. The same cannot be said for the excellent picture quality of the LG 55UG870V TV, which demonstrates the best picture quality in all resolutions.
Functionality and equipment of smart TVs
The functionality of modern TVs is so wide that it will make any average buyer confused. The equipment of Full HD and Ultra HD models does not differ: the usual Smart TV functionality, media player capabilities and additional ways to control the TV are present everywhere. The older models Samsung and LG offer their own operating systems: Tizen and WebOS, respectively. Sony and Philips are recommending that consumers take advantage of the Android TV experience. It is worth noting that they offer not only great equipment with Ambilight lighting, but also high image quality at an affordable price.
UHD Blu-ray Discs and Players
UHD TVs are becoming more and more popular, but with 4K movies and TV shows, it's not all rosy. Good news for 4K enthusiasts is the adoption of the standard for UHD Blu-ray discs, as well as the demonstration of future Ultra HD players.
Currently YouTube and Netflix are the main sources of UHD content, although the quality of the Internet connection does not allow them to be used everywhere, not to mention the almost complete absence of physical media with this kind of content. In mid-2015, the Blu-ray Disc Association agreed on a single standard for Blu-ray discs with UHD content:
- diameter - 12 cm;
- volume - 66 GB (two-layer) and 100 GB (three-layer).
The advantage of the new Blu-ray discs is not only the ability to store video with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels, but also a high refresh rate and a wide color range with enhanced contrast. In early 2016, we expect the first UHD Blu-ray players from Samsung, but if someone is impatient, now you can buy a Panasonic UBZ1 Blu-ray player with Ultra HD from 200,000 rubles.
Sony KDL-65W855C: the best Full HD TV over 50 inches
Earlier, I already wrote the Sony KDL-65W855C TV models, which left me only positive emotions. The 65-inch Sony offers superb picture quality with excellent contrast, bordering on a maximum brightness of 400 cd / m². The TV uses a technology that allows the backlight to be distributed very evenly. One of the most important indicators is the processing of dynamic scenes, also at the highest level: I did not notice any artifacts or blurry edges when moving objects on the screen, this concerns playback of content in HD and SD quality, the same can be said about Blu-ray discs and films in 3D format. The sound is quite high quality, distortion was not noticed even at high volume.
Samsung UE32J5100AK - the best 32-inch budget phone
My regular readers often ask about models without Smart TV functionality and other features, but such TVs are quite rare guests. I hasten to please you with the appearance of a modern TV model Samsung UE32J5100AK without LAN integration, Wi-Fi, 3D support and the ability to write to USB media. The 32 "Samsung TV only offers USB movie playback and support for major file formats. Samsung UE32J5100AK can be an excellent choice for people of age who do not want to understand the modern stuffing of TVs or as a TV in the kitchen. There are no special complaints about the image quality, HD movies from a USB hard drive and terrestrial channels are reproduced cleanly, however, like Blu-ray discs.
LG 55UG870V is the best 55-inch TV
The model from LG demonstrates the highest quality picture among 55-inch TVs. Whatever you do on the LG 55UG870V, whether you play, watch movies or live TV channels, you will always enjoy the excellent picture quality. The model does an excellent job with content in, as well as SD and HD. Will delight the eye of the buyer and playback of films in 3D and Blu-ray. It is worth noting the TV speaker system, the integrated subwoofer of which allows you to create powerful sound.
Panasonic TX-40CXR700 - small-sized UHD TV
For those who want to save space and not buy a large TV, I recommend taking a closer look at the Panasonic TX-40CXR700. The TV is equipped with a 40-inch display, but has support for 4K resolution and plays UHD video in excellent quality, this applies to both HD and SD content, the only exception is the display of dynamic scenes - blurred borders are slightly noticeable. The sound is acceptable, but the cabinet rattles from the speakers are heard above average and this smart TV does not have 3D support.
He is the king of all living rooms, love and even dependence of billions of people, a means of entertainment and information. It's about the TV. The first television sets appeared in the United States back in 1929 and had a screen the size of a postage stamp. In 1942, a television set more reminiscent of modern devices was created in Europe. Evolution has taken place by leaps and bounds, and today flat, large, high-contrast and even smart TVs have become the norm. And it seems that the development of technology is taking place before our eyes, but it is not easy to understand the assortment present. In the store, near each model, there are a lot of non-sweat abbreviations, numbers and, of course, the price. Sellers are trying to push us to sell us a TV at a higher price, and we, not knowing all the intricacies of technology, deliberately let ourselves be fooled. It's time to end this. Let's figure out how to choose a TV in 2018 and what parameters are really important to pay attention to. We have also prepared for you a rating of the best TVs in 2018.
Device dimensions
Let's start with the simplest. There is an opinion that one should buy as big a TV as the budget allows. Earlier, the standard was widespread that the distance from viewers to the screen should be 3-4 diagonals, later they started talking about 2-3 diagonals. Today it is believed that the optimal distance to the screen is a subjective concept, i.e. to whom it is convenient. How can you find this optimal value, because too small a screen will not convey details, and too large will make you turn your head to see the whole scene?
The best way - evaluate TV in a store from the distance at which you will watch it... So everything will fall into place at once. And further. The purchase should look harmonious in the room and fit in the place prepared for it, so do not overdo it with the diagonal.
Usually they take TVs for home 32-55 inches, smaller screens are sometimes placed in the kitchen, more in spacious living rooms. 
Screen resolution
Simply put, screen resolution is the number of pixels placed vertically and horizontally. The pixels are used to create a picture, so if you think logically, the more pixels the better.
At the moment, TVs with the following resolution are on sale:
Which TV is better to choose withFullHD or 4K permission? This is the subject of heated debate on the web. DefendersFullHD They say that 4K content is still quite small, so there is no point in overpaying for another marketing gimmick. In addition, individual points on a 40-inch FullHD screen cannot be seen by a person even with the keenest eyesight from a distance of 160 cm. The difference will be visible from a distance of 50-80 cm, and no one is watching TV so close, so why pay more?". Fans 4K saythat there is more and more content in this format: new films, entire YouTube channels and our own videos shot with 4K cameras. And in general, a TV is bought for 5 or more years, it is not cheap, and there is no point in taking outdated technology, because everything around us is developing rapidly, and FullHD will go down in history just like the recently popular plasma TVs.
The optimal distance from the TV depending on its diagonal and resolution
It's up to you, of course, to decide, but we will fit in with our subjective point of view. If the money allows and you want to take a large-screen TV, then it's better to stop at 4K. This way you will get a really high quality image and will not experience any inconvenience for the next few years. If you need a TV with a small diagonal (24-42 inches) or you are buying a second TV, then feel free to take FullHD. For a kitchen or summer cottage, a small TV set with HD resolution will do. 
Matrix type
Today the question comes down to the choice between LCD and OLED. The so-called plasma, unfortunately for many, is a thing of the past.
LCD / LED TVs
LCD TVs use a liquid crystal matrix that is familiar to us from monitor screens. Simplified principle of operation looks like that. LEDs or lamps create radiation, and liquid crystals partially or completely cover the light source to form a color of a certain contrast. LCD matrix can be of several types: IPS better thanTN+
filmbut worse than VA. Backlight can also be arranged in different ways. there is CCFL (lamp backlight) and LED technology (based on diodes). The latter made it possible to improve color rendition and reduce the thickness of the TV, and today it is used everywhere, therefore LCD TVs are often calledLED-TV sets. 
Backlighting in LCD / LED TVs can be of two types:
Many manufacturers believe that LCD / LED technology is the future and are actively developing it. The advantages of such TVs:
- low price (in comparison with OLED technology);
- small thickness, light weight, minimum power consumption;
- high brightness of screens;
- long service life;
- advances in technology, quantum dot backlights and other innovations that improve picture quality make LCD TVs comparable to OLEDs, but this translates into higher prices.
Minuses:
OLED TVs
The most modern TVs. The image is obtained here thanks to a matrix with organic LEDs. They are tiny elements made from light-emitting organic materials. Third-party backlighting is not required, so we can talk about the possibility of creating very thin screens and the transfer of deep blacks. To display it, the LED simply turns off and does not emit light.
Technology advantages:
The main disadvantage is the high price... Many users note that in bright sunlight, the picture on the screen becomes less visible, and the contrast with an inept manufacturer can turn into acidity.
So which TV should you choose? If you have a sufficient budget for a purchase and are pursuing the goal of taking everything the most modern and technological, then you better stop at OLED. If funds are limited, feel free to stop at the LCD screen - this technology also shows itself very well, and the average viewer will not experience any special inconveniences. 
Where have plasma TVs gone?
Many people still call flat-panel televisions "plasma". All due to the fact that the technology was previously insanely popular. Today such devices are no longer produced. Among the main reasons for abandoning the technology are high power consumption, low brightness and the inability to create a screen with a small diagonal. On the other hand, plasma TVs are still considered by many to be the best.
In short, such screens consisted of many cells filled with an inert gas. When a certain voltage was applied, the gas passed into the plasma state and began to glow. The light passed through a camera coated with a phosphor of one of the basic shades (RGB) - and this is how the image was obtained. It was praised for its natural color reproduction, soft light, wide viewing angles, rich blacks and fast refresh rates, so dynamic scenes on these screens were great. Among the minuses, in addition to those already mentioned above, is an afterimage during long reproduction of a static image. Since the plasma cells are relatively large, it is impossible to create a small TV with a high diagonal - the “plasmas” started from a 42-inch diagonal. 
Frequency
The frequency is called the number of updates of the picture in 1 second. The parameter is measured in Hz. It is worth focusing on the 60 Hz parameter - the human eye will still not be able to catch more, so a frequency of 100 Hz will not become a competitive advantage, all other things being equal. If you are going to view 3D video, then the frequency should be 120 Hz - 60 Hz for each eye. 
Flat and curved screens
When there was nothing to surprise, manufacturers began to make TVs with a curved screen. Today, bent TVs are usually produced with the most advanced technical parameters - those that have 4K resolution. According to manufacturers, such a screen should increase the realism of the scenesand make the viewer a part of what is happening. In addition, the developers of this solution say that the curved device visually appears more straight with the same diagonal. Some weak advantages, given the fact that curved TVs are much more expensive than their ordinary flat counterparts.
In addition to the price, we will write down the cons of curved TVs reduced viewing angle, because you can comfortably watch a movie only if you sit right in front of the screen. It will be more difficult for a large company. A 55-70-inch TV will comfortably look only 35 degrees in each direction from the center, but even a 70-inch diagonal is not capable of creating such an advertised immersion effect. If you are not embarrassed by these disadvantages and you like the really cool futuristic look of curved screens, then prepare a solid amount and keep in mind that you cannot hang such a panel on the wall. 
Sound
It is difficult to integrate a powerful sound system into a thin, lightweight modern TV, so most have an average sound. For watching television, this is enough with your head. But what can I say, movies and music with such devices are also played perfectly. But if you want the sound to be perfect, loud, clear and create an effect like in a cinema, then it is better to buy several speakers that will be combined into a home theater system.
Note also that expensive TVs get a decent enough built-in sound system. 
HDMI ports
If you plan to use your TV not only for watching TV channels, but will connect players, game or TV consoles, then there should be a lot of HDMI ports - at least 3. Calculate in advance what peripheral devices will be connected to the TV.
Brightness, contrast, viewing angles
In the description for the TV, you can find the following parameters:
Additional features: Smart TV, 3D, HDR and others
Many TVs are equipped with a whole range of additional features:
On indicators color gamut do not pay much attention. Check the image quality yourself in the storeand the possibility of its adjustment, but the problem of color distortion is now practically nonexistent.
Important! Check if there is dead pixels... To do this, it is enough to fill the screen with one color (green, blue or red will do) and carefully study from a close distance whether all the points transmit this color. You can bring the image with you on a USB stick, but many TVs have ready-made images for testing.
The best TVs of 2018
Samsung UE40MU6100U
An excellent TV that will decorate your living room or bedroom. Model received excellent resolution, functionSmart TV, wide viewing angles, three HDMI ports and two USB. Besides, TV programs can be recorded on a USB flash drive, there is voice control, digital noise reductionand the function TimeShift allows you to stop the on-air program at any time, and then continue watching it from the moment you stopped. Mode 24p True Cinema allows you to watch movies in the form in which they were filmed (24 frames / s instead of the usual 25 frames / s). On the network, users share admiring reviews, finding fault only with the controls, but this is a matter of habit and taste.
LG 55UJ620V
The model received a medium diagonal and excellent resolution. The color rendition is all right here, there isSmart TV, modeHDR, the viewing angles, as well as the sound quality, are pleasing. Available Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, the model received 3 portsHDMI and 2 USB. For a device with this price, the parameters are excellent. Someone may be upset by the lack of headphone output, but the problem is solved by purchasing an adapter. There are minor complaints about the control panel and legs, but everything is not critical here. SmartTV sometimes freezes, but this is, unfortunately, a common problem.
LG 43UJ639V
Modern TV with a good range of functions. The manufacturer managed to fit everything that was really needed in it, abandoning unnecessary options. The 42.5-inch diagonal is one of the most popular formats, so the model promises to be a hit. The pluses include 4K resolution, availability HDR, Smart TV, wide viewing angle, picture-in-picture mode and great sound from the two speakers. There are 3 HDMI outputs, 2 USB connectors, there is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module. The model reads a lot of formats, is equipped with a light sensor, so it can correctly adjust the brightness. By the way, the maximum brightness is not superb here, but the screen looks very good. The contrast is acceptable, well, there is no need to expect anything else from the LCD / LED matrix. The disadvantages include the lack of a line-out to speakers and headphones. There is information on the network that present resolution - 2880 * 2160, due to which the manufacturer keeps such a low price. Despite all the nuances, in terms of price, quality and functionality, the model surely deserves to be in our rating of the best TVs in 2018.
Sony KD-55XE9005
If you are looking for a TV, stuffed with all modern features and made with the latest technologythen this model is definitely worth considering. The model has a lot of advantages, but we will focus on the main ones. This is 4K resolution, high contrast and brightness, the presence of Smart TV, gorgeous stereo sound, 4 portsHDMI and 3 USB, headphone jack. The model allows you to record video to a USB-drive, stop transmissions (TimeShift), watch movies in 24p True Cinema mode. Everything works smartly picture and sound - beyond praise... The main disadvantage is the price, which many call unreasonably high.
LG 28MT49S-PZ
Good option for a kitchen, a small bedroom, a summer residence and in those cases when a TV is needed, but money is running out. Yes, the resolution is only HD. Yes, no Smart TV, as well as a Wi-Fi module. Yes, the sound is stupid to compare with what a modern stereo system produces, but this TV is also worth a mediocre smartphone. In defense of the model, let's say that with such a diagonal, HD resolution is not such a critical drawback, and if you watch TV at a distance of 1-1.7 m, you will not notice the pixels. The model has 2 HDMI outputs and one USB port, so if necessary you can buy a TV box and enjoy smart TV at a minimal cost. The device has headphone jack, TimeShift function and the ability to record programs on a USB flash drive... However, the model did not receive an output to an external sound source, there is not a single control button on the TV itself. As you can see, the device is an attempt to find a compromise between price and quality, or rather, it is a look at this compromise from LG. To be honest, the model is very good and among the budget it is one of the best TVs in 2018.
LG OLED55C7V
Here comes tv withOLED-screen... There are still few of them and they are, as you understand yourself, not cheap. A large, clear and contrasting screen is, of course, the strong point of the model, but the TV also wins over with its cool sound. Here is used 4 speakers (instead of the usual two), there is subwoofer and surround sound... As for additional features, there is everything that a modern TV can include: HDR, SmartTV, and 24p True Cinema. The model received 4 HDMI outputs, 3 USB outputs and a lot of other connectors. If the budget allows, this TV is definitely worth considering.
Samsung UE49MU6300U
We understand that curved TVs have a lot of drawbacks, but if you rarely gather in front of the screen with large companies, and the futuristic look of such models just attracts, then you will definitely like this TV. The screen is very good in all respects, it has a sufficient diagonal - the TV looks very decent. In addition, there is a Smart TV and HDR mode, recording of programs to a USB flash drive is supported. Not without the TimeShift function and 24p True Cinema. Outputs HDMI 3, USB - 2. The model turned out to be fast and produces an excellent picture.
LG 49SJ810V
Very, very interesting TV, in which everything is fine except for the price. So, the pluses include the gorgeous 4K resolution and excellent sound. The manufacturer has installed audio system from Harman / Kardon and promises us rich surround sound. All the trendy features like SmartTV and HDR are in place. There is a headphone jack and some cool features. We also note the low power consumption and speed of SmartTV: webOS in this regard shows itself very well.
Sony KDL-40RE353
Great TV for your money. Yes, if you pay a little extra, you can afford both a larger diagonal and 4K resolution, but many users agree that the picture quality on Sony TVs is higher than that of competitors, which becomes clear if you put different TVs side by side and compare one and the same same picture. The model received 2 HDMI outputs, so if you need SmartTV, you can buy a set-top box. The TV received a headphone jack, the ability to record video to a USB flash drive and a 24p True Cinema mode.
Samsung UE22H5600
Let's make a reservation right away, the model is not new - it came out back in 2014, but got into our rating of the best TVs because of the excellent combination of price and quality. The model is distinguished by the presence FullHD permission andSmart TV - for the kitchen, the very thing, given the compact size of the screen. Among the interesting features here is TimeShift, video recording to a USB flash drive, 24p True Cinema and the ability to network the device along with other home appliances. Got this TV and headphone jack. Of the minuses, we note only the sound, it is not loud and clear enough, but this TV will clearly not become the main one in the apartment, so this is not such a drawback.
Finally, we note once again that there is a subjective factor in the perception of sound and screen, so before buying, personally evaluate the models you like and choose the one that is most pleasant to look at.
