Picking the right TV can be tricky, especially with all the jargon around in an ever-evolving landscape. From Mini LED to OLED, QLED, and UHD, each promises a visual feast, and they all come with its own set of features, but equally with their own trade-offs! But fear not, we're here to make it as easy as possible for you to decide what TV you need.
Understanding the basics: The difference between Mini LED, OLED, QLED and UHD
When it comes to buying a new TV, knowing your options is key, and that starts with the type of TV technology. As the tech continues to improve, there are more contenders to choose from. But how do they all compare with each other?
Mini LED:
Think of Mini LED as the latest upgrade to traditional LED technology. Mini LEDs are, as the name suggests, smaller in size compared to regular LEDs, allowing for more precise control over backlighting. This results in improved contrast, brightness, and energy efficiency.
So, what are the pros for Mini LED?
- Mini LED tends to have an enhanced brightness and contrast
- Much less risk of burn-in compared to OLED
- Improved local dimming for deeper blacks and brighter whites
And what are the cons?
- Can still suffer from blooming (a halo effect around bright objects)
- More expensive than standard LED displays
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode):
OLED is like the rockstar of display tech. Instead of relying on a backlight like LED-based displays, each pixel in an OLED panel emits its own light. This enables perfect blacks, stunning contrast, and vibrant colours, all while being incredibly thin.
Here are the pros:
- Perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio
- Superb colour accuracy and wide viewing angles
- Thin and flexible design possibilities
- Great for gamers and pairing with OLED consoles like the Nintendo Switch!
And here are the cons:
- Susceptible to burn-in (permanent image retention)
- Generally, they’re more expensive than other display technologies
- Limited peak brightness compared to some LED-based displays
QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode):
QLED is all about quantum dots. Quantum dots are microscopic nanocrystals that enhance the colour performance of LED-backlit LCD displays.
Let's look at the pros:
- Bright and vibrant colours with wide colour gamut (a range of colours within the spectrum of colours, or a colour space, that can be reproduced on an output device)
- Reduced risk of burn-in compared to OLED
- Generally, they’re more affordable than OLED
What cons are there?
- Limited contrast compared to OLED
- Not as thin or flexible as OLED panels
- Still relies on backlighting, which can lead to blooming and less precise local dimming
UHD (Ultra High Definition):
UHD, or 4K resolution, refers to the number of pixels on a display. It’s all about clarity and detail. A UHD display has four times the number of pixels as a Full HD (1080p) display, resulting in sharper images and smoother curves.
The pros:
- Crisp and detailed images
- Great for large screen sizes or close viewing distances
- Becoming increasingly affordable
- Usually paired with a high refresh rate like OLED, which is great for gaming
The cons:
- Requires higher bandwidth for streaming or gaming in 4K
- Limited content available in 4K, however with recent developments this may not be for long!
- Depending on screen size and viewing distance, the difference between UHD and lower resolutions may not always be noticeable
Features (and some extras!) to look out for when you’re TV shopping
Ultimately, it really comes down to the specifics of what you want from your next TV, and, if you're not a techy person it can be a lot to digest. Here are three key things to think about when you're looking to buy a new TV:
- Refresh rate and motion handling - If you're into action-packed movies or fast-paced gaming, pay attention to the refresh rate. Higher refresh rates mean smoother motion, so you won't miss a beat when the action heats up.
- Sound quality - OLED and QLED TVs often come equipped with high-quality speakers that complement their exceptional visual performance. Alternatively, consider complementing your TV with a soundbar or home theatre system for an even more immersive audio experience!
- Smart TV Capabilities - When it comes to OLED, QLED, Mini LED, and UHD TVs, smart TV capabilities are the icing on the cake. These features transform your TV into a hub of entertainment, granting access to a plethora of streaming services, apps, and beyond. Look for TVs with intuitive user interfaces, a wide range of apps, and seamless connectivity options to unlock the full potential of your viewing experience. LED and QLED TVs, known for their cutting-edge technology, often excel in offering seamless smart TV capabilities, ensuring you have access to all your favourite content with just a few clicks.
Where can you find Freely?
Now we know you've heard the low-down about Freely – the newest TV streaming service everyone’s talking about, so obviously you need to know how to get it. It’s built into the newest smart TVs, and all you need is Wi-Fi! You can pick up a new 2024 4K TV, connect to your Wi-Fi (and/or aerial) and get watching.
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Bringing it all together: Finding the perfect fit
With all these options it can be overwhelming TV shopping! But we hope that we've helped you to find the perfect fit for you!
Whether you're a casual viewer, a movie buff, or a hardcore gamer, there's a TV out there with your name on it. So, do your research, weigh your options, and make the leap. Your dream TV is out there waiting for you!!
Ready to set yourself Freely? Explore the range of Freely TVs now.
