Television 101 | Everything You Need To Know Before Buying TV

Do you love exciting blockbusters, old classics or gripping horror films? With the right TV, the cinema experience can be brought to your sofa at home. 

The idea and first drafts for the transmission of moving images came up at the end of the 19th century. However, it was not until the 1970s that the television became popular in India and found its way into the living room. 

In the beginning, the television program was broadcast in black and white, the broadcasting time was limited to 2 hours per day and only one channel was available – circumstances that are no longer imaginable today. 

Nevertheless, television fascinated a lot of people, so technology improved rapidly. Colour television was first used in the 1970s, over time the devices became flatter and larger, more and more programs came onto the market and the picture quality improved. 

Nowadays flat-screen televisions have replaced the old tube devices and enable high-resolution pictures.

Worth knowing

The average Indian spends around 3 to 4 hours a day in front of the flicker box, which makes television one of the most popular pastimes. 

There is a wide range of products from many different manufacturers on the market today, the product variety is very large and ranges from the small, portable device with 7 ″ (inches) to the giant TV with a screen size of more than 2.5 m (98, 5 “). 

Technologically, the different models have a lot to offer, be it 3D image projection or the connection to the Internet.

So that you know which TV suits you best and that you enjoy your device, we will give you a few tips and hints in our buying guide that you should pay attention to when choosing a new TV. 

TV Buyers Guide

Finding the right TV does not seem easy at first glance given the many different offers and properties of the individual devices. 

Since television is a device used daily in most households, you should inform yourself thoroughly and be aware of your requirements. To make this easier for you, we have compiled and explained the most important criteria for the purchase decision.

When buying, consider the following points in particular:

• The choice of TV model determines the picture quality, price and power consumption.

Think carefully whether you want to buy an LCD, LED or OLED television. LCD TVs do not have such a good picture contrast, but they are usually cheaper. LED TVs have a long lifespan and a good picture. OLED devices are expensive, but they save energy and offer high-contrast images. 

• The available space and the purpose determine the size of the screen.

Size is a very important criterion. A TV that is too large in a small room can be just as unfavourable as a device that is too small that you want to use every day. 

• Ask yourself which functions are important to you. 

Functions such as the Internet connection (Smart TV), face recognition or on/off timer allow you more comfort. Be aware of your personal needs before you make a decision.

TV product types by Screen design 

Televisions differ in their design.

In short!

Flat screens have a flat display. They offer the advantage that several people can watch TV together and, despite different sitting positions, everyone can enjoy good picture quality. 

Curved TVs are characterized by an inwardly curved display, which creates the impression of a larger picture and more depth. 

Flatscreen

A flat-screen, as the name suggests, is characterized by its flat design. It is currently the most common design variant.

This model offers several advantages over a curved TV. Its surface is less reflective, which can be particularly advantageous in rooms with a lot of light. Also, several people can watch TV at the same time without the loss of image quality.

A flat-screen is particularly suitable for you if you watch TV with more than 3 people more often. 

Flat screens have a wide price range, depending on the screen technology and equipment, they can cost between 12 thousands and 3 lakhs.  

Disadvantage

• A smaller field of vision
• Loss of colour and contrast in the edge area

Curved TV

A television with a curved display – the so-called curved TV – is the latest trend on the market. The curved screen is said to create an image with more depth for a more intense TV experience. 

The curvature also extends the field of vision, which makes the display appear larger than on a flat screen with the same screen size. Another advantage is that there are no colour and contrast losses at the edge areas since the distance between the viewer and the edges corresponds to the distance to the centre of the picture. 

Many people also perceive curved TV to be more elegant compared to the flat screen. 

The big disadvantage of curved TV is that the promised improvements will only come into play if you sit centrally in front of the TV. When viewed from the side, the image quickly becomes distorted, which becomes a problem when you are sitting in front of the device with several people. 

A curved TV is ideal for you if you usually watch TV with less than 3 people. If you have a family of several or you often spend movie nights with friends, you should reconsider your purchase. 

In the beginning, these devices were only available in the OLED version, but now cheaper LED televisions are also available. 

However, curved TVs are more expensive than flat screens. 

Disadvantage

• High price
• Distorted picture when viewed from the side

Worth knowing

The manufacturers are currently working on so-called “bendable TVs”, i.e flexible TVs. The user should be able to change the shape of his TV at the push of a button to always bring it into the optimal shape. This innovation would solve the problem that the image quality changes from different angles. 

If you have a visitor, you can simply bring the television into a flat shape. The first models of this type will be launched soon.

TV product types by screen technology

TVs can work with different screen technologies.

In short!

LCD televisions are cheap and have a long lifespan. However, they have a low picture quality.

LED TVs are light and slim. They provide a good picture and are energy-saving.

OLED televisions are extremely light and consume little electricity. They also deliver the best picture. However, the models are correspondingly expensive.

3D TVs can make TV pictures appear 3-dimensional. Two different techniques are used.

LCD TV – the successor to the tube

LCD is the abbreviation for “Liquid Crystal Display”. This technology does not take up much space, so the devices are very compact, flat and light in weight.

LCD technology works as follows:

• A backlight creates white light.
• A first polarizing film absorbs the light so that the light waves only vibrate in one direction.
• The light waves reach a liquid crystal layer, which is put under tension.
• Depending on the voltage, the light is rotated by the crystals to different degrees.
• 3 colour filters (red, green and blue) give the light waves their colour.
• A second polarization filter allows the light waves – depending on the rotation in the liquid crystals – to pass through completely, partly or not at all to the viewer.
• Due to the different rotation and constellation options, a display can generate more than 16 million different colours.
• In this way, only the colour of a single-pixel is generated, so the whole process takes place a thousand times on the screen.

In a normal LCD device, the light from the backlight is emitted by fluorescent tubes. This lighting is always on when the TV is used – the colours that are ultimately emitted are 100% regulated by the liquid crystals. This can have the disadvantage that areas that should be completely black appear slightly grey.

Also, continuous lighting has a negative effect on power consumption.

A television with this screen technology is suitable for you if you are looking for a good but inexpensive model with a long lifespan and you are willing to accept weaknesses in picture quality.

Disadvantage

• Image contrast
• High power consumption
• Thicker than Edge LED and OLED 

LED TV – a variant of LCD technology

In principle, the LED TV is also an LCD TV. There is only one difference between the two types: the backlight of an LED TV does not come from fluorescent tubes, but from the individual, dynamically controllable LEDs. 

The fact that the name of the LED device is differentiated from the LCD television has no fundamental technical reasons. 

So what are the advantages of the LEDs? The many small lights can be controlled individually, which means that, unlike fluorescent tubes, they do not burn continuously, but only when they are needed. 

This enables black areas to be displayed in very deep black. However, a complete black is difficult to achieve, there is often some stray light from the connected diodes, but this is very low. 

The power consumption of a device with LED backlight is also correspondingly lower, the voltage is only really built up when needed.

Depending on where the LEDs are located, a distinction is made between Edge LED and Full LED. 

With Edge-LED the diodes are on the frame of the device, with Full-LED behind the screen. 

Due to the positioning on the frame, and Edge LED model is somewhat flatter, but the image can be illuminated somewhat unevenly. 

The image illumination, on the other hand, is optimal with full LED, but the devices are somewhat deeper.

An LED TV is suitable for you if you are looking for a good all-rounder and want to make few or no compromises. It provides a good picture, uses little electricity and is light and flat.

Disadvantage

• Slightly uneven image illumination possible (edge ​​LED)
• Thicker than Edge LED and OLED (Full LED)

OLED – technology for the future 

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is another imaging technology that is now being used more and more in television sets. 

An organic light-emitting diode generates the required light. The special thing about OLEDs is that they are self-illuminating and therefore do not require any backlighting like other screen technologies.

In simple terms, the basic principle of organic light-emitting diodes works as follows:

• An OLED consists of 1 anode and 1 opposite cathode. Various organic semiconductor layersare located between them. 
• If current flows through the anode and the cathode, the positive and negative charges collide in the middle of the organic layer. 
• This collision creates light. Each pixel contains 3 OLEDs, each with the primary colours red, green and blue, which means that the pixel colour can be mixed as required.

OLED technology has two major advantages: 

Firstly, the devices can be built a bit flatter because the backlight is no longer used, and are therefore lighter in weight. On the other hand, the pixels only shine through targeted control when they are needed. A black pixel remains black, the contrast is increased and the image is sharper. 

OLED televisions have a significantly shorter life expectancy than LED and LCD TVs (around 36,000 h / 4 years with the continuous operation). This means after a certain time they lose their luminosity and colour intensity. 

Also, there are not many models on the market that incorporate OLED technology, but this will change in the coming years. Another disadvantage is the high purchase price. 

An OLED TV is the right choice for you if you value the best picture quality. They are also very energy efficient and have an extremely lightweight. 

However, you have to be willing to spend more money on it.

Disadvantage

• Expensive
• Short lifespan

3D TV 

3D televisions can make television pictures appear 3-dimensional. They work with 2 different techniques:

• Shutter technique
• Polarization technique

Shopping tip!

2D to 3D conversion enhances the movie experience 

There is very little content available in 3D on TV and Blu-Rays. That is why many TVs have the function of converting conventional 2D images into 3D. 

This conversion is quite complex and requires a lot of computing power, but the resulting 3D image does not come close to the quality of the real 3D. Nevertheless, this function can increase the film experience; especially fans of 3D should make sure that their TV is capable of conversion. 

Shutter technique

To be able to see 3D images with this technique, special shutter glasses are necessary. The technology is called active because the glasses need their battery and work independently.

The lenses are made of liquid crystal surfaces that can change between the states “permeable” and “impermeable”. One of the glasses, either on the right or on the left, is always switched to “permeable”, the other to “impermeable”. 

The television now shows the images in rapid alternation, once for the left eye and once from a slightly shifted perspective for the right eye. At the same time, the states of the lenses change so quickly that only the image that is right for the eye is shown. 

For example

For a film with 24 frames per second, for example, 48 frames per second must be shown, 24 for the right eye and 24 for the left eye.

The glasses have to switch accordingly during this time. The different images that are delivered to the eyes merge into one image with a depth effect. 

Disadvantage

• High purchase prices for individual glasses
• Too low a frame rate leads to flickering
• Glasses are only compatible with the associated TV

Polarization technique

The principle of polarization technology is the well-known 3D process from the cinemas. The glasses are relatively light and do not require their power supply.

The television generates images for the right and left eye at the same time. These images consist of directional, polarized light. The image for one eye is aligned horizontally, the other vertically. 

Polarizing filters are now located on both sides of the glasses. While one only lets the horizontal light through, the other filter only reacts to the vertical light. In this way, images can be created for both eyes at the same time that, when combined, come very close to natural vision. 

However, the image quality suffers from the fact that the images are shown at the same time. As a result, the images are only projected at half the resolution. 

Disadvantage

• Poor image quality
• 3D TVs are particularly suitable for cinema fans who want to bring the 3D experience to their sofa at home.  

Screen size

The screen diagonal provides information about the size of the TV and is usually given in inches, 1″ corresponds to 2.54 cm.

There are different versions, from portable devices with 7″ to giant TVs with more than 100″.

There are a few important factors to consider when buying:

• Seat distance

The distance to the television influences the picture quality, ie it can influence the watching experience.

With higher-resolution devices, you can further reduce the seat distance. However, the image from some devices can appear blurred if you sit too close to the TV.

A simple formula has been established as a guideline for the correct seat spacing:

Screen diagonal in cm x 2.5 = seat spacing

• Available space

Think about how much space you have available.

If you are planning for a secondary use TV, for example for a kitchen or bedroom then you don’t require a large screen size.

On the other hand, a TV for daily use in the living room should ideally have a large screen.

• Screen resolution

A large screen should also have a correspondingly high screen resolution so that the image does not appear blurred.

Tip!

The value of the screen diagonal only indicates the pure screen area.

Therefore, also pay attention to the edge dimensions to determine how much space the TV takes up.

Screen resolution

The television picture is composed of many small pixels. The screen resolution indicates how many pixels are on the screen. The more pixels there are, the sharper the image. The number of pixels is always specified in the format width x height.

For example

For example, 1920 x 1080 pixels means that the screen is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high.

HD-Ready

The term HD-Ready stands for a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. This screen resolution is disappearing more and more from the market and can usually only be found in smaller devices. In this resolution, the picture does not appear sharp, especially with a large screen.

Due to the small number of pixels, HD-Ready is only recommended if you want to buy a very small size TV.

Full-HD

Full-HD corresponds to a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and has meanwhile become the standard. 

With a full HD device, you can watch films in very good quality. This high-resolution format is also suitable for the playback of Blu-Rays and 3D content. 

The TV channels that broadcast in HD also send their pictures in a resolution that is designed for Full HD. 

Ultra-HD

Ultra-HD (UHD) is the successor to Full-HD. One speaks of 4K resolution because the number of pixels with 3840 x 2160 pixels is 4 times as large. This enables an even sharper picture. 

However, there is hardly any content available in such a large resolution. The TV stations broadcast their pictures in Full HD and Blu-Rays also have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. 

Also, Ultra HD devices are significantly more expensive. Buying an Ultra HD TV is future-oriented. 

Refresh rate

The refresh rate indicates how many frames are displayed per second, the unit for this is Hertz (Hz). 

For example, 200 Hz means that 200 frames per second are shown. The more pictures are shown per second, the smoother the picture becomes.

Worth knowing

From approx. 20 frames per second, the human eye no longer perceives individual images, but a movement. To avoid flickering, significantly more pictures are usually shown.

Thing to consider!

There are no regulations for specifying the frame rate.

Almost every manufacturer has created its unit including its formula for the calculation to achieve the highest possible values. 

Other image enhancement mechanisms – such as switching off the backlight – are often included in the calculation. 

For example, Samsung has the “Clear Motion Rate” (CMR) and Toshiba the “Active Motion Rate” (AMR).

When buying a 3D TV with shutter technology, you should pay particular attention to the Hertz number.

Since the images for the right and left eyes are shown alternately with this technology, the refresh rate is halved. 

Make sure your 3D TV has at least a refresh rate of 200 Hz if it supports shutter technology.

Power consumption 

Nowadays, manufacturers are obliged to mark the energy efficiency class of the television. 

The energy efficiency class is given on a scale from F (very inefficient) to A +++ (very efficient), all new devices have to be legally classified at least with “D”. 

However, the size of the TV also plays an important role in the actual energy consumption. 

In general, the larger the TV, higher the power consumption. The energy consumption, therefore, depends on the screen size, so that a comparison of the energy efficiency only makes sense for models of the same size. 

It is particularly worthwhile to compare large devices to avoid an unpleasant surprise on the electricity bill. 

For example

A television with a screen size of 32″ (inch) and the energy efficiency class “A” can consume significantly less power than television with a 60″ screen size and the energy efficiency class “A ++”.

All televisions have basic equipment. Some devices may also have additional equipment that makes the use of the television more comfortable and enables additional options. 

Basic equipment 

As a rule, televisions have the following basic equipment: 

• Connections
• Stand
• Speaker

Connections 

Televisions should have as many ports as possible so that devices such as a game console or your laptop can be connected to them. 

• HDMI 

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is currently the standard for most devices. The connection enables an optimal transmission of picture and sound. 

Your TV should have at least 2 HDMI connections. Ideally, these are on the side. This makes it easier to reach, especially if the TV is hanging on the wall. 

• USB 

A USB port (Universal Serial Bus) allows you to transfer photos, music or videos from a USB stick or external hard drive directly to the TV. In this, it is important to consider that your software can read the content. 

Devices with a PVR function can record the television program and save it on the USB stick or an external hard drive. 

• Network 

Internet-compatible televisions (Smart TVs) require a network connection (LAN) to connect to the Internet. 

Some newer devices contain an integrated WLAN module and therefore do not require an additional cable for the Internet connection. 

• CI + connection 

A CI + connection (Common Interface +) is required to activate private TV channels in HD or pay TV channels. 

The connection establishes the connection of an additional module, which reads the keycard for the activation of certain additional channels. 

• Component 

You need a component input, if you want to connect a Nintendo Wii, because even the latest generation has no HDMI connection. 

• Cinch connection 

You often need a cinch connection to connect a sound system. You can recognize this by the red and white markings. Newer sound systems are often connected via HDMI.

Stand 

TVs can either have a simple stand or a variant with different functions. Some televisions stand can be rotated or tilted. 

Adjustable feet are very practical, especially for presentations in companies. They are also practical in larger living spaces so that you can watch TV comfortably from any position. 

Do you need a larger TV stand that you not only want to turn, but also roll comfortably or use as a storage space? In the category of TV accessories, you can find suitable TV stands for your TV. 

Speaker

Televisions have integrated loudspeakers, but the flat design usually harms the sound quality. 

The sound system in the television is usually sufficient for everyday use, such as watching the news or TV programs or occasionally films. However, if you value very good sound, you should consider buying a home theatre system.

Shopping tip

Surround sound, integrated subwoofers and equalizers increase the sound quality. 

The surround sound distributes the sound in the room, giving the viewer the impression of being right in the middle of the action. 

Subwoofers complement the normal loudspeaker and reproduce low frequencies, i.e bass sounds. With an equalizer, you can adjust and filter sounds. 

Additional equipment

TVs can include the following additional equipment: 

• Processor
• Integrated hard drive
• Integrated tuner
• Integrated camera
• Ambilight

Processor

A processor, also abbreviated as CPU (Central Processing Unit), serves not only for PCs but also for Smart TVs as a central processing unit for processing commands.

Smart TVs (Internet-enabled TVs) require a processor to be able to handle several tasks at the same time, such as recording films or using multiple apps.

The speed at which a processor processes commands is called the clock frequency and is measured in Hz (Hertz).

The higher the clock frequency, the smoother the processor works.

To increase the performance, several processor cores can be combined. At least one dual-core processor (2-core processor) is recommended; a quad-core processor (4-core processor) is even more powerful.

Integrated hard drive

A hard disk is required for storing data. For a television with an integrated hard drive, you do not need any additional storage medium that you have to connect to the television.

Devices with an integrated hard drive usually have wider housing and are heavier. A disadvantage of the integrated hard disk is that you cannot usually remove or replace it.

Integrated tuner

Most televisions now have built-in tuners to receive and process the television signal directly. However, not all televisions can process every signal. Many televisions only have 1 cable and 1 antenna connection, but no connection for satellite reception.

To be able to receive via satellite in this case, an external receiver is required. In contrast to an integrated tuner, such a device entails additional costs, takes up space and requires an additional remote control.

Note

Dual tuners are often confused with twin tuners but differ fundamentally.

A dual-tuner has 2 different connections, for example, 1 cable and 1 antenna connection. A twin tuner, on the other hand, has 2 connections of the same type of reception, for example, 2 antenna connections.

Integrated camera

If your television has Internet access, an integrated camera enables video chats without any additional accessories.

It is also required for special functions such as face recognition.

Caution!

Televisions with integrated cameras are particularly vulnerable to hacking.

To ensure that unauthorized persons cannot see into your living room through the camera, you should mask the camera when not in use.

Some devices contain a foldable camera cover that can be closed after use. 

Ambilight 

Ambilight is a patented technology from Philips. With the help of light diodes, ambient light is projected onto the wall behind the television that is adapted to the current colours of the display. 

This technology makes the television’s field of vision appear larger to the viewer. Also, the lighting is gentle on the eyes: it reduces complaints that arise from the television as the only light source in the room. 

Additional functions 

TVs can have the following additional functions that make their use even more convenient:

• Internet connection
• PVR function (Personal Video Recorder)
• On and off timer
• face recognition
• Child lock
• Voice control

Internet connection 

Many TV sets are now able to connect to the Internet and offer you additional functions and offers. These internet-enabled devices are usually referred to as smart TVs. 

The Internet connection enables quick and easy access to streaming and video portals such as Youtube. All you have to do is install the corresponding app and you can use the web content with just a few clicks.

Many television stations also make at least parts of their programs available on the Internet. With this, you can easily watch missed programs without connecting your PC to the television. 

Via WLAN it is also possible to wirelessly mirror the screens of smartphones, tablets and laptops onto the television screen. This can be especially useful for showing photos or videos.

Thing to consider!

The image transmission is device and manufacturer dependent, as there is no uniform standard. 

PVR function (Personal Video Recorder) 

The PVR function enables you to record and save TV programs. This way, you can easily watch your favourite program at any time, regardless of the TV program timing. This also saves you from the annoying advertising breaks. 

An external storage medium, i.e. a hard disk or USB stick, is required to save the data. A hard drive is already integrated with some devices. However, you can usually only watch recorded programs on the same TV. You cannot save, edit, or burn them to DVD on your PC. If you value these features, you should consider purchasing a recorder. 

On and off timer

If you fall asleep in front of the television, then on and off timer – also known as a sleep timer – is very practical so that the television does not run all night. 

The timer can usually be set in the menu; the television switches off automatically after the desired time. 

Face recognition 

An integrated camera is required for the facial recognition function. For this, a picture of the user is stored on the television. The camera recognizes the face parameters of the viewer. 

This function also enables access to certain accounts such as Facebook or Twitter without the need to enter a password. 

Child lock 

To prevent your children from watching TV programs that are not suitable for them, a built-in child lock is useful. You can use this function to block certain channels or the entire TV program. 

You can unlock the lock again by entering a number combination on the remote control. 

Voice control

The voice control function enables menu navigation or program settings via the user’s voice. 

This function enables particularly convenient control, for example, while eating. But it can also be very helpful for blind people or people with reduced mobility. 

Equipment 

The following accessories are available for TV sets: 

Universal Remote Control 

Remote control is usually included when buying a TV. To be able to control different devices with only one controller, a universal remote control is very practical. 

Worth knowing fact!

Universal remote controls are not compatible with every device. 

Almost all devices are supported by a universal remote control, but there are exceptions. 

Therefore, before buying, make sure that the universal remote control is compatible with your devices. 

Home theatre systems

To perfect the cinema experience at home, we recommend the purchase of an additional sound system. This distributes the sound across several speakers in the room. 

In particular, if you watch blockbusters or sports programs frequently, you can benefit from the sound quality. It gives the viewer the impression that they are right in the middle of the action.

A large selection of surround systems, home theatre systems and AV receivers can be found in our home theatre category.

Wall brackets 

Flat-screen TVs are particularly effective on the wall. To attach your flat screen TV to it, you need special wall brackets.

The following variants are available:

• Rigid wall brackets 

Rigid wall brackets do not allow you to change the position of the TV. 

If you usually only watch TV from a sitting position, a rigid wall bracket is sufficient. 

• Adjustable wall 

You can position the screen differently using adjustable wall brackets. Some models offer the option of tilting the screen, rotating it to the right or left, or adjusting the height. 

These options make it possible to watch TV from different angles, for example from the sofa or the dining table.

 You can also easily reach the connections on the back of the TV in this way. 

When purchasing, you should also make sure that the bracket can support the weight of the TV. 

At what age are children allowed to watch TV?

According to experts, children under the age of 3 should not watch TV. At this age, they are busy getting to know their real surroundings and are not yet able to process media impressions properly.

It is important to get children used to dealing with the media. Therefore, parents should always watch TV with their child to see the child’s reaction to what they see.

As soon as your child is older, you should agree on the rules for watching TV. Children under the age of 12 should not have their TV in the room.

The duration of daily TV consumption also plays an important role.

According to experts, the following values ​​are recommended:

Children aged 3-5 years: max. 30 min

Children aged 5-9 years: max. 1 h

Children aged 9-13 years: max. 90 min

Which connections should my TV have?

The more connections your TV has, the better. Which connections your TV have depends on which devices you want to connect.

Would you like to connect your laptop to watch movies on the TV screen? 

In this case, you need an HDMI connection. This interface not only connects laptops but also Blu-Ray players or game consoles to the TV. Image and sound are transmitted simultaneously with HDMI without loss of quality.

Do you have photos and videos on USB sticks or an external hard drive? 

You can play all your files on the TV quickly and conveniently via a USB connection. There are also many USB hard disk recorders that you can use to record the TV program. 

Do you have a smart TV? 

If your TV does not have a WLAN module, you need a network connection (LAN) to connect to the Internet. 

Do you have an older stereo system? 

Stereos often need a cinch connector to be connected to the TV. You can recognize a cinch connection by the red and white markings. 

Newer stereos are also often connected via HDMI.

Do you use older devices such as VCRs? 

SCART connections seem to be outdated, but there are still countless old devices that cannot be operated without a SCART connection, such as old video recorders or DVD players. 

Do you have a Nintendo Wii? 

Then you need a component input because the game console has no HDMI connection even in the latest generation.

How can I connect the TV to the laptop? 

There are 2 options to connect your laptop to the TV:

VGA

A VGA cable only transmits the image. It is only suitable if you want to transfer pictures from your laptop to the TV screen.

To do this, plug one end of the cable into the VGA connector on your TV and the other into the laptop.

HDMI

An HDMI cable transmits both sound and picture. It is therefore ideal if you want to watch a film from your laptop on the television.

To do this, plug the two cable ends into the HDMI connections of the laptop and the TV.

Shopping tip

Make sure that there is an easily accessible HDMI socket on the side of the TV. 

How can I connect my TV to an amplifier? 

There are two ways to connect your TV to an amplifier:

Jack plug 

You need an AUX cable for the connection. Plug one end of the cable into the headphone output and the other into the amplifier.

Jack to RCA 

Not all amplifiers have a jack output, in this case, you need a jack to cinch cable. Connect the jack plug to the headphone output of the TV. Then plug the two cinch plugs into your amplifier. The red one belongs in the right connector, the white one in the left connector.

Which screen resolution is optimal?

The sharpest picture is undoubtedly provided by Ultra HD televisions. With a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, also referred to as 4K. The problem with Ultra HD TVs is that – so far – there is too little content available in such high resolution. 

The television program, which is available in HD, is broadcast in a resolution that is designed for Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). The films are also in full HD quality on Blu-Rays. 

This makes the picture particularly sharp. The purchase of an expensive Ultra HD TV is certainly more future-oriented, but a Full HD device is sufficient.

How much Hertz should my TV have?

The Hertz number provides information about how many pictures the television shows per second. To show the pictures smoothly and without flickering, your television should have at least 100 Hz. 

A higher Hertz number can make the picture even better, but the differences are small, with numbers above 200 Hz most observers will not notice the higher frequency.

3D televisions with shutter technology should show at least 200 frames per second since the images for the right and left eyes are shown alternately and the Hertz number is halved.

What can I do if my TV is broken? 

Defective television can have different causes. Therefore, first, determine which functions are defective. Then read the instructions for use. There is usually a chapter on troubleshooting.

How does television work?

The television screen consists of several million small pixels. A colour is assigned to each pixel, resulting in a large overall picture. This displayed image can change – depending on the television – several hundred times per second so that moving image is created. 

The colour assignment of the pixels is often done with the help of backlighting and liquid crystals.

The light is then directed through different layers in a certain direction and is assigned to its colour by a filter.

Worth knowing

The different types of TV are differentiated by their backlight.

The backlight of an LCD TV consists of fluorescent tubes, LED TVs uses many small LEDs. The new OLED televisions are complete without backlighting.

Which television is suitable for gaming?

When looking for a television for gaming, consider the following factors:

Input lag 

An input lag is the delay time from the signal to the display of the picture on the television display. This value is usually given in the product description.

A low input lag is particularly relevant for a smooth gameplay for online games. 30 ms (milliseconds) is recommended as a guideline.

Integrated game mode 

Many TVs have a game mode. If you select this, the TV does not make any calculations that ensure a better picture.

This minimizes the input lag. However, the game mode can lead to a poorer picture.

Response time 

The response time refers to the duration of how quickly a pixel can switch between 2 colour modes.

The higher this value, the sharper the picture. It is recommended if the value is not less than 10 ms.

Refresh rate 

The refresh rate is the number of pictures that television can produce per second. A higher refresh rate usually leads to better response time and a lower input lag.

Can watching TV too often pose a health risk?

A study by Australian scientist David Dunstan shows that watching too much television increases the risk of mortality. 

The reasons for this are primarily the lack of movement and shallow breathing, which harms the lungs over a longer period.

When is the best time to buy a TV? 

It is not recommended to buy TVs before major sports tournaments like the World Cup, as the prices are usually higher at this time. 

Buying between February and May is also rather unfavourable, as technical innovations are often presented and the number of buyers is usually higher. 

Models from last year, which often differ only slightly from the newer models, are usually a lot cheaper.

In the run-up to Holi and Diwali, many retailers offer high discounts, so you can make real bargains. 

How can I hang my TV on the wall? 

The following instructions show how to hang your TV on the wall: 

• Find out about the material of the walls. Find suitable dowels and drill bits. Depending on whether you have a concrete, sand-lime brick or hollow block wall, you will need the appropriate dowels and drill bits. 
• Choose a wall mount that is compatible with your TV. 
• Find the right place to hang your TV.
• It is important that there is no window on the opposite wall, otherwise, the screen would reflect too much. 
• Use a spirit level to draw holes on the wall, often a template is included with the wall bracket. 
• Then drill the holes with the appropriate drill attachment. 
• Insert the dowels. 
• Press them in so that they sit securely.
• Screw the bracket tight. 
• Mount the connector on the bracket.
• Then attach the TV to the connector. 

For an attractive appearance, you should cover the connecting cables between the television and other devices such as the DVD player or the game console using cable channels.

Tip

Carefully read the assembly instructions before installing your TV.