Televisions have evolved over the past 50 years, and televisions are the most used electronic in family homes. While in the past, the biggest decision was whether to purchase a color television or a black and white television – today, you have many more options. There are some options: built-in Wi-Fi, 4K ultra-high-definition, Apple TV, Smart TV, LED TV, LCD TV, size, and more.

At Conn’s HomePlus, you have many different options to choose from when making your next television purchase. Check out our online store or stop by a Conn’s location near you.

Common Types of Televisions

If you are thinking about upgrading your television, you should choose the type of television that best fits your viewing needs. Below is a list of the common television types.

QLED – Quantum-Light-Emitting Diode (QLED) displays are considered the next LCD generation. Small nanoparticles known as quantum dots are found in the LCD screen, which help improve brightness and color. OLEDs still have better contrast compared to QLEDs. However, QLED TV screens are typically larger, last longer, and burn-in is not as common. QLED televisions tend to be more affordable than OLEDs, and QLEDs fall between LCDs and OLEDs.

OLED – Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) has organic compounds that release light when in contact with electricity. While this compound may be small, it is found between two electrodes, and one of those is transparent for viewing clearly. OLED differs from LCDs because there is no backlight, so OLED displays tend to have deeper blacks and better contrast. OLEDs are also lighter and thinner than LCDs because filter layers are unnecessary.

LED – LED TVs are LCD TVs with a backlight of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of cold-cathode fluorescent lights (CCFLs). So, there is not much of a difference between the two because one is marketed as a LED and not LCD. LED TVs have been around since 2007 and are a common TV.

LCD – Liquid Crystal Display TVs are the most common type of TV available. LCD TVs first came about in the 1960s and used the technology of liquid crystals. LCD TVs have pixels, and each of these has a display that contains specific crystal molecules found between two electrodes and two polarizing filters. When the screen is not moving, light does not pass through. However, when the TV is on, liquid crystals rotate and are dependent on voltage. This allows corresponding light to pass through the screen at that pixel. So, the image is viewed by having different voltages on different pixels. Many LCD TVs are backlighted with LED lights and are often referred to as LED TVs.

TV Buying Tips and Guide

These days, shopping for a new-and-improved TV is no easy task. With such a wide range of features, options, and prices, it can be hard to determine which TV is best for your home. We have put together this handy TV Buying Guide to help you learn about the latest specs and features.

Learn about the differences between the main types of TVs, OLED, LED, LCD TVs, and TV resolution, including 4K, HDR, Full HD, and HD TVs. Get clear on the latest advances in TV technology, from Smart TVs to Curved TVs to Super Ultra HD TVs. Finally, see an overview of the most common TV accessories to enhance your viewing experience, including home theater systems, streaming media players, and HDMI cables.

You’ll find answers to all your questions about the latest TVs in our TV Buying Guide.

If you are in a hurry to buy a new television, consider some things first. Below we have explained each of these tips.

• • Do not buy a TV that has less than 4K resolution. You should also avoid HD or 1080p TVs.
• • You can skip out on buying 8K TVs – for now. These TVs are expensive, and 8K movies are not available yet.
• • You can expect to pay about $500 for a decent 55-inch 4K TV. However, if you are looking for something bigger, you can expect to pay about $900 for a 65-inch model. Different models have better image quality, upgraded speakers, and other new features, and these features will cost you more.
• • Look for a 60 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rate. When considering refresh rates – 60 Hz is decent, but 120 Hz is better. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion in movies, live sports, and gaming.
• • Look for HRD sets. HDR offers more realistic colors and better contrast.
• • OLED TVs have a better appearance than LCD TVs. QLED TVs such as Samsung TV, Vizio, and TCL TV are considered affordable.
• • Look for multiple HDMI ports – you may even opt for a newer HDMI 2.1.
• • Think about purchasing a soundbar. The speakers in TVs aren’t that great anymore because the screens are thinner.
• • Avoid extended warranties if your credit card company already offers a purchase protection program.

What Size TV Should I Buy?

You may think “the bigger, the better” when choosing a TV size. The general rule when buying a television is that it should be big enough to fill the field of view, but not too close that you are straining your eyes and looking up to see the TV.

The average American adult spends more than five hours a day watching TV. If you spend that much time watching TV, you want to make sure you get the best TV picture.

An easy way to determine the best size of a TV is to choose a TV screen at least one-third of the viewing distance. For example, a 40-inch TV will work best in a room with a viewing distance of about 5.5 – 10 feet, and a 50-inch TV has an optimal view from about 6 to 10.5 feet. Larger TVs, such as 55-inch TVs, are 7 – 12.5 feet, and for a 60-inch TV, you can expect 8 – 15 feet.

If you are unsure what size TV you should buy, check out our guide to TV size, viewing distance, and resolution, three key factors that determine picture quality.

Shop Conn’s HomePlus for Televisions

If you are shopping for a new television, transform your Home Entertainment with a new Amazon Fire TV from Conn's HomePlus. We have the top brands and the latest technology to bring your entertainment to life for the whole family to enjoy. If you have not shopped for a TV in a while, now is the time to see what we have to offer. With 4K TVs, 8K TVs, QLED TVs, OLED TVs, and brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, Conn's HomePlus has what you want.

After finding the perfect TV for your living room or bedroom, you may consider a wall mount, a home theater system, a Siri remote, or extra décor or furniture. Conn’s HomePlus has everything you need.