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TV Buying Guide
Treating yourself to a new TV? Or maybe you’re long overdue an upgrade? Whatever your reasons, there’s a lot of new tech and features you’ll need to wrap your head around, and our handy buying guide will help you do just that.
How to know which size is right for you
Size is important. Your TV needs to suit your room and viewing needs, whether that’s a basic smaller model for your kitchen, or a giant screen with the latest tech for your living room. Here are a few things to consider.
What screen size should I buy?
Size is important. Your TV needs to suit your room and viewing needs, whether that’s a basic smaller model for your kitchen, or a giant screen with the latest tech for your living room. Here are a few things to consider.
Shop our range of TVs
TV sizes have changed a lot. They now have much thinner bezels, meaning you get more screen size for your money. And the latest tech means TVs are getting thinner and thinner, so even the biggest screens aren’t too imposing in your home.
TVs are measured diagonally, from corner to corner, and there’s a handy formula you can use to work out the size you need.
Measure the distance between where your TV will be and where you’ll be sitting in inches. Divide this number by two for your recommended screen size. This formula can be helpful but isn’t vital. You should always choose the size that feels right for you.
Big really is better when it comes to screen size. And we recommend sizing up when choosing your next TV – Most of the best tech only comes in models that are 40” or bigger. Plus, a bigger screen means you’ll be future-proofing your set-up.
Did you know? UK households have seen a 50% increase in TV size since 2010.
Smart TV
What is a smart TV?
Most TVs are smart now, which means they can connect to your WiFi. This lets you enjoy all the entertainment that the internet has to offer, such as subscription based services like Netflix and Prime, and catch-up classics like iPlayer. Smart TVs also don’t need an additional set top box to connect to your WiFi, because everything’s built in. When you hook up the TV for the first time, usually as you go through the set-up process, you’ll be asked to connect to the internet. Make sure you have any passwords on hand to make it quick and easy.
Take a look at our great range of smart TVs
What can I watch?
The main benefit of a smart TV is naturally the amount of entertainment on offer. With different streaming platforms popping up left, right and centre, there’s bucket loads.
Free on-demand apps
You’ll find all your classic free catch-up and on demand apps such as BBC iPlayer for the best of British drama, and ITV Hub for all those great game shows and talked about reality TV. Not to mention the great entertainment on the likes of All4, My5 and Freeview. Learn more about Freeview Play here.
Subscription based streaming services
Looking for a bit more excitement and adventure? There’s a ton of subscription based streaming services available serving up the best in original films and binge worthy series. You’ve got your go to’s such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and Disney +. But there’s also more independent services like BFI Player or MUBI, if you’re looking for that uncut gem.
Smart platforms
Different manufacturers use different smart platforms to let you sift through all the great entertainment the internet has to offer. You have WebOS with LG TVs, Tizen for Samsung, Android TV for Sony and even Apple TV which comes with its own line-up of original shows. They all look and work a little differently, but they’re a more user-friendly way for you to flick through the apps and services you love.
What technology are smart TVs compatible with?
Are you riding the smart home trend? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting into it. Not to worry. A lot of TVs now are compatible with your other smart devices.
Alexa
Some TVs can connect to your Amazon Alexa device, meaning you can change the volume, select different apps and choose the stuff you want to watch with your voice. Even better, some models come with Alexa built-in, so you can enjoy the benefits of voice control without having to own an additional smart device.
Google Assistant
Like Alexa, some TVs can hook up to your Google Assistant smart device. So, you can put that remote down and impress your family with hands free control next time movie night comes around.
Other things to consider
What is the best screen tech to get?
What is QLED?
Find out everything you need to know about Samsung's quality QLED screen tech
What is Ambilight?
Get to know the amazing features behind the Philips range of Ambilight TVs
What is a TRILUMINOS Display TV?
Find out everything you need to know about Sony’s colourful TV tech
Did you know? If you're buying a TV for gaming or to watch sport, look for one with a high refresh rate to reduce motion blur.
Picture Resolution
4K Explained
4K is one of the most common screen resolutions in TVs. With four times more pixels that a HD TV, 4K screens display your favourite films and shows with unbelievable detail. Plus, all the top streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney + come with a range of 4K content for you to enjoy. If you’re looking for a TV for now and the future, a 4K model is a must.
Did you know? Both full motion and tilting wall mounts can help reduce glare and improve viewing angles for an immersive movie experience.
Picture Quality
Improved colour and contrast with HDR
Screen tech, resolution and now picture quality? We know, there’s a lot to take in when picking out that new TV. Let us take you through some great features that’ll completely enhance the stuff you see on screen.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
TVs with HDR tech display a wider range of colours with better contrast. This clever use of colour creates vivid and lifelike images, making it perfect for throwing yourself into those nature docs or that edge-of-your-seat sporting event. Most HDR TVs also pack in a 4K Ultra HD resolution. The two work together to bring you incredible visuals that'll transform your home viewing.
HDR10+
HDR10+ takes high dynamic range technology up a notch, displaying that sci-fi film or football match in even more colour and detail. HDR10+ adapts during each scene or sequence of the content you watch, meaning it’s constantly improving the range of colours and details throughout. This means you know you’re watching the best possible version of the entertainment you love.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision makes sure you’re always watching your favourite films with the best possible quality. It works in a similar way to HDR10+ by adapting the visuals scene by scene, so what you see on screen is bursting with vivid colours and details.
Did you know? We can take away your old TV for you - just select our remove and recycle service at checkout.
Sound Quality
Often the area that’s overlooked when picking out that new TV, but no film experience is complete without great sound. With modern TVs being so thin, the sound can sometimes be an issue. So, here are a couple of features that are guaranteed to make your walls shake.
Dolby Atmos
Immerse yourself in the sound of your favourite entertainment with Dolby Atmos. This tech recreates the audio from that pulsating sci-fi or that rich period drama in 3D for that full surround sound experience.
Soundbars
No home cinema set-up is complete without a good soundbar. They’ll take your movies and shows to the next level with ground shaking sound. We’d recommend choosing a model with an additional sub-woofer – these chunky boxes will add the bass to those action extravaganzas for that true cinematic experience.
Best in class
Best Samsung TVs 2020
We’ve rounded up the top 5 Samsung TVs for all your entertainment needs
Did you know? If you plan on using your TV for gaming, it’s a good idea to look for TVs with at least 3 HDMI ports.
Installation and services
Wall Mounts and Accessories
To get your new TV up on that wall, you’ll need a good wall bracket. Our range of brackets and mounts are compatible with the TVs we sell, so you know you’ll get the right fit.
VESA dimensions
It’s really important to find the right bracket for the size of your TV. To make things easier, there are a range of guidelines that match TVs to suitable mounts called VESA dimensions. Check the specifications on our TV product pages to find the correct figure for your model.
Fixed wall mounts
A fixed wall mount is ideal as it allows you to place your TV close to the wall. They leave just enough space for your cables, leaving everything looking neat and tidy.
Tilting wall mounts
With a tilting wall mount, you have the option to adjust your viewing angle either up or down. This is a good option for televisions that are placed quite high up, like on a bedroom wall or above the fireplace.
Full motion wall mounts
If you like to switch things up, a full motion wall mount is for you. You can tilt and swivel horizontally and vertically and even pull the TV to and from the wall, giving you complete flexibility over how you view your favourite shows.
TV shelves and stand
Need a new shelf or stand for that big screen TV? Look no further, we’ve got a great range.
HDMI cables and accessories
Don’ forget to pick up those essential accessories to get the most from your new TV. From HDMI cables, to smart remotes and adapters, we’ve got the lot.
FAQs
- What is a smart TV?
A smart TV connects to your internet to let you enjoy the variety of streaming platforms available online as well as much more.
- How do I make my TV smart?
If you have a smart TV, just follow the instructions in your product manual to connect to the internet. If your TV doesn’t have smart capabilities, don’t worry. You just need to get a smart TV box such as an Amazon Fire TV stick or an Apple TV box. You can shop our range here.
- What size TV is right for my room?
There’s a handy formula you can use to work out the TV size you might need - measure the distance between where your TV will be and where you’ll be sitting in inches. Divide this number by two for your recommended screen size. This is just one way of working out the size that might be best, but you should always choose one that you like and feel comfortable with. We always recommend sizing up for your new TV where possible. With TVs being thinner and thinner, even the biggest TVs aren’t as bulky and imposing as they once were.
- What is the difference between OLED and LED?
LED TVs use an LED backlight that lights up all the pixels in your TV to display the images you see on screen. OLED on the other hand doesn’t need a backlight. Each pixel can light up individually, meaning the colours you see on screen are rich and detailed. Plus, with no backlight, OLED TVs are much thinner. Shop our range of OLED TVs here.
- What is 4K?
4K is a type of screen resolution. It’s called 4K because it has four times as many pixels as a HD TV, meaning your favourite films and shows will look better than ever. Shop our range of 4K TVs here.
- Is Ultra HD the same as 4K?
They are essentially the same.
- Do channels broadcast in 4K?
Yes, there are variety of channels that broadcast in 4K.
- How can I tell if something is streaming in 4K?
Most streaming services will be very clear about the streaming quality. But you can check the info section on your TV to make sure the resolution you’re outputting is 4K.
- What does HDR refer to?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range.
- What is a TV operating system?
A TV operating system is the software in your smart TV that lets you access and flick through all those network features such as your favourite streaming and catch-up services.
- What is 8K?
8K is the next step in video resolution. Just like 4K was an upgrade on Full HD, 8K has four times as many pixels as 4K. However, 8K is not widely available yet, with 4K being the industry standard at the moment. Shop our range of 4K TVs here.
- What is a curved screen TV?
A curved TV has a slightly curved screen for that cinematic experience. The idea behind it is that whatever the viewing angle, you’ll always get a good view of the screen.
- Can you wall mount my TV for me?
Yes, just choose our TV wall mounting service at the checkout.
- Do I need to buy the brackets from AO?
No, but we recommend buying your bracket from the same place your buy your TV. Our range of brackets are compatible with the TVs we sell, so you’ll know you’ll be getting the right one. Shop our range of brackets here.
- What is the smallest 4K TV I can buy?
The smallest is 40”, but we’d always recommend going bigger if you want to truly get the benefit of 4K.
- Do I need to upgrade my HDMI cable?
No, you don’t have to upgrade your HDMI cables for your new TV. Even if you’re making the jump to 4K, the ones you currently have will do the job. However, the newer HDMI cables will help you get the most from your new 4K model, with richer and vibrant colours along with faster refresh rates. Shop our range of HDMI cables here.
- What does smart mean?
In TV terms, smart means a TV can connect to the internet.
- How is smart TV different to cable?
Whereas cable or traditional terrestrial TV gives you access to scheduled programmes. A smart TV gives you access to all the streaming and on demand services that let you watch the content you love when you want.
- What do I need to watch a smart TV?
You just need a good internet connection.
- Do I need a license to watch smart TV?
You need a TV licence if you want to watch anything on BBC iPlayer or any live TV or sporting events. You don’t usually need a licence for streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and Disney +, but we always recommend checking the TV Licensing page for their guidelines here.
- What apps can I watch on a smart TV?
This can depend on the model you have, but usually you’ll have access to all the main ones such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV, Disney + etc. Don’t forget most streaming services are subscriptions based, so you’ll need to sign up before you can watch.
- How do I set up a smart TV?
When you plug in your TV and turn it on for the first time, you’ll usually be guided through the set-up process where you’ll need your WiFi name and password on hand.
- Can you install my smart TV for me?
Of course, choose our TV wall mounting service, and we’ll mount your new smart TV on your wall and connect it to your Wi-Fi – just make sure you’ve got any passwords ready to go. We’ll leave downloading and setting up any apps down to you.
- How can I make my current TV smart?
If your current TV doesn’t have smart capabilities, you can still enjoy the benefits through a smart TV box or device with smart features such as an Amazon Fire TV stick, Apple TV box and some games consoles like a PS4 or an Xbox One.
- How do I update smart TV?
This can differ between different models and manufacturers. In most cases you would update it through the settings section of your TV’s menu, but we recommend looking at your product manual for the best advice.
- How do I download apps to my smart TV?
Usually you can download them from your TV’s specific app store.
- What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is a nifty little dongle that slots into your TVs HDMI port and gives you access to all the features that a smart TV has to offer, from your favourite catch-up services like iPlayer to streaming services like Netflix and Now TV.
- How do I connect devices to my smart TV?
Make sure both your TV and your other devices like your smartphone or laptop are connected to the same WiFi. You’ll then want to go into your TV input menu and select screen mirroring. Now you’ll be able stream content from your phone or laptop straight to your TV.
