Main characteristics of TVs and their description. How to choose a TV for your home - an overview of the main parameters and a rating of the best models

He is the king of all living rooms, the love and even addiction of billions of people, a means of entertainment and information. We are talking about TV. The first televisions appeared in the United States back in 1929 and had a screen the size of a postage stamp. In 1942 in Europe they created more reminiscent modern devices TV. Evolution took place rapidly, and today flat, large, high-contrast and even smart TVs have become the norm. And it seems that the development of technology is happening before our eyes, but it’s not easy to understand the assortment available. In the store, next to each model, there are a lot of vague abbreviations, numbers and, of course, the price. Sellers are trying to push us to sell us a more expensive TV, and we, not knowing all the intricacies of technology, deliberately allow ourselves to be deceived. 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 of 2018.

Device Dimensions

Let's start with the simplest. There is an opinion that you should buy as big a TV as your budget allows. Previously, the standard was widespread that the distance from the audience 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. whoever is comfortable. How to find this optimal value, because a screen that is too small will not convey details, and a screen that is too large will force you to turn your head to see the entire scene?

The best way - evaluate a TV in a store from the distance at which you will watch it. So everything will immediately fall into place. 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.

Modern technology is developing rapidly. New TV models appear regularly, offering more and more high quality Images. The concept of “high-definition television” emerged and firmly took root, raising the bar of experiences to a new level. The transition to all-digital television broadcasting is just around the corner, which will provide excellent detail in broadcasts and make you forget about interference. Therefore, the question quite naturally arises about replacing the home screen or buying an additional one.

There are more than 120 manufacturers and several thousand TV models in the world. Each company strives to attract buyers with new proprietary technologies and developments, in which, in order to make right choice, we need to figure it out. The purpose of this article is to help you choose a TV.

Screen type

First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are buying the TV: will you watch news or broadcast programs, DVD or Blu-Ray movies, will you put it in the kitchen or bedroom. After all, a screen suitable for receiving a satellite signal in the living room and a TV for watching discs with films are not at all the same thing. The living room usually houses most of the components of a home media system: a DVD or Blu-Ray player, surround sound speakers, a satellite receiver, and more. The TV in the kitchen usually works for the background; in the bedroom it is needed to receive over-the-air cable and satellite TV programs and watch discs. There is no longer any need for powerful sound or connecting additional devices. If you need a TV for a child’s room, consider the possibility of connecting game consoles, a camera or a video camera to it. When this issue is resolved, you can begin to understand the characteristics of the TV.

So, first you must decide on the type of screen.

The following types of TVs are available on the market today:

Liquid crystal (LCD);

Light-emitting diode (LED);

Plasma.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages; let’s look at them in more detail.

LCD TV

LCD technology (English LCD – Liquid Crystal Display, “liquid crystal display”) is by far the most common. An LCD screen is a matrix of many dots called pixels. Each pixel is made up of three "subpixels" of red, green and blue. Liquid crystals inside the elements are capable of changing their position in space under the influence of an electric field, allowing or blocking light from backlight lamps installed behind the matrix. When all three subpixels are completely transparent, the cell has White color, and when opaque - black. Halftones and shades are obtained by mixing primary colors in the required proportion. Thus, using a special chip, you can control the transparency of each pixel and form an image.

A design feature of LCD technology is the need for light to “overcome” a layer of liquid crystals, the transparency of which is not ideal. Therefore, to obtain sufficient picture brightness, it is necessary to install powerful lamps, which increases the price and power consumption of the device. The elements are not able to perfectly block the flow of light - the black color on an LCD TV screen is not actually completely black.

Disadvantages also include color distortion and loss of contrast, since the viewing angle of the LCD is not that wide. Because of this feature, LCD TVs could not gain popularity for a long time, but now, thanks to the efforts of the developers, distortion has become almost invisible.

The advantages of LCD TVs include a wide selection of models with different brightness (from 250 to 1500 cd/m2) and contrast (from 500:1 to 5,000,000:1). Thanks to this, the buyer can purchase a device that optimally combines the required image quality and affordable price. In addition, LCD TVs are lightweight and thin, so they can be placed on the wall. But the greatest merit of liquid crystal technology is its mass availability. Due to large-scale production, prices for LCD TVs are now lower than for other similar devices.

LCD TVs have also gained popularity for their versatility. LED TVs provide comfortable viewing in almost any environment, so they are suitable for most rooms. In terms of contrast and color rendition, expensive LCD models can “compete” with plasmas, which allows them to take their rightful place, for example, in a Hi-End living room.

LED TV

The difference between an LED TV (English: Light Emitting Diode) and a liquid crystal TV is only in the matrix backlight technology: instead of fluorescent lamps, LEDs are used, due to which LED TVs have a number of advantages over LCD.

An LED TV can display more colors than a tube LCD TV, so the image looks more natural. The use of LEDs has made it possible to reduce the thickness of the screen and reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to LCD. Brightness and contrast performance have also improved significantly.

The only disadvantage of this technology is its relative high cost. However, the advantages of LED TVs suggest that they will eventually become leaders in this market.

Because LED TVs are based on LCD technology, they are just as versatile as LCDs. But due to its advantages, LED TV will be more preferable than LCD when it comes to your living room.

Plasma TV

The screen of a plasma TV is also a matrix of small elements, but this technology is implemented in sealed cells filled with gas - neon or xenon. If an electrical voltage is applied to the cell using special transparent electrodes, the gas inside it turns into a plasma state and begins to emit ultraviolet light. The rays strike a layer of phosphor applied to the cell wall, which, depending on its composition, emits red, green or blue light. The higher the applied voltage level, the more intense the cell glows. Different shades of color are obtained by mixing three primary colors. By controlling the voltage supplied to the cells, the electronic module forms an image on the plasma screen.

Thus, according to the principle of operation, the cells are similar to fluorescent lamps, that is, they have the property of self-luminescence, so a plasma TV has some advantages over LCD and LED.

Plasma screen TVs provide excellent image contrast and are approximately 3 times brighter than most LCD and LED screens. After all, a pixel in an inactive state does not emit anything - it is really black, and the light emitted by it in an active state has a fairly high intensity. The use of phosphor makes the colors bright and saturated. Plasma TVs, compared to LCD and LED, have a very fast response time.

Plasma technology has a number of specific design problems. The main one is the problem of the minimum cell size. Creating a small cell - essentially a gas-filled glass flask with electrodes - is quite difficult. Therefore, the development path of this technology runs counter to the development of other “matrix” visualization technologies: plasma TV screen diagonals only recently reached 32 inches, while large diagonal plasma screens (over 50 inches) have existed for quite a long time.

The availability of only models with large screen diagonals on sale has made plasma TVs a common choice for buyers who want to get the most out of watching movies in bright, rich colors.

Main characteristics of the TV:

Screen diagonal;

Permission.

Advanced TV options:

Matrix response time;

Contrast;

Brightness;

Viewing angles;

Interfaces;

Additional functions.

Screen diagonal

The screen diagonal can be considered the fundamental characteristic of a TV. It directly affects its dimensions, weight and price. Correctly selected screen diagonal largely determines the comfort and impressions received from viewing, and therefore deserves the closest attention when choosing.

Traditionally, the screen diagonal size is measured in inches and is designated, for example, as follows: 32”. It is easy to convert it into centimeters: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

In order for viewing to be comfortable, the diagonal of the TV screen must correspond to the size of the room in which it is planned to be placed. The most common screens on the domestic market are sizes ranging from 26 to 42 inches. For TV in the living room big size The screen diagonal is very important, since the whole family or a group of guests can gather in this room at the same time, and each of those present must perceive the image clearly, without causing eye strain and fatigue. There can be many layout options, but in most cases, a TV with a screen diagonal of 32” or more will be optimal for the living room.

For the kitchen and bedroom it is better to choose a smaller TV, because the area of ​​these rooms is usually smaller than the living room area. Research shows that the optimal diagonal of a TV screen should be approximately 3 times less than the distance at which it is intended to be watched. If the TV is too large for that particular room, the image on the screen will not be perceived as a whole. Some “graininess” of the picture and stepped boundaries between objects may be noticeable. This is especially true for models with a plasma screen: when viewed at too close a distance, the image tends to “disintegrate,” that is, individual pixels become noticeable. Therefore, for the kitchen we recommend choosing a TV with a screen diagonal of 20-26 inches; for the bedroom it can be a little larger - up to 32”.

Most models with a screen diagonal of 15-21” have a D-Sub input (sometimes also called “VGA”) or a DVI port, which allows you to connect the TV to a computer as a monitor.

Permission

You definitely need to pay attention to the screen resolution. This characteristic is responsible for the quality and detail of the image.

The screen of any LCD, LED or plasma TV consists of cells called pixels, the total number of which is called screen resolution. It is expressed as two numbers, the first of which indicates the number of pixels horizontally, and the second - vertically, for example, 1920x1080. High screen resolution allows the TV to display clear images from big amount details and straight lines without a stepped effect.

A TV with a 42” screen diagonal and a resolution of 1920x1080 will show a clearer picture than one with a resolution of 1366x768 with the same diagonal. The point is that having more pixels on the same screen area means each one is smaller.

Today, the best image quality available to the general consumer is provided by a relatively new standard of digital television - HDTV or high-definition television (HDTV).

HDTV (English: “High-Definition TeleVision”) is a set of high-quality television broadcasting standards, which includes requirements for the format, resolution and method of image formation, as well as for sound quality.

High Definition Standard Formats:

720p: resolution 1280×720 pixels, progressive scan;

1080i: resolution 1920×1080 pixels, interlaced;

1080p: resolution 1920x1080 pixels, progressive scan.

Scanning, denoted by the Latin letters “i” and “p”, is a method of displaying a frame on the screen. Unlike interlacing (English “Interlacing Scan”), progressive scanning (English “Progressive Scan”) provides better image quality, that is, it completely eliminates the “comb” effect on the boundaries of objects moving horizontally, as well as the jitter of a motionless picture (for example , in pause mode). To work using progressive scan, the TV requires a more powerful and expensive processor, but support for this mode is mandatory for a modern HDTV screen.

High-definition television standards were developed by the European Information and Communication Technologies and Consumer Electronics Association (EICTA). To facilitate model identification, this organization also published requirements for the technical parameters of devices capable of processing high-definition signals. Special labeling was also approved.

Models that satisfy minimum requirements HDTVs are marked with the “HD-Ready” sign, which literally means “ready for HDTV”. That is, a TV with the “HD-Ready” sticker must be equipped with:

A screen with a resolution of at least 1280x720 pixels;

At least one input capable of receiving HD signals in 720p and 1080i formats. This can be an analog component input YPbPr1, or digital DVI or HDMI;

At least one digital DVI or HDMI input supporting HDCP content protection technology.

The most common resolution for HD-Ready TVs is 1366x768 pixels. Such models are forced to interpolate the 1080i signal, reducing its resolution.

The “Full HD” label is given to TVs that are capable of displaying 1080p images and must be equipped with at least one HDMI input for receiving a high-definition signal. The screen of a modern Full HD TV always has a resolution of 1920x1080.

The HDTV screen is always widescreen, that is, it has an aspect ratio of 16:9. This format covers up to 70% of the field of view of the human eye, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves deeper into the atmosphere of the film, which enhances the viewing experience.

Russian terrestrial analogue television broadcasting has a resolution of 720x576 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Video from a standard DVD is usually played in 720x480 (16:9) resolution. A logical question arises: will the new TV be able to receive signals from “non-HDTV” sources, and how will this affect the image quality?

Yes, an HDTV can receive and display a standard definition signal. In this case, an image with an aspect ratio of 4:3 can be displayed on a widescreen screen in two ways: with black stripes along the edges of the picture, or by slightly cropping the top and bottom. Some TV models have a special processing unit that clears the analog signal of noise, increases the resolution using interpolation, and applies digital smoothing algorithms, thus improving the picture to HDTV standards. However, you should not expect “miracles” from such transformations. To obtain a high-quality image, a high-definition signal is required.

Unfortunately, there is no widespread high-definition television broadcasting in Russia. It needs modernization large quantity television stations and the transition to fully digital television broadcasting, which is planned for 2015. Therefore, the high definition signal source on this moment Only Blu-Ray discs, satellite or cable television, and game consoles can serve. However, in some areas of the country, digital broadcasting is already being launched, and cable TV networks are appearing and developing.

Matrix response time

The concept of “response time” was not applied to CRT televisions, since the duration of the phosphor afterglow was quite short. But with the advent of “matrix” screens, this parameter has become of great importance.

Matrix response time is the average time during which a screen matrix element moves from one state to another. Too long a response time can result in the appearance of “trails” of residual glow behind fast-moving objects.

Typically, the time taken for a pixel to transition from white to black and then back is measured. But some manufacturers measure response time using the so-called “GtG” scheme (Grey-to-Grey). Response time is expressed in milliseconds (ms). Its typical values, for example for LCD matrices, are in the range from 2 to 10 ms.

When watching dynamic scenes in films, such as chases or fights, the short response time will prevent the picture from becoming blurry. For comfortable viewing of movies and programs, a screen with a response time of up to 8-10 ms is sufficient, but if you plan to connect the TV to a computer, you should limit your choice to models with a response time of less than 5 ms. You can ignore the response time if you buy plasma. In this case, its value is invariably small.

Contrast

Another characteristic of a TV screen that affects viewing comfort is image contrast, which is the ratio of the brightness of the lightest area to the darkest area. That is, the brighter the matrix displays white, and the deeper, more saturated black, the higher the screen contrast level. So, for example, with a contrast ratio of 1000:1, the white areas are 1000 times brighter than the black areas. High contrast allows you to distinguish more shades of colors and details of the picture.

But the inherent, “structural” (also called static) contrast of even expensive LCD matrices is still insufficient, especially when playing HD video, where the requirements for image quality are very high.

To increase the visible contrast, manufacturers have come up with a fairly effective and, at the same time, inexpensive solution. A modern TV analyzes the content of each frame and automatically adjusts the screen brightness. Thus, in low-light scenes, the backlight emits less light, making dark colors deeper, and in bright scenes, it becomes brighter, enhancing whites.

The contrast measured using this automatic backlight brightness adjustment is called dynamic contrast (DC). Its values ​​in expensive models can reach 5,000,000:1, and acceptable image quality is provided by dynamic contrast values ​​of about 10,000:1.

The use of LED backlighting for LCD TV matrices has significantly increased contrast, so the image on an LED TV screen looks deeper and clearer than on a conventional LCD.

Brightness

The high brightness of the screen allows you to comfortably watch TV in external, natural or artificial lighting conditions. Low brightness images are difficult to perceive and cause excessive eye strain.

The brightness of a TV screen is expressed as luminous intensity per unit area and is measured in cd/m2 (read as candelas per square meter).

Currently, the most expensive models of LCD TVs are almost equal in brightness to plasma ones, which have always won in this parameter due to the self-luminescence of screen elements. But most LCD matrices are still inferior to them, since the flow of light from lamps or LEDs has to overcome a layer of liquid crystals, the transparency of which is not absolute. Typical brightness values ​​for LCD and LED TVs range from 300 to 600 cd/m2, while for plasmas it easily reaches 1500 cd/m2.

At the same time, brightness is not the only important characteristic of a TV, as some manufacturers try to teach it. The fact is that as the brightness of the image increases, its contrast decreases, and the colors become dull and inconspicuous, despite the declared “large color gamut.” Therefore, high screen brightness should always be combined with sufficient contrast.

Based on practical experience, we can formulate several recommendations for choosing the optimal ratio of brightness and contrast. So, for a budget TV model with a brightness of 300 cd/m2, the contrast should be at least 1000:1. In the middle segment, we recommend choosing a screen with a brightness of 400-500 cd/m2 with a contrast of about 5000-10000:1, and for the high-end class - from 600 cd/m2 and at least 20000:1.

An excess supply of brightness will not be superfluous, especially since it can always be adjusted within a fairly wide range. And of course, not every TV can compete in brightness with direct sunlight, so you should avoid installing it opposite windows.

Viewing Angles

The maximum viewing angle is another TV characteristic that appeared with the advent of digital screens. It indicates the maximum angle to the plane of the TV screen from which the image is perceived without distortion.

To understand where distortions come from, you need to take a closer look at the structure of the screen matrix - this effect is due to its very structure.

The liquid crystal matrix is ​​a multi-layer surface and is a very thin structure. The pixels are optically isolated from each other by polarizing filters, and the backlight lamps or LEDs are located at a very small, but still non-zero distance from them. And therefore, light, passing through the cells, enters a kind of “well”, which limits the area of ​​its dispersion.

A larger viewing angle is provided by a thinner, and therefore more expensive, matrix. Most LCD TVs have a viewing angle of 170 degrees, and flagship models have a viewing angle of 175-178 degrees.

Distortion manifests itself in the form of changes in colors on the screen and a drop in the apparent brightness and contrast of the image. As the viewing angle increases, the observer does not see a sharp drop in picture quality, but a gradual deterioration. The best results are achieved when viewed perpendicular to the screen, and in the range of approximately -60 to +60 degrees, distortion remains subtle. Thus, the optimal TV viewing angle is about 120 degrees.

Budget models usually have viewing angles of about 160-170 degrees. But if such a model is installed correctly, viewing from an “inappropriate” angle will be impossible, and you simply will not be able to notice the distortion, while saving a lot of money. A good option There will be, for example, installation of such a TV at the end (short) wall of a not too large room. To avoid discomfort associated with an incorrectly chosen viewing angle, you need to think about where to install the TV.

For plasma panels, the problem with viewing angles is not so acute, thanks to the features of this technology. The fact is that visible light is emitted by a layer of phosphor, which is much closer to the outer surface of the screen than the lamps or LED backlights of LCD and LED screens. Therefore, almost all plasma TVs provide a maximum viewing angle of about 175-178 degrees.

Interfaces

The TV interfaces allow you to connect other devices to it: DVD and Blu-Ray players and VCRs, game consoles, digital photo and video cameras, surround sound speakers, laptops and other attributes of a modern “digital home”.

The list of possible interfaces is quite wide:

Composite (AV). It was widespread in the era of CRT televisions, but the quality it offers does not meet today's requirements. Therefore, TVs are equipped with a composite input for compatibility with older devices. Usually presented in the form of three RCA connectors ("tulip"), one of which, usually yellow, is used for video transmission, and the other two are used for stereo audio transmission.

Component. An analog interface that transmits a video signal in the form of three image components. This eliminates the need to mix the signal at the source and then separate it at the receiver, which provides better picture quality compared to the composite input. However, digital connections are inferior, and TVs are equipped with component video and audio outputs for compatibility with older devices. Switching is carried out using RCA connectors (“tulip”). Does not transmit sound.

SCART. Combined multi-contact interface for analog transmission (input and output) of image and sound over a cable up to 15 meters long. It is a standard for devices intended for sale on the European market. The quality of video signal transmission is at the level of a component interface, but some TV models also allow two-way exchange of digital commands via SCART, for example, synchronization of the start of the TV and VCR. Compatible with composite and component interfaces using SCART-tulip adapters.

SCART-RGB. This designation is sometimes used to identify a SCART interface that supports video transmission in RGB mode, which provides better image quality.

S-Video. An analog connector used to output images to a TV from a computer, laptop, video recorder, digital camera and other devices. By choosing the appropriate adapter cable, for example, from S-Video to 4 “tulips” or from S-Video to SCART, you can connect a variety of image sources. Does not transmit sound.

D-Sub. A common standard analog video output used to connect computers to a TV. The signal transmitted over this interface is very sensitive to interference and electromagnetic interference, so the image quality depends on the quality of the cable used and its length, which can be up to 15 meters. TVs equipped with D-Sub can usually be used as full-fledged computer monitors. Does not transmit sound.

DVI. Transmits a higher quality image than D-Sub due to the use of a digital signal format and the absence of double digital-to-analog conversion. A DVI cable 4.5 meters long allows you to transmit images with a resolution of 1920x1200, and a cable 15 meters long allows you to transmit images with a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. Does not transmit sound.

HDMI. a modern high-definition multimedia interface designed to transmit high-definition video signals (up to 2560x1440) and multi-channel audio over a single cable up to 5 meters long. It is compatible with DVI, but is used mainly for connecting various household audio/video equipment; you can also connect a computer equipped with this interface to a TV via HDMI.

Mini-jack. A stereo jack, used for audio output, is often present on the front of the TV. In this case, it is intended for connecting headphones.

Coaxial audio output (BNC). Digital interface for audio transmission. It features high signal quality and minimal interference. Used to transmit sound between a TV and a disc player or AV receiver, as well as to connect surround sound speakers.

Optical audio output (Toslink). Digital interface for surround sound transmission. Allows you to transmit a multi-channel signal without interference, thanks to the use of an optical cable that is not subject to electrical interference. Used to transmit sound between a TV and a disc player or AV receiver, as well as to connect surround sound speakers.

USB. A computer connector that has become widespread in television technology. Used to read music and videos from flash drives. Usually located on the front panel of the TV, which allows you to quickly connect a “flash drive” for viewing. In the absence of digital television broadcasting, the USB port can serve as a convenient source of HD signal.

As a rule, any TV is equipped with a large set of different connectors, but only expensive models can “boast” of having all existing interfaces, and, accordingly, versatility in connection.

When choosing a TV, you need to think in advance about what devices you plan to connect it to, and make sure that the TV model you choose has the appropriate interfaces. It is better to include in the set of ports those that may be useful in the future.

Recently, connecting devices via HDMI has become very popular. In addition to high throughput, this interface is highly versatile, and therefore many components of a modern home media system are equipped with it. Preference should be given to TV models with as many HDMI ports as possible.

Tuners

Despite the ability to connect many signal sources, receiving television programs remains an important task of the TV. Any TV has a built-in electronic unit responsible for receiving terrestrial, satellite or cable television signals, which is called a tuner (English “tuner”, literally “tuner”).

A TV may be equipped with more than one tuner. Thus, two tuners allow you to use the “picture-in-picture” (PIP) mode to display images from two television channels at once. This can be useful, for example, if you are waiting for a program to start while watching news or music videos. Often, the manufacturer indicates support for PIP mode in the specifications of a TV that has only one tuner. In this case, this function will only work when connecting additional signal sources other than the antenna: disc player, computer, video camera, satellite receiver or others.

There are three types of tuners:
analog. So far, the most relevant type of tuner for Russian buyers. Allows you to receive an analog television signal from a conventional antenna or cable TV network;

digital. Capable of receiving digital television broadcast signals. At the moment, it is practically not carried out anywhere in Russia, so the presence of a digital tuner on a TV now can only be considered as a foundation for the future;

hybrid. Combines the capabilities of digital and analog tuners. Today there are quite a lot of TVs on the market equipped with a hybrid tuner, and purchasing such a model can probably be considered the best option.

Sound

A built-in speaker system is present in almost any modern TV. Buying a TV screen for your living room usually means connecting to a home theater system, but if the target room is the kitchen or bedroom, you may want to consider the device's own audio capabilities to save space.

Inexpensive TV models can only reproduce monaural sound and use one or two speakers. More advanced ones are equipped with a built-in stereo system, in which the number of speakers can be from two to eight. Some Russian terrestrial TV channels broadcast with stereo sound in the A2/NICAM format, and in order to fully receive such broadcasts, the tuner must also support this format.

The high power of the TV's built-in speaker system is important for creating sufficient sound power in large rooms. It is rational that small diagonal TVs are equipped with acoustics with a power of 1-5 W, and large ones - 10-20 W or more. As a rule, the manufacturer selects it in such a way as to ensure comfortable sound when installing the TV in a room of a suitable size (see subsection “Screen diagonal”).

When choosing a TV for your living room, you should pay attention to the presence of a Dolby Digital processor. It will allow the TV to independently decode the signal to play a multi-channel 5.1 audio track, and if it has a built-in amplifier, output it to an external speaker system. Otherwise, you will need to connect another device equipped with a Dolby Digital decoder to get surround sound.

Additional functions

Many modern TVs have in their arsenal a set of additional features with which manufacturers expand the functionality of products. It is quite difficult to give any specific recommendations here: your choice will most likely depend on how necessary and convenient this or that function seems to you.

Some Philips TV models are equipped with the AmbiLight function, which uses additional multi-color lamps on the body to create background lighting in the room. Its color is chosen depending on the color prevailing in the scene: for example, if there is fire, the backlight will be orange-red. This allows you to enhance the impression of watching a film and achieve a more complete immersion in its atmosphere.

Panasonic TVs of the Viera series have the VIERALink function, which allows you to easily combine several devices of this brand, for example, a disc player, satellite and AV receiver into a single coordinated system and control it with just one remote control. Sony BraviaSync technology, used in Bravia series TVs, operates in a similar way.

Below is a short list of other additional features found on many TV models from different brands:

off/on timer. Allows you to set the TV to automatically turn on or off at a specific time. For example, the screen in the kitchen will turn on while you are getting ready for work;

frequency 24 Hz (24p True Cinema). Films are initially shot at 24 frames per second. But when burning them to a regular DVD, the format requires a frame rate of 25 frames per second, which leads to a slight acceleration of the image when viewing. A TV that supports this feature is able to restore the original frame rate during playback, provided that the disc player also supports it;

program guide (EPG). Electronic program transmissions with descriptions. More convenient than its paper-newspaper version, but support for this function exists only for digital terrestrial or cable television broadcasting;

protection from children. Prevents children from turning on the TV when no adults are present. It can also implement blocking of individual TV channels;

teletext. Allows you to receive additional information on the TV screen, if such an opportunity is provided by local television broadcasting;

automatic volume control. Television channels and disc recordings may have different level volume. This function automatically analyzes the volume of the source sound and adjusts it in accordance with the user-selected level;

Entering channel names. Allows you to easily identify channels using custom labels;

list of favorite channels. You can add channels that you would like to watch into it without wasting time switching programs one by one;

freeze frame (Time Shift). Gives you the opportunity to “stop time” by pausing while watching a television program. Naturally, its broadcast continues, but you won’t miss anything, since the TV saves a video recording to its internal memory that you can watch later.

Some TV models provide the ability to select operating modes: standard, game, cinema and others. Switching to the appropriate mode allows you to automatically adjust the screen settings so that they are optimally suited for the selected image type. For example, the game mode activates a special circuit to reduce the response time of the matrix and thereby eliminate the effect of blurring fast-moving objects, which is very important for games.

Buying a TV

Guided by the recommendations given and carefully analyzing the parameters, you can easily choose the TV that is most suitable for you. We hope that with the help of our tips you will be able to create a modern, high-tech, smoothly working media system in your home that will make your stay at home more fun and enjoyable.

Most homes have more than one TV. Maybe two, three or more. They are installed in different rooms - in the kitchen, in the living room, in the bedroom or in the nursery. Depending on the place of “registration”, the requirements and selection criteria change. So it turns out that choosing a TV is not so easy.

To choose a TV, you first need to decide at least on the technology by which it will be manufactured. They all have their pros and cons. But even the disadvantages can be used “for good.”

Plasma screens

The design of a plasma panel is fundamentally different from all other technologies. Between two glass plates there are cells filled with gas - xenon or neon. That’s why such TVs are sometimes called gas-discharge TVs. When current passes, the cells glow, the brightness of the glow depends on the magnitude of the current.

The main advantage of this technology: high quality of the “picture”, which is preserved even in very dynamic moments. Other advantages of this technology are no less impressive:

Very good indicators that contributed to the rapid growth of popularity. But there are also disadvantages:

If you want to choose a TV with a large screen, high-quality images and good color reproduction, pay attention to plasma panels. This is exactly them. Only if you want, you will have to look for appropriate brackets and the wall must have good load-bearing capacity. Drywall or foam concrete will not hold such a mass.

Properties of LCD TVs (LCD)

LCD screens use a digital image transmission method. They are so named because the cells are filled with liquid crystals, which in an electromagnetic field polarize the light passing through them, changing the degree of their own transparency. To obtain an image, a matrix with liquid crystals is illuminated from behind (cold cathode lamps), and color filters are used to convey shades.

The advantages of LCD TVs are as follows:

• Recent models have low power consumption.
• Higher resolution (compared to plasma).
• Possibility of playback in FullHD format.
• Light weight.
• There are screens of different sizes - both small and large. The image on them has the same quality.
• Good image geometry.
• Low level of electromagnetic radiation as they are powered from reduced voltage.
• There is no screen burn-in or see-through.
• The screen does not attract dust.

A similar set of qualities contributed to the rapid spread of televisions with liquid crystal screens. But they also have a number of disadvantages that are worth knowing about:

If you want to choose an LCD TV with good resolution, you will have to shell out a substantial amount. If the requirements for image quality are not so strict, it is quite possible to look at models from the mid-price range.

LED technology

The difference between LCD and LED TVs is in the various lamps used to backlight the matrix. LED TVs use LEDs. They are smaller in size, which allows for very thin screens. They are also more durable and consume less electricity. There are two types of LED screen backlighting:

Through the use of LEDs, LCD TVs receive additional advantages:

If you decide to choose a TV with high image quality, take a closer look at LED models. They have, perhaps, only one drawback - the high price. Good quality LED TV costs $600-1000. Compared to conventional LCDs, they cost 40-50% more. However, these are not the most expensive models today and many people opt for LED TVs.

OLED and QLED technology

This technology for making televisions appeared already in this century, and they have been mass-produced for only four years. The image is formed by organic light-emitting diodes, which emit light themselves and do not require backlighting. In English they are designated OLED, which gives the name to this type of TV.

Today there are two main technologies for producing OLED TVs:

Modern televisions have long broken out of the narrow concepts of devices designed only to demonstrate acceptable video and sound quality. Nowadays we are talking about high-tech devices that combine the functions of a TV tuner, computer and multimedia center. In this article, we invite you to consider together the most current characteristics and capabilities of televisions, which may be useful in choosing the model that is right for you.

Picture and sound quality

Screen resolution . This parameter is really important, since the clarity of the image on the screen largely depends on it. Resolution is especially important for large-diagonal TVs. Today, the most common TVs with resolution formats are HD ready (1280x720 pix), Full HD (1920x1080 pix) and Ultra HD (3840x2160 pix).

Ideal image quality is achieved only when the resolution of the video signal completely matches the resolution of the TV screen. In any other option, it will be necessary to use signal interpolation using software methods, adjusting it to the physical resolution of the screen matrix. Therefore, when choosing a TV resolution, you should take into account the type of signal that will be supplied to its input: terrestrial or cable television, DVD or Blu-Ray format, etc.

Motion Enhancement Technology . Modern manufacturers prefer not to indicate the actual frame rate, which mainly affects the quality of motion transmission on the screen. Most often, the specifications describing the main characteristics of televisions indicate only virtual complex values, which sometimes reach fantastic values ​​of 600, 800 and even 1200 Hertz.

On Samsung TVs this is Clear Motion Rate ( CMR), LG has Motion Clarity Index ( MCI), and Philips prefers to evaluate the quality of dynamics in the Perfect Motion Rate ( PMR). These values ​​are practically incomparable between different brands, but in model range from one manufacturer, you should choose a TV with a higher index.

Acoustic format . The built-in acoustics format used by most budget TV models is 2.0. (two wideband stereo speakers without a subwoofer) practically does not transmit the low-frequency component of the sound. Therefore, developers are forced to use different software methods improving acoustic performance.

For better sound quality, it is preferable to choose models that use the 2.1 format (with a subwoofer), which provides acceptable bass sound, or use external speaker systems in 4.1 or 5.1 format.

Additional features and functionality

Smart TV

A high-quality TV with Smart TV function should have the following properties and components:

• High qualityweb browser;
• Intuitive interface;
• Be integrated into social networks;
• Built-in media player that allows you to play files from externalUSB devices and memory cards;
• On-board webcam or the optional ability to connect it to use the serviceSkype;
• Access to the company's application store;
• Be equipped with alternative control and access methods (voice, gestures, visual user identification);
• Have a sufficient set of pre-installed widgets.

Some manufacturers have taken care in advance about the possibility of upgrading their Smart TVs. For example, the South Korean company Samsung has launched the production of external replaceable modules Smart Evolution, allowing you to update software last year's models, providing them with new functions and capabilities.

Support 3 D

Today, active and passive technologies are used to create three-dimensional images on TVs. The advantages of active 3D include high picture quality, which does not require additional software processing, while passive 3D impresses with its simplicity and convenience. In addition, passive systems are easier to manufacture, which has a beneficial effect on the cost of the TV.

When choosing a high-quality, top-level device, you should remember that main characteristics of TVs The following 3D features must be enabled:

• Adjusting the depth of the volumetric image;
• Converting a flat image to 3D;
• Supports simultaneous use of the screen by several users (playing together, watching different TV programs).

Data exchange

As the fleet of household multimedia devices grows, the role of technologies that facilitate the exchange of streaming content and media files between them is increasing. Among the features that should be present in premium models are support for the following technologies:

• DLNA , allowing you to combine all homeHi-Tech devices into one local network(LAN);
• MHL , providing a wired HDMI connection between TVs and mobile devices for display on the big screenFullHD content;
• Miracast (Wi-Fi Direct) , providing the transfer of multimedia information from one device to another via a channelWi-Fi directly, without combining them into a LAN network;
• WiDi , which allows you to mirror the image shown on the display of the paired TV onto a large TV screen mobile device via channelWi-Fi without using a router;
• NFC, which makes pairing other devices with the TV as convenient and fast as possible.

All methods of information exchange used by various manufacturers of TV receivers are based on these technologies; it’s just that developers prefer to call these TV capabilities differently, adding sonority and attractiveness to them.

Communication capabilities

Today, almost all lines of TVs are equipped with a comprehensive set of connectors necessary for full operation and switching. Typically, the difference between models of different classes lies only in the number and versions of installedHDMI- And USB- connectors providing high speed broadband signal transmission.

The USB interface is the most common and convenient. Many premium TV models are already equipped with the most advanced type of USB version 3.0. As for HDMI ports, today some Hi-End TVs support version 2.0. of this interface, which allows transmitting ultra-high definition UHD video signals.

In addition, the HDMI interface can be used to connect all home devices into a single multimedia network, each of which can be controlled from a single television remote control. Almost all manufacturers use this function. LG calls itSimpleLink, Samsung - Anynet+, and Philips - EasyLink.

On premium TVs prerequisite is the presence of additional slots for connecting external memory cards of various standards (Compact Flash, Memory Stick or MMC), which can be used in parallel in portable cameras and mobile devices.

With this article, our website continues a whole series of useful materials, the purpose of which is to make it easier to choose any product from the thousands of options offered on the market. Agree, choosing a specific model of a gadget always takes a lot of time, which can be spent usefully. In today's material we will talk about choosing the right TV for your home.

Main characteristics of TVs

Smart TV. LED. OLED. 4K. LCD panel technology is advancing, but not all TVs are created equal. Today, consumers are offered hundreds and even thousands of models to choose from, which can cost from several hundred US dollars to many tens of thousands.

Naturally, the main factors when choosing a TV are its cost and screen size. The most popular models have diagonals from 30 to 110 inches, and their cost can reach up to $50,000 or even more. LED LCD TVs have already crossed the 1920x1080 pixel mark - completely new models use 4K resolution. At the same time, OLED models are better and brighter than their counterparts.

It is worth remembering two important characteristics of a modern TV: support for Smart TV and support for 3D images.

Smart TV is real operating system, which controls the entire device. It usually allows you to install third party applications- gaming, entertainment, educational and so on. The choice of applications depends on the manufacturer and model of the TV - for example, it is considered the richest in the latest models from Samsung, LG, Sony and Philips.

3D support, let's be honest, has already outlived its usefulness. Unless the TV is super expensive, you need special glasses to use it, and the picture not only becomes dimmer and darker, but can also cause headaches. In general, 3D has not caught on in consumer TVs (although support for it is quite widespread), as evidenced by the sharp decline in the number of 3D films released in last years. Now manufacturers are promoting a new feature - 4K resolution and curved screens.

Types of TVs

LED LCD TVs

These TVs occupy a large part of the modern market. LED TVs use diodes to illuminate individual pixels on the screen and do not consume much power. They also often feature active dimming technology for even greater savings.

Most LED LCD TVs use diodes at the edges of the screen to make them thinner, but turning the backlight on in one area and off in another may not be as effective. Some such TVs, however, have full backlighting across the entire surface of the panel. Sometimes manufacturers even indicate the number of active backlight elements in such models. However, this characteristic is not yet widespread.

Pros:

The largest selection of both sizes and prices. Quite cheap TVs are not even the smallest sizes, like 42 inches. Small thickness of the case, which allows you to install LED LCD TVs wherever you want. The image quality is far from the worst.

Minuses:

They do not display dynamic scenes in movies and sports programs very well. Image quality can vary greatly from model to model. In dark scenes, you're unlikely to see true black.

Plasma TVs

This technology was once the best in thin TVs. Such models use microscopic cells with gas. Due to the fact that such cells turn off and turn on faster, scenes with fast movements are performed better on plasma TVs. Unfortunately, the future of plasma screens is not clear - the largest manufacturer of such panels curtailed production in 2013. LG and Samsung continue to make them for now, but how long this will continue is a big question.

Pros:

Deeper black color. More accurate color display than LED LCD. Better performance in fast-paced scenes. Often lower cost. Due to their falling out of fashion, such TVs are often sold at a discount.

Minuses:

In a bright room, the screen of a plasma TV will look paler. These TVs are thicker and heavier, and also get very hot and consume a lot of energy.

4K TVs

These are LED LCD TVs with a very high resolution of 3840x2160 pixels - four times more than traditional FullHD models. For now, this is a controversial choice - very little 4K content is sold, and you are unlikely to watch films and TV series in “native” resolution on such a TV.

Pros:

Small objects have more detail, and text is easier to read. Sometimes, however, the differences from FullHD TVs only become apparent.

Minuses:

A small number of films and TV series in 4K quality. High price: A 55- or 65-inch model will cost $5,000 or more. True, the cost of 4K TVs is steadily falling, and in 2015 many manufacturers are going to sell less expensive models.

Curved TVs

This is another “trick” of 4K LED LCD and OLED models, which, according to manufacturers, makes viewing more enjoyable and “immerses” the viewer in the film he is watching. They are much more expensive than similar, but flat models. Curved TVs are mainly produced by Samsung and LG, but Sony, for example, decided not to resort to such technologies. Many analysts consider such models useless and claim that they will suffer the fate of 3D.

Pros:

Deeper immersion into what is happening on the screen.

Minuses:

High price. Poor visibility: this TV is uncomfortable to look at from the side.

OLED TVs

TVs with organic light-emitting diodes, which can illuminate each element separately, unlike LED LCD models. Thanks to this, the picture turns out brighter, clearer and more “alive”, and black colors become very deep and expressive. Most likely to become the most popular technology in the future.

Current OLED TV models have resolutions up to 1920x1080 pixels, and 4K models may be available later this year.

Pros:

Best image quality to date.

Minuses:

High cost: 55-inch models start at almost $10,000. Prices, however, are falling quite quickly, and today a 55-inch LG OLED TV, for example, can be bought for half the price. It is also not yet clear how such TVs will react to prolonged display of the same static picture.

Choosing a TV for different needs

In most cases, a regular LED LCD TV will suit you. Such models are thin, suitable for use in illuminated rooms and are quite cheap. Some TVs, however, can cost many thousands of dollars if they have, say, built-in cameras or voice recognition support.

TV for games

For hardcore gamers, plasma TVs are best suited, as the screen displays dynamic images best. If you don’t want to buy plasma, then you should pay attention to LED LCD models with a scanning frequency of 120 Hz and higher. In addition, many modern TVs have a special “game” mode, which turns off many post-processing elements, but allows you to reduce input lag.

TV for watching sports

If you really love sports, then it is better to watch it on plasma TV. Naturally, if you plan to place it next to a window or in a constantly lit room, then it is better to pay attention to LED LCD and OLED with a high refresh rate.

TV for very bright rooms

LED LCD models, as well as the most modern OLED TVs, win here. On them the picture will not look so faded and dull.

Budget TVs

The best price-quality ratio now comes from LED LCD TVs with a diagonal of 40 to 46 inches, which can be purchased for $500. Most likely, in an ordinary apartment you will not need a model with a large screen. You can also choose a TV without Smart TV support, and instead use an external device, for example, an Android-based set-top box.

How to choose TV size?

The most important thing is to consider the size of your room. Think about how many people in your family will watch TV at the same time, choose a suitable wall and place the largest TV on it that will look good there. Even in the largest rooms, using a TV larger than 55 inches is considered overkill.

Important features and specifications of TVs

Contrast ratio

Characterizes the range of display backlight levels. A higher ratio means sharper shadows and darker colors. However, different manufacturers use different methods to measure this characteristic - it is best to look at the TV with your own eyes, and not evaluate them by coefficient numbers.

Brightness

It is measured in candelas per square meter. Depending on the measurement method, manufacturer and other factors, the device documentation may indicate a number of up to 500 cd/m2, but in reality, a brightness level of 80-120 cd/m2 is sufficient. Please remember that for use in very well-lit rooms, you should choose a TV with high rate maximum brightness.

Sweep frequency

Characterizes the frequency with which the image on the screen changes. The standard scanning frequency for modern models is 120 Hz (120 times per second). Higher frequencies (for example, 240 Hz) allow for better 3D image display. LED LCD models use higher frequencies to smooth out the effect of poor backlighting. You should also beware of terms like “effective sweep frequency” - manufacturers often resort to tricks and inflate the real frequency using proprietary technologies.

Screen resolution

Everything is simple here: the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture on the screen. Previously, the most common TVs used 1280x720 pixels, but now the most common resolution is 1920x1080 pixels (FullHD). We have already talked about 4K TVs with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels above.

Supports the correct digital television standard

In the Republic of Belarus, the DVB-T standard is used when broadcasting TV channels. You will be surprised, but some TV models may not support it, so you should always pay attention to this factor.

WiFi

Almost all modern TV models support this wireless data transmission technology. If you are not interested in it, think again, most likely Wi-Fi will come in handy when using the TV more than once or twice. It is worth paying attention to the support for Wi-Fi Direct technology (allows you to connect other Wi-Fi devices without using an access point) and the version of Wi-Fi that the device supports (it is best if it is 802.11ac or at least 802.11n).

HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort ports

Used to connect video and audio sources. Most likely, you will not need other ports other than those indicated in the subtitle, but the presence of these three is necessary. It is worth paying attention to the HDMI version - the maximum quality (for example, resolution) of the transmitted content depends on it. At the moment, the most advanced version of HDMI is 2.0, which allows you to transmit 4K video at 60 frames per second. In addition, HDMI is used to connect set-top boxes like Chromecast.

DLNA support

If you plan to use a local multimedia server on one of your home devices and connect a TV to it, then it must support this technology.

USB and card reader

USB ports on TVs can be used to play video, audio or display photos, as well as, for example, to record TV programs and many other tasks. If you often use a digital camera to take photos and videos, then the SD card from it can be inserted into the TV card reader to view the footage. Naturally, this will require a card reader.

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital support means six-channel audio is reproduced at maximum quality for a complete home theater experience. Naturally, for this you will need to have a good audio system and high quality content itself.

Touch controls

Most manufacturers sell separately (or put in the box with more expensive models) touchscreen remote controls, which are very convenient, for example, when surfing the Internet directly on the TV or for navigating through various Smart TV menus. In addition, most manufacturers have developed for this mobile applications, with which you can use a tablet or smartphone as a remote control.

TVs that are turned on in a store always show the videos that look best on them, with the best picture settings. Keep in mind that in a home environment, the TV may not be nearly as impressive.

Conclusion

We hope that this article helped you deal with the difficult task of choosing your future TV. Next week we'll help you choose a digital camera!