There is a lot of choice involved in buying a new TV. So much so that it can feel a little overwhelming. But all that stands between you and endless hours of entertainment is settling on what you want in your new TV. To make that choice easier, we have compiled the key things to consider, from screen size and room layout to resolution, smart features and sound quality. In the living room The shape of the living room has a lot to do with how a TV is chosen. First, consider the following: The size of the room and couch placement How far you will be sitting from the screen The width of the room Whether viewing angle is important in a wide living room Whether the TV will be wall mounted or sit on a stand How many devices will be connected, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming devices or home theatre systems Thinking about your room layout first can help you choose a TV that suits the way you watch. Does the screen size suit the room? Once you are considering a particular screen size, test it out in your living room using this rule: Take the size of the screen diagonally and check that you will be sitting between 1.5 and 3 times that number from your TV when watching. If you need to move your head to look from one diagonal edge to the other, you may be sitting too close. The maximum range of motion your head should need to move is about forty degrees. Other small considerations include how many devices will be attached to the TV and whether the TV will be wall mounted or placed on an entertainment unit. Screen types When shopping for a new TV, it is easy to be overwhelmed by similar-sounding terms and acronyms. LED, LCD, OLED, QLED and 4K can all appear across different models, and each one relates to either the screen technology, picture quality or how the TV produces light and colour. At the end of the day, most modern TVs are designed to deliver a clear, enjoyable picture. To help narrow down your choice, here are some of the key screen types and display features to keep in mind. LED and LCD TVs LCD televisions come in a range of sizes and are often a cost-effective choice for many households. Many LCD TVs use LED technology to light the screen, which can help with energy efficiency and picture brightness. LED LCD TVs are widely available and can be a practical option for everyday viewing, whether you are watching free-to-air TV, streaming movies or setting up a TV in a bedroom or living room. OLED TVs OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. This technology allows manufacturers to create very slim screens compared with some other TV types. OLED TVs are known for their sleek design and strong picture performance, especially when it comes to contrast and deep blacks. Because of their slim design, they can be a great option for modern living rooms where the look of the TV matters as much as the viewing experience. 4K TVs 4K Ultra HD TVs offer picture resolution that is four times greater than Full HD TVs. This means they can display more detail, making them a popular choice for movies, sport, gaming and streaming. A 4K TV can also remain sharp when you are sitting closer to the screen, which gives you more flexibility when choosing a larger screen size for your room. Quantum Dot and QLED TVs Quantum Dot technology is designed to deliver a wider colour range and improved brightness compared with standard LCD TVs. This technology helps produce vivid colours and bright images, making it a strong option for households that watch a lot of sport, movies or streaming content. You may also see this technology referred to as QLED, depending on the manufacturer. Resolution TVs of the past had lower resolution, while Full HD TVs display a sharper picture with more detail. The next step up is 4K technology, also known as Ultra HD. 4K TVs display four times the number of pixels as Full HD TVs, helping create a clearer and more detailed picture. This can be especially useful on larger screens, where extra detail helps maintain image quality. When choosing a TV, resolution is worth considering alongside screen size. If you are buying a larger TV for the main living room, 4K is generally a smart option to compare. Cable connections No matter which TV you choose, it is worth checking what connections are available before you buy. HDMI ports are commonly used for gaming consoles, sound bars, Blu-ray players, streaming devices and other entertainment accessories. If you plan to connect several devices, make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your setup. This can help keep your entertainment area easier to use, especially if you regularly switch between streaming, gaming and free-to-air TV. Sound quality While TV screens are getting bigger and clearer, they are also getting thinner. This is great for making a sleek addition to the living room, but it can reduce the amount of space available for built-in speakers. For audio that better matches the high-definition picture, consider pairing the TV with a home theatre system or sound bar. This can help create a fuller entertainment experience, especially when watching movies, sport or streaming content. Smart TV features Televisions with smart capability are able to connect to the internet, which opens up a host of entertainment possibilities. Smart TVs can stream video directly to the TV, giving you access to free and subscription-based entertainment libraries from services such as Netflix, Stan, ABC iview and YouTube. This shifts the focus away from physical media like DVDs and makes it easier to watch movies, shows, sport, music videos and more from one screen. When comparing smart TVs, consider how easy the menu is to use, which streaming apps are available and whether the TV connects smoothly with the other devices in your home. Choosing a smaller TV There are plenty of places around the home to place a TV that are not the living room. There is the bedroom for those who like their TV with a little more relaxation, the kitchen for a cooking companion, and the playroom to keep the kids occupied. We often do not need as much from these smaller TVs as we do from the larger screen in the living room, so it can be fine for them to be lighter on features. For these spots, it is best to keep clutter to a minimum and choose a TV that suits the space. A smaller screen can work well in bedrooms, kitchens, playrooms or guest rooms, depending on viewing distance and available space. What to consider before buying a TV Before choosing a TV, think about how and where it will be used. The right TV for a main living room may be different from the right TV for a bedroom, playroom or kitchen. Consider: The size of the room How far you will sit from the screen Whether you want a 4K TV The screen technology you prefer Whether you need smart TV features How many HDMI ports you need Whether the TV will be wall mounted or placed on a stand Whether you want to add a sound bar or home theatre system Whether the TV is for everyday use or a secondary room Taking the time to compare these features can help you choose a TV that suits your space, viewing habits and home entertainment setup. FAQS What size TV should I buy? The right TV size depends on your room size and how far you sit from the screen. As a general guide, consider the screen size diagonally and check that your viewing distance feels comfortable. If you need to move your head from one side of the screen to the other, the TV may be too large for your space. Is a 4K TV worth it? A 4K TV is worth considering if you are buying a larger screen or want a sharper, more detailed picture for movies, sport, gaming and streaming. 4K resolution can help maintain image quality, especially when sitting closer to a bigger screen. Do I need a sound bar with my TV? You do not always need a sound bar, but it can improve your viewing experience. Because many modern TVs are slim, their built-in speakers can be limited. A sound bar or home theatre system can provide fuller sound for movies, sport and everyday entertainment. Should I use a surge protector for my TV? A surge protector can help protect your TV and connected devices from sudden power spikes. These can sometimes be caused by lightning, power interruptions or larger household appliances switching on and off. If you have a TV, sound bar, gaming console or other entertainment devices connected in one setup, a surge protector can be a useful way to add an extra layer of protection. Always choose a surge protector that is suitable for your devices and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Finding the right TV From screen size and resolution to smart features and sound quality, choosing the right TV comes down to how you watch and where the TV will be placed. A larger 4K TV may be ideal for the main living room, while a smaller model can work well in bedrooms, playrooms or other spaces around the home. When comparing TVs, think about your room layout, viewing distance, connected devices and whether you want extra audio support from a sound bar or home theatre system. Betta stocks a range of TVs from trusted appliance and electronics brands, with options to suit different rooms, screen sizes and entertainment needs. By comparing the available features, you can choose a TV that fits your home and makes everyday viewing more enjoyable.
