Buying guide: find your TV in 6 steps
9.10.2017
Translation: machine translated
Don't have the time to research in specialist magazines or read blogs? We've got just what you need! A special TV buying guide. With these six points, you're sure to find a model that meets your expectations.
1. What is your absolute limit?
We have selected three interesting offers for each price range.
Up to 500 francs
You don't want to spend too much money. That's understandable. But don't worry. Even with this budget, you'll be able to get something decent. The most important thing for you is being able to watch TV. Size and functionality are not important to you. At this price, you can already get 40-inch sets with Full HD and even a Smart TV - but entry-level.
Up to 1000 francs
Middle-class entry-level: you don't want to spend too much, but you already have some requirements anyway. 4K/UHD resolution and HDR for high-contrast colours are already available at this price. Here, quality depends on size. You can find a very good 40" or 50" television, or an average 55". For the same price, the larger the diagonal, the lower the picture quality.
Up to 2000 francs
At this price, you already have a nice piece to put in the living room. However, for this budget, the size is limited to 70 inches. In this price range, 4K and excellent picture quality are quite possible, if you accept having a slightly smaller screen diagonal.
Up to 3000 francs
Here you'll find top models with LCD and OLED, and of course 4K too. OLED TVs stand out with very good contrast and black values. But you can just as easily opt for an LCD TV and enjoy a few extra inches of screen diagonal. If you don't want to make any concessions in terms of quality, the maximum size is around 55 inches. In this price range, the 65s are in the mid-range and already offer very good picture quality.
From 3000 francs
Here, you're spoilt for choice. Want an original design, a TV that's just huge or the best OLED there is? TV enthusiasts will have a field day.
2. How big does the TV need to be?
It's basically up to you to decide how big your TV should be. With 4K TVs, you can sit as close as you like without seeing the pixels. The further away you sit, the less the benefits of ultra-high resolution screens are visible. Take a look at the following graph to get an idea: screen diagonal x 1.5 = distance to sit. And as said: it's almost always possible to sit closer and get a bigger TV.
3. Do you really need a 4K TV?
Not necessarily. There's not too much content available, but it's tending to increase. There are UHD Blu-rays, YouTube, some TV channels and streaming providers, such as Netflix, that offer 4K content. 4K TV sets also play content that is not in 4K at a higher resolution (upscaling). The quality is therefore better than that of a Full HD TV. Those who want to enjoy excellent picture quality need 4K - and of course a top-of-the-range TV.
As we generally keep a TV for quite a while, by opting for a 4K model, you're making an investment for the future.
4. Do you need an OLED model?
No, but if you can afford one, don't hesitate. The display technology is much more advanced. Colours are more intense and black is really black. OLED models consume much less energy. But thanks to various techniques, such as Quantum Dot, LCD TVs are now also delivering good results. As OLED models are more expensive than similar LCD TVs, comparing product features is often worthwhile. Prices are slowly starting to come down.
5. Do you need an audio system?
It depends. If you love watching films and series, then you definitely need one. It's been a long time since flat screens have had room to integrate quality speakers. That's why a surround system or sound bar adds considerable value to the home cinema experience. Entry-level solutions already offer a big improvement over built-in speakers. [[product:6281428,5339782,2482123]]
Overview of all soundbars
Overview of all home cinema sets
Overview of all HiFi & home cinema speakers
6. Do you value design?
Manufacturers strive to integrate the TV as a design object. If you're interested in a stylish cabling system or are intrigued by the theme of 'frameless design', then this information might be of use to you. Some high-priced TVs no longer have their own connections, but come with a separate junction box. These are very easy to store and allow much easier access to the sockets. And there's now just one cable running from the TV.
If you don't want to wall-mount your TV, then take a look at the stands. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are height-adjustable, while others can be tilted. There are now TVs that are so slim that they can almost be fixed to the wall like wallpaper. Manufacturers are very clearly putting a lot of emphasis on design.
More info here
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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