TV buying guide

Most modern TVs feature full HD (high definition) and LED (light-emitting diode) technology, providing enhanced brightness, crisp picture quality, and realistic images - ideal for smaller screens and budget-savvy buyers.

Dive into the dazzling 4K at 3840 x 2160 pixels - 4 times the full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). This means sharper colours, improved contrast, and greater clarity. Once you experience it, there's no going back.

Love luminance? QLED TVs bring high luminance to your home, displaying over 1 billion colours with 100% colour volume at any brightness. It's not just a treat, it's a visual feast.

Ideal for bright rooms, NanoCell TVs use tiny particles to deliver refined picture quality. NanoCell technology offers higher colour accuracy and clarity compared to LEDs and OLEDs.

An evolution of LED LCD screens, the Mini LED screen is made up of smaller sized but a larger number of lights spread across the screen. This technology allows for better contrast, larger screens, and overall brighter images.

OLED is a cutting-edge technology where every pixel produces its own light instead of relying on an LED backlight. With enhanced picture quality, unparalleled depth and clarity, it's made to awe even the best of TV connoisseurs.

Bigger, better, and bursting with brilliance - 8K TVs display content in ultra-high resolution. With 4 times the pixels of 4K, they deliver incredible detail and an immersive viewing experience.

A blend of Nanocell and Quantum Dot technology, QNED TVs have sharper picture quality and contrast. Perfect for gaming and watching sports, these screens offer a more immersive and dynamic viewing experience.

A new free streaming service for your smart TV, Freely brings you more on-demand content via the internet without an aerial service.

Choose a TV with Freeview Play for the best free content streaming service. It airs multiple live and on-demand channels including BBC iPlayer, CBS Catchup, and more.

Control your TV with voice commands. Integrating Amazon's voice-controlled assistant, Alexa, these TVs help create a seamless smart home experience. Alexa, open Netflix!

An aerial or satellite connection will be required only if you plan on watching live TV channels.

• To get the most out of a smart TV, you need a reasonably speedy internet connection.
• On-demand shows and movies are streamed using your internet connection, so the stronger your speed, the smoother your viewing experience will be.

You can connect your smart TV to the internet wirelessly or with an ethernet cable.

• All smart TVs have built-in Wi-Fi and you should be able to connect to your home wireless network during the setup of your TV, or through network settings.
• Alternatively, you can use a wired connection and connect your router to your TV via an ethernet cable which tends to be more stable than a Wi-Fi connection.

Some smart TVs will have a set of apps pre-installed and ready to use. The availability of apps varies for each TV and the app store they use. If you're interested in getting a particular app on your TV, do check that it's available before you buy. A few examples of apps you can get are:

• Free on-demand apps: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4.
• Subscription Streaming Apps: Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NowTV.
• Social Media: Facebook, YouTube.

Yes, it’s called remote access and many smart TVs can connect to your smartphone, tablet or wireless home cinema system. TVs with the remote access feature usually have an app for your device that lets you use your phone or tablet as a remote and share your screen with your TV.

Create a crisp, clear surround sound experience. As TVs become more streamlined, internal speakers also resize to fit the space. By adding a sound bar, you can boost your TV’s audio.

Neatly tuck it under your TV or turn it into a stylish speaker for your smart devices. Ready to elevate your TV audio game?

There are 4 types of brackets to help you securely mount your TV to the wall. Each of these will have a weight limit, so remember to check that your chosen bracket can support your TV’s weight. 

• Flat-to-wall - These sit flush to your wall.
• Tilting - Come with a small extendable arm that flexes horizontally. 
• Tilt and swivel - These move both horizontally and sideways to adjust your viewing angle.
• Multi-positional - The most flexible TV bracket allowing max movement for the best viewing angle.

Before you purchase your stand, think about the height, as this will affect the height of your TV. Measure the depth to accommodate the TV feet. Consider the width too, does your TV have feet in the middle or at the sides? Your stand should be 3 inches wider than your TV, but not so big that your TV looks too small.

Most TV units and stands are easy to move and come with smart ways to store your DVDs, consoles or cables. Plus there are multiple options to suit your style.

Lost the manual to your new TV? Or perhaps filed it away in that safe place? No worries, we’ve got you covered, whatever TV you have.

Life on-the-go sometimes means things don't go to plan - we'll fix or replace your item even if it's broken by accident. T&Cs apply.

Find out more

Provided by Domestic & General Insurance PLC.

Let's help you choose the best virtual reality headset for your needs.

From power to portability, find the laptop or computer that meets your needs.

Helpful tips and inspiration for all things tech.