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HDMI ports

It may not seem important, but HDMI ports are essential for specific features and attachments. HDMI ports are used to plug entertainment sources into your TV set, and they can be used up quickly. Look for HDMI 2.0 ports or higher, which is what the newer TVs are manufactured with. HDMI ports are used to connect TVs to:

• Sound bars
• Game consoles
• Blu-ray players
• SSatellite or cable boxes
• Digital Video Recorders (DVR)

Audio

Even the best TVs suffer from less-than-stellar sound due to their flat designs. There is simply not enough room for large speakers on the TV to produce the full sound necessary to satisfy true audiophiles. There are two options:

• Quality built-in speakers: Look for a model that has larger speakers on the sides. A speaker on the back of the TV is not beneficial if you plan on mounting the TV.
• Wireless technology: Another way to add a fuller sound to your TV experience is to purchase sound bars or different types of speakers to enhance audio. These speakers are normally placed strategically throughout the room to create a surround-sound effect.

Smart TVs and smart apps

Upgrading to a smart TV can add more to the overall price, but it offers much more in terms of entertainment choices. Having such services built into the set is more convenient than attaching a separate streaming media box, such as a Roku or Apple TV. It also saves an HDMI port that you can instead use for a game console or Blu-ray player. Moreover, today's HDTVs are essentially flat-screen computers, so having a built-in internet connection means that the set's software can be upgraded or patched when necessary. For example, when you need to add new services or solve a picture-quality issue. Nearly all smart TVs have Wi-Fi, but be sure to check the features list. Also, look for smart TVs that have these features:

• Built-in apps: Check to see what apps are included. Is your favorite one missing? Some TVs enable you to add apps, but others may not have that feature.
• Stream other places: Other features on smart TVs include the ability to visit social websites, use your TV as a digital photo album or play casual games like Angry Birds.
• Remote control options: Some remote controls that come with TVs make navigating to streaming apps easy. If you are not happy with the remote provided, some TVs allow you to use your smartphone as a remote.

Picture resolution

Most TVs sold today are at least 1080p high-definition, or HDTV, sets. Newer technology is always being developed, of course. Already, Ultra-high definitionTVs are being produced, and high-dynamic range TVs are on the horizon as well.

• Pixels: It's all about the pixels. That's what that little p stands for; 1080p actually means a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, or 1,920 pixels horizontally and 1,080 pixels vertically. Pixels, also known as picture elements, are tiny, individual dots that collectively make up the image you see on your TV screen.
• 4K (UHD): f you are someone that wants the next best product, the Ultra-high definition TVs are for you. These TVs have even more pixels, along with higher frame rates and more realistic color.

Screen size

Size does matter when it comes to buying a TV, but not in the way you’re probably thinking. Getting the biggest TV isn’t necessarily always the best idea, especially if you are putting your TV in a relatively small space. Where you put your TV has more to do with your distance from the TV than the size of the room it will be sitting in. The farther away from the TV you are, the smaller the screen will appear to you. So a 50-inch TV will likely work much better in your living room than in your bedroom. Getting a TV that is too large for your room can negatively impact your viewing experience.

To get a good idea of how big of a TV will work for your space, do some homework. Measure the distance from your seating to the place where your TV will be at home, then bring your measuring tape to the store with you so you can get an accurate feel for how your viewing experience will be with TVs of varying sizes.

What size TV suits you? Screen size is measured diagonally, and while there is no hard-and-fast rule, the basic guideline is that the closest you can sit to your TV and still maintain a proper maximum field of view is 1.6 times the diagonal measurement of your television.

• Bedroom: Most experts recommend getting at least a 32-inch model.
• Living room: Try to find a TV within your budget that is at least 50 inches. If possible, 60 inches or larger is often suggested for the best viewing experience.
• Other rooms: In other rooms, 24 or 32 inches will probably work. If possible, go with the larger size, especially if you have the choice between features like smart connectivity or higher refresh rates.

4K (UHD)

With four times as many pixels as standard 1080p resolution TVs, the picture quality on these sets is impressive.

OLED

Organic light-emitting diodes are also a new option to choose from. This type of screen produces superior picture quality and is a vast improvement over both plasma and LCD technology.

LED LCD

The most common technology currently in TVs are LED-backlit LCDs, often referred to as LED screens. These screens use light-emitting diodes that are lit from behind to create an image on the LCD TVs.

Plasma

With new technology emerging, plasma TVs are no longer being produced because they are heavy and use more energy.