TVs & audio guide

TV buying guide: size, panel and gaming

A television can look impressive on a shop wall and still be wrong for your room. Size and picture technology matter, but placement, reflections, software and connections often decide whether it is enjoyable every day.

Match size to the room

Measure the wall or stand and the typical seating distance. A larger 4K screen can work well at closer distances, but subtitles, low-resolution channels and off-centre seats may change your preference.

Choose for lighting conditions

Very bright rooms reward strong brightness and reflection handling. Dark-room film viewing places more emphasis on black levels and local contrast. Panel labels help narrow the field but do not replace model-specific performance.

Verify gaming features per port

If you use a current console or PC, check supported resolution and refresh rate, variable refresh support and how many inputs provide those features. Confirm eARC needs if a soundbar or receiver shares the connection.

  • Number of suitable HDMI inputs
  • Refresh rate at your target resolution
  • Variable refresh support
  • eARC and audio format needs

Include software and sound

Check whether the apps you use are supported and how long the platform is expected to receive updates. Built-in sound varies; include a soundbar in the budget only if the room and listening habits justify it.

Compare exact model suffixes

Retailer-exclusive variants and annual model changes can look nearly identical. Match the full model number, stand type, tuner, remote and warranty before comparing prices.