8 Essential Tips for Buying a New TV

BY Jeffrey January 3, 2020

Whether it’s a necessity or an upgrade, shopping for a new TV can be an overwhelming experience. Do you go with 240Hz for the big game, or do you dive in the world of HDR and dazzle your next movie night? Is it a Smart TV? Are there enough ports? 

And what do those things even mean? If you’re one of the many shoppers uncertain about TV features, we’ve got you covered. From resolution to refresh rate, these are the things to know before buying a new TV. 

Determine Your Price

Cut the work in half by planning on what you’re willing to spend before you shop. Many retailers offer lease-to-own options, such as Progressive Leasing, that let you get the TV you need but split the cost into weekly, every other week, or monthly payment options. With a price point in mind, you’re better prepared to find your perfect TV. 

Actual Size 

TVs aren’t measured by width or height; they’re measured diagonally. So, a 60” set would measure from opposite corners, top to bottom. Keep this in mind if you’re limited on space or have an entertainment center that only allows for a specific size.  

Resolution 

Resolution refers to how many pixels your TV has. These tiny dots of light work together to create the images you see on screen. With nearly 8 million (!) pixels, 4K is quickly becoming the standard resolution and offers the best viewing experience without breaking the bank.  

Colors and HDR

Have you noticed some TVs are more vivid and vibrant than others? This is called HDR, or High Dynamic Range. TVs with HDR have deep, rich colors and beautiful, bright whites that can really make the image pop. This feature can commonly be foundin affordable, mid-range TVs and is a must-have for movie junkies.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rates determine how many times per second the image on your screen changes, or refreshes. Sports require a high rate in order to enjoy every detail, while other media, such as movies, are purposefully filmed at lower frame rates to preserve a cinematic feel. Try to find a TV with an adjustable refresh rate so you can enjoy all types of content.

Other Features

Connections: Get a TV with enough HDMI ports to fit all your game consoles, media players, and anything else you might use it for.

WiFi: Smart TVs are fairly common and allow you to connect to all your TV and movie subscription services. 

Mirroring: This is a fun little feature that lets you send the video from your phone or tablet straight to your TV. 

Picked out a set? With Progressive Leasing, you can find a flexible payment schedule that works while paying them off in weekly, every other week, or monthly payments. Visit progleasing.com to learn more.