New “must-have” TVs are released so frequently that it’s hard to know when it’s time to upgrade your TV. As 4K TVs have become the norm and 8K TVs become more affordable, now actually does seem like the best time to invest in a new TV.
No matter what kind of content you consume, the primary reason to upgrade is to get the best quality picture and video from your screen. Here are some signs that it’s time to trade in your old TV:
You still have a box TV
The odds you still have a box TV in your home are probably slim, but if so, it is immediately time to upgrade to a flatscreen. Flatscreen TVs are basically the only option on the market now, making them easily accessible and affordable. Flatscreens work better for all types of content and will give you a higher quality picture than your old box TV.
You haven’t upgraded to full HD
If you have a 480, 720, or 1080i resolution screen, you’re not getting the full HD experience. Full HD is now the baseline for screen quality, starting at 1080p resolutions. For even higher quality, opt for a 4K screen resolution, with four times the number of pixels as a 1080p screen and essentially the base level available today. Most content is either optimized for full HD or 4K screens, so it’s time to get the most out of your content and upgrade. New 8K televisions have been coming out over the past few years and the prices, while still on the high-end, have become much more affordable. While there is not much for 8K content, these TVs with the latest technology will make any picture better and really show their value as you get into screens larger than 65 inches.
You have to plug in your laptop to stream content
Nowadays, you shouldn’t have to connect an external device to your TV via HDMI for it to stream content like Netflix, Amazon, or Disney+. Most newer TVs have smart TV features built in, allowing you to stream content from many different applications directly from the TV. You can also get a streaming stick or media player to have added content sources. These players such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV all have different features and streaming platforms that might complement your needs best.
The screen is faded or damaged
Screens with blemishes or a hazy look aren’t uncommon, but they can lead to the whole screen going black with no warning. Usually, this is because of a compromised backlight system due to usage, age, or damage caused to the internal components. Colored lines across the screen can mean a frayed or loose cable within the hardware, or a board that is going bad. It is sometimes possible to troubleshoot, but you risk damaging it even further. If your TV is older, it may be more expensive to repair it than to just purchase a new TV altogether.
It has poor sound quality
For starters, most TVs sacrifice audio performance for better picture, so if don’t already have a soundbar or some form of external speakers and you’re having trouble understanding the audio from your TV or hear a constant hum or static noise, it’s time to upgrade. Poor sound quality can be caused by faulty cable connections or damaged internal speakers due to age or turning them up too loud.
While few people consider saving the planet as a good reason to upgrade their TV, it is worth noting that newer TVs do tend to be more energy efficient as they consume less power, put out less heat, and should save you a few pennies on your energy bill.
Call or Visit Us!
If you’re asking yourself whether you should upgrade your TV, odds are it’s probably time. For help navigating the many TV options on the market, Toton’s TV has you covered for every type of environment. Contact us today so we can help you upgrade your television and other technology that might be in need as well.